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2016 CAL MARITIME CAREER GUIDE — NAVIGATING YOUR CAREER PATH
18
ITI
C E R GUID — I
Networking & the Job Search
1
GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU GET.
Forming
relationships built on trust will help you be the person
your contacts think of the next time they can find
a way to help you. When you are offering to help
others, you will find them far more open to the idea of
helping you down the road.
2
BE PROACTIVE.
Networking doesn’t just happen.
You need to be active in your efforts to make sure
you get out and meet people.
3
DEVELOP YOUR NETWORKING STRATEGY.
Prepare and practice your Career Pitch. Start by
talking to everyone that you meet at career fairs,
college events, conferences and on-campus
recruitment opportunities.
4
STAY POSITIVE.
Staying positive makes you
approachable and memorable. It’s easy to let yourself
get down and lose self-esteem when you have been
rejected in the job hunt.
5
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES.
Networking only works if you put yourself out there
and start talking to people. Let your guard down and
be aware of what your body language communicates.
6
USE SOCIAL MEDIA.
While it’s true that in-
person meetings solidify relationships, when it comes
to networking, many relationships can either start or
flourish through social media. Use sites like
and
to stay in touch with people you have
met and
to network with people who work
at the company you are interested in.
WHAT IS NETWORKING?
Networking is the use of contacts to acquire information, advice, and referrals for the job hunt. Contacts can
range from your closest friends to professionals you have met before. It is always easiest to start networking
with the people to whom you are closest: friends, family, neighbors, present and former co-workers/employers,
faculty, classmates, and anyone else with whom you have frequent contact. Refer to the 6 tips below to get
started:
Organize and Control Your Job Search Process
Searching and applying for a job can be a stressful time period. Keeping track and organizing this process is
crucial to your success. Create an Excel spreadsheet or electronic folders that contain the information below to
help manage your application process.
Company Name
Contact Information
Position
Date Applied
Networking Opportunities
Email & Phone Correspondence
Resume and Cover Letter Used
Notes
Interview Status
Follow-Up
Thank You Letter / Email Sent
Offers
As you navigate your way through this process, from time to time it is a good idea to step back and evaluate
where you are within the search and to make adjustments as needed.