Networking 101
Stages of a Meeting
SETTING THE STAGE:
Give your introduction and remember that you are in charge of the progress of the interview. It is normal to spend a few moments establishing a climate of relaxation through chit-chat about mutual contacts, the office environment, or weather. More than a few moments of this will make a contact think you are wasting his/her time. Restate your time goal at the beginning of the interview and do not exceed it without negotiating an extension.
DEVELOPING RAPPORT AND OBTAINING INFORMATION:
One way of developing rapport is by asking people to talk about their jobs, their personal career development, and their likes and dislikes about the field. Refer to your list of prepared questions.
GETTING REFERRALS:
Once you are nearing the conclusion of the meeting, you should always ask, "Can you think of any other individuals who can provide me additional information about __________ occupational field/employers? May I say that you suggested that I call?" In almost all cases, your contact will be able to refer you to others and will be pleased to do so.
ENDING THE INTERVIEW:
It is a thoughtful gesture to thank the contact at the end of the interview and to send a thank you letter to him/her. It will create a favorable impression and smooth the way for another contact in the future.
STAY IN TOUCH:
Ask if it would be all right to inquire about new developments and leads in the future. Extensive networks of satisfying personal and professional relationships have been built through information interviewing.
Last updated on Monday, September 18, 06 at 01:41:16 PM EDT.
