[Part 3: Networking for students] Setting (the environment) for success

Right connection starts with the right vibe

Are you confident that you will gain a lot from networking by reading Part 1? - ✅

Have you identified cool people to connect with from Part 2? - ✅

Great, now let's do the last stretch. The networking call (*cues intense music*)

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

When cooking, sometimes we will focus mainly on the meat because, of course, it is the dish's star. However, we forgets that to make the meat a star, there must be complementary side dishes. Otherwise, the dish remains unbalanced or even tastes bad. It is the same in networking. So often, we worry so much about what questions to ask that we forget to make the other person feel comfortable. So today, I want to touch on a "side dish" in networking - how to create the best environment for your networking call.

"Okay, but why do I have to make the other feel good? I just want to ask them some questions." Good question! Here is how I think about it: Strong connection is built on good feelings. If a person feels good talking to you, the relationship feels more comfortable, and they are more likely to help. Networking boils down to the very basics of human feelings and interactions. The truth is, people won't necessarily remember what you ask; they remember how you make them feel.

Let's get into it.

Before the call

• Proactively picking time and date: Don't ask what time works for them. Instead, pick out 3 time slots that work for you, and let them choose. If none works, people usually propose new times. Afterward, send a calendar invite through their emails.

• Do research on their backgrounds to make sure you ask relevant questions.

• Prepare a short blurb that includes why you want to talk, what phase you are in right now, and what you want to get out of this conversation. I usually go with something like this:

"Hi, I am Linh. I am a junior at Middlebury, and I reached out to you because I saw you on the alum network. We both studied Psych and CS, and I am interested in your role as a Product Designer. I am preparing to apply for summer internships and would love to hear more about what you do at Google."

During the call

• Decompress with non-work and non-career talk: I always tried to start out with something casual - where they are based, how their day has been, and I am extra excited when their pets appear on the screen. So much easier to feel comfortable! Then start with the blurb you prepare. Always a fool-proof formula to start the convo.

• Keep to the time limit: It is never good to be inconsiderate about one time, so try to prepare a moderate amount of questions to stick to the proposed duration. My (approximate) split is 5 mins introduction, 10 mins about their current job/company, 15 mins to get advice/interview experience. If it is getting to the end and you are in mid-conversation, ask if they have another 5 minutes. If not, you can ask to follow up through emails.

• Take notes! Jot down the learning, and I will also show you how to make use of them after the call 😉

After the call

• Send thank you notes: I can't stress enough how this small gesture makes a huge difference. A tip I do to make an even bigger impact: from the notes you took during the call, send them 3 things you learned from the talk and 3 next steps! It is a bit of extra work, but I guarantee they will give a big "Wow" when receiving it!

• Update them often about your process: People love knowing that the call makes a difference in job hunting. Even if things don't go well with that one job, you will never know if they have other opportunities to help you with!

This wraps up my networking series (Woohoo 🎆), and hope it will be helpful to you you. Feel free to let me know your thoughts or feedback in the comment, and feel free to share this with a friend. Happy networking 🤝