Networking

Complete an Informational Interview

A great way to learn about potential job prospects is to speak with professionals working in that industry. This conversation is called an informational interview. While an informational interview is a resource for someone exploring careers, it is also an excellent networking tool. Follow these steps to get started:

• Brainstorm your current network for possible informational interviewing contacts and identify people to interview.
  • Do you have friends, colleagues, classmates, neighbors, or family members working in the career field you want to pursue?
  • Can your existing contacts connect you with other professionals?
• Develop your Two-Minute Presentation to make sure you can quickly sell your skills. Schedule an appointment with a CREW Career Center counselor to help format and practice your introduction.
• Initiate contact with the person you want to interview.
  • Be sure to state who you are and your purpose for calling.
  • Reference the person who provided you with this contact information.
  • Ask if the contact has 15-20 minutes to speak with you at a convenient time.
• Review the CREW Career Center Networking and Job Search Resource Guide to help prepare your questions and explore networking categories.
  
  1. Don't forget to send a thank-you note after the informational interview and connect on LinkedIn.

Write Your Two-Minute Presentation

A Two-Minute Presentation is another term for an elevator speech. If you’re trying to network with someone on an elevator, you need to quickly identify your background, skills, and goals in about two minutes. Whether you’re talking to a recruiter, answering questions about yourself in an interview, or telling friends about your career plans, you can use your Two-Minute Presentation almost anywhere.

• Think about yourself and ask the following questions:
  • What is my career objective?
  • What is my educational background and related work experience?
  • What are my strengths?
  • What are my accomplishments?
  • What are my short and long-term career goals?
  • What sets me apart from other candidates?
• View example two-minute presentations for help getting started and view the CREW Career Center Interviewing Resource Guide to explore how to best format your introduction.

Using Online Networking Tools and Technology

You are in luck! Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with professionals in your career field. Use these tools and tips below to get started: 

• Google Yourself – What do you see? Make sure your online presence reflects how you want to be seen by employers. 
• Update Your Resume – Before creating or improving your professional online presence, connect with the CREW Career Center to review your resume and ensure it meets industry standards. 
• Utilize TypeFocus – Explore the Branding & Networking section within TypeFocus to learn how to build your personal brand and grow your network. 
• Build Your Network – Create and maintain a LinkedIn and Handshake profile to connect with professionals, search opportunities, and stay informed. Review the LinkedIn Profile Checklist (pdf) to make sure your profile stands out among the over 100 million users.   
  • Review the CREW Career Center Networking and Job Search Resource Guide for additional information on online networking tips. 

• Develop an Online Career Portfolio – Market your experiences, accomplishments, qualifications and more with a professional portfolio – no IT experience required! A portfolio commonly includes: 

  • A homepage introducing yourself 
  • Your resume 
  • Samples of your work (projects, presentations, etc.) 

  Use the Promoting Yourself Online Resource Sheet (pdf) and Building an Online Career Portfolio (pdf) to get started 

Schedule a Career Portfolio Appointment

Do you need guidance getting started with your career portfolio? Do you want someone to review a career portfolio you have already developed? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then we encourage you to schedule an hour-long appointment with a CREW Career Counselor.

ALL CREW SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED REMOTELY VIA PHONE or COMPUTER.

Schedule a CREW Appointment

Entrepreneurship

Students are increasingly interested in starting their own businesses and converting their hobbies and talents into potentially money making ventures. Review our Entrepreneurship Resource Guide for help getting started. This guide is intended to provide local resources and tools to help you.