Networking is an important aspect of any successful job search.  80% of opportunities are found through word-of-mouth. You are asking people you have some connection with for career information and advice, similar to getting advice about a neighborhood mechanic or a good restaurant.  If you put in the time and effort, a solid network can help you find information and opportunities you wouldn’t find anywhere else.  

Building Your Network

• Schedule meetings with faculty, friends, and family and find out who is in their network.
• Join the Linked-In UNH Alumni Association Official Group to speak with UNH alumni in a variety of professions around the globe.
• Expand your professional online network through Linked-In,  Facebook, and Twitter.
• Participate in job and internship fairs where you can get information and network with employers.
• Find mentors - connect and associate with people interested in helping you succeed.
• Get involved in professional, social, or community activities both on and off campus.
• Help others build their networks.
• Create a top 10 list of dream employers and contact them to request an informational interview.
• Always send a thank you note.

Networking Etiquette

• First impressions are very important so approach any potential contacts with courtesy and tact.  Most contacts will be pleased and flattered to hear from you as long as you're polite and considerate. 
• Take time to consider their point of view, don't badger or harass them, and above all, respect their boundaries.
• Remember to be yourself, follow through on what you promise and be honest in all of your interactions.
• Keep track of your discussions with people in your network.
• Don’t ask for a job.  The person you are speaking with may not have any knowledge of potential job openings, which will be awkward and shut the conversation down right away.
• Informational Interviews
• Informational Interviewing helps you decide whether a particular career is for you. You can learn valuable, candid, and up-to-date information about a specific career and find out more about the culture of a company.  In the process, you will also develop a network of contacts.

Arranging an Informational Interview

• Identify people you'd like to meet who are working in a career field that interests you.
• Research the career field, and prepare a list of questions you want to ask.
• Call or send an email to prospective mentors to set up an appointment.
• Explain where you found their name and why you are contacting them.
• Say that you are interested in the field and that you would like to schedule a visit in their office for 20-30 minutes to get some advice and information about their career field.  Alternatively, you can schedule a phone conversation or ask if you can email questions.
• Indicate days and times that work for you as a place to start, but let them know that you are flexible and will work around their schedule.
• When emailing, remember to be formal.  Do not use abbreviations.  Capitalize your “I”s etc. First impressions are crucial!
• Prepare a statement similar to: “Hello, my name is Jane Doe. I found your profile on Linked-In. I'm a sophomore at UNH, and I’m not sure about what I want to do after I graduate, but I’m interested in what you do.   I'm hoping we could schedule a 20- or 30-minute informational interview so I could gather some information about your career field and how you figured it out.”
• Confirm the date, time, and location of the meeting.  Follow through if you book a time!  Do not blow someone off and burn bridges.
• Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview.
• Informational Interviewing etiquette is essential. Keep in mind that an informational interview is not a job interview.  It is an opportunity to gather information and get advice from an experienced person working in a field of interest to you. It is a professional appointment: Arrive on-time, and dress and act professionally.  Finally, if you must cancel, call and give the contact as much advance notice as you can.

Sample Questions for an Informational Interview

• What is a typical day like?
• What drew you into this line of work?
• How did you break into this field/industry?
• What has your career path looked like?
• What skills are most important?
• What do you like most about your job?
• What are the challenges?
• What kind of experience would employers in this field look for in a job applicant?
• Can you describe a time where you failed at something, and what you learned from it?