I am doing a series for recent grads called Getting a Job.  I want to cover things that are imperative to know going forward after graduation.  Chances are you didn’t learn these things in school, and/or your career development center at school sucked.

Last week I wrote a resume crash course called “Getting a Job: The Resume”, and now that you’ve got your resume put together, it’s time to start meeting people.  Sure you can apply to job listings online, and no it isn’t exactly a waste of time, but in actuality the best jobs are found through existing relationships.

Now it’s time to start creating those relationships through networking.  This week I’ve written some pointers for effective networking.

• Read the news, especially the Wall Street Journal every morning.  Pay for a subscription if you don’t have it.  This is prime conversation material, that you are able to use in any situation.  Plus, it sounds really cool and intelligent the first few times you hear yourself say “there was an article about this in the Wall Street Journal last week.”  You’ll be surprised how often you’ll reference it, and how much you’ll learn
• Everything is a networking opportunity. EVERYTHING.
• You aren’t shy anymore.  You are confident and assertive. That means firm handshakes, making eye contact, and speaking confidently like you are sure of yourself and comfortable in the environment.  People remember good handshakes and confidence, but they also remember weak handshakes and lack of confidence, this is your first impression, make it count.
• Listen and bond with them over something.  You need a memorable conversation, a Wall Street Journal article would come in handy here.
• Get the business card and stay in contact using the “bond” or memorable conversation.  Following up the next day is the key to networking.  Without the follow up, you are just an acquaintance, if they will even remember you.
• You want a relationship, do not ask for a job.  If the person asks what you do, be honest, say you just graduated, and you’re looking for something in (insert field here).  Don’t get too specific, A friend's boyfriend who was straight out of school once told me that he wanted to do PR for a sports team or a Zoo.  A year later, he was still jobless, my friend had broken up with him (because of his joblessness), and he was still looking to do PR with a sports team or a zoo.  No one wants to help you when you box yourself in, it is best to swallow your pride and realize your first job may not be your dream job.
• Ask for advice.  People love it when you ask their advice.  It makes them feel respected and important, most importantly, they will want to help.
• Everyone has been in your shoes, and everyone remembers what it is/was like looking for a job straight out of school, let them help you, many people will want to.  You’ll be surprised.
• Use their contacts. Ask them if they know of anyone who might be willing to sit down and talk with you, even if they aren’t hiring.  Remember, you are looking for a relationship.  Sometimes you need to cannibalize the off chance of getting a job offer with one person in order to get an introduction to that persons contact list, but make sure that everyone knows you are looking for a job.
• Have a personal elevator speech.  You have to be prepared for everything.  Be ready for the question of “why should a company hire you?”  You have to be able to perform this on the spot.
• Don’t turn down an opportunity.  Force yourself to be active and social.  You never know who someone knows, and you never know how an opportunity could arise.

The bottom line is that you have to make the most of every opportunity presented to you in life. When you do this you meet incredible people and build your network.