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Union University

Vocatio Center

Internship & Job Search

Tools, tips, and resources for where to look, how to apply, and finding your next great opportunity.

Vocatio Center at Union

Networking

Networking means being intentional and investing in your relationships, from personal and familial, to academic and professional. It isn't a one-way street, and it's not just about finding a job or promotion. Successful career networking includes both giving and receiving, taking time to invest in your network by helping others, and building trust and respect in case you are the one in need of assistance.

Be Active

Work at keeping your network active; you never know when you may need it. Check in and keep in touch, share articles and resources on social media, and ask questions to learn from those in your network.

Be Creative

Be creative in your definition of networking. It includes both in-person and online interactions, and ranges from formal networking events to informal or impromptu conversations. Utilize LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites to keep in touch with your network. It's so easy to like a post, share articles, and engage in small ways to keep the relationship going.

Define Your Goals

What is the purpose of this event or interaction? Set your expectations appropriately and identify reasonable goals before heading in to a networking experience. It isn't helpful to anticipate getting a job out of an event that is designed for an entirely different purpose. Know the purpose of the event and what you hope to get out of it. This will affect the types of conversations you'll want to have and the questions you'll want ask.

Networking Pitch

A networking pitch is succinct and compelling explanation of who you are, where you've been/what you do, and what you're aiming to do. No matter the event or scenario, being prepared to talk about yourself, your strengths, skills, experiences, and passion is key.

Example: My name is Jordan and I'm a soon-to-be graduate of Union University. I had the opportunity to study abroad as a student, and I'm very interested in learning more about opportunities in international business.

70% of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they already had a connection

80% of professionals consider networking to be important to career success

Source for above stats

Career Fair 101

Prepare

Take time leading up to the career fair to prepare your first impression. View the résumé guide and interview guide for more detailed information on how to create your résumé, and how to dress professionally.

Résumé
  • 1 page is ideal for a career fair, but 2 is OK if needed.
  • Focus on being relevant, not necessarily comprehensive.
  • Highlight achievements over facts: how did you benefit your past employers?
Attire
  • Business professional attire (conservative suit/suit separates and dress shoes).
  • Solid, dark or neutral colors.
  • Minimal jewelry.
  • Clean, wrinkle-free, well-groomed (hair, facial hair, etc.), and mild or no perfume.
Practice

Practice giving your networking pitch, and talking about your background and experiences, work history, strengths, skills, achievements, etc. with a friend or in the mirror. This isn't so you sound rehearsed or robotic, it's to help you feel more comfortable talking about yourself to employers.

Research

  • Register for the career fair to receive updates and view registered employers.
  • Choose at least 5-10 employers to visit at the career fair, and include a few that you wouldn't normally choose to visit.
  • Look up the employer websites and get an idea of what they do and what they're looking for. Do not expect the employer to answer this question. Instead, show the employer that you took the time to research their organization prior to the fair.

At the Career Fair

  • Keep cell phone off or silent.
  • Make warm, engaging eye contact and smile.
  • Introduce yourself with a succinct message about who you are and what brought you to their table.
  • Present a copy of your résumé.
  • Ask questions that demonstrate your earlier research into their organization.

Follow-Up

Recruiters see a lot of students and résumés. Follow-up after the fair to set yourself apart.

  • If any recruiters asked you for more information or other follow-up, be sure to do so as soon as possible after the fair. Make reference to your conversation to help jog their memory.
  • Send short thank you notes/emails to any recruiters you connected with, especially those that gave you business cards.