By: Megan Manlunas

Everyone in college stresses the importance of networking.  Networking is the opportunity to establish mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. You want to be able to offer something to someone you network with, and in the future they may have something for you. There are networking opportunities everywhere, not just at a career fair. There are networking opportunities at school events, at the coffee shop or even in the subway station. For some people networking may seem like a big deal. Well it is, but at the same time it isn’t. If you consider yourself an introvert and are intimidated by networking read these tips and tricks on how to make networking seem not so scary:

 

Have a Conversation Starter Ready

 

If you are nervous about approaching people and you are unsure of how to start the conversation, have conversation starters ready in mind. There are many things you can talk about from introducing yourself, asking about the person, talking about the weather or location to telling a funny joke (make sure the joke is actually funny). Networking becomes easier when you have a standard conversation starter that you can use on anyone you meet, this way you don’t have to think about what the first thing you should say is each time!

 

 

Do Your Research

 

 

Career fairs and networking events sometimes have a list of the people who are attending. You can do some research on a couple of individuals and find out what their job is and their basic information. This way, you can easily approach them and tailor the conversation for each booth. Make sure you aren’t coming across as too creepy – don’t mention their wife or kids’ birthday party that they attended two years ago.

 

 

 

Listen Actively

 

An important part about networking is listening to what the other has to offer – you want to make sure you are effectively communicating with the other person by actively listening. Active listeners are engaged in the conversation and know when the play the role of the listener and when to play the role of the speaker. You should keep eye contact, nod while listening, and ask questions or paraphrase. This way the person you’re speaking to knows that you were paying attention to them while they were speaking.

 

Be Approachable

 

 

If you are not comfortable about approaching people first, people may come and approach you! But they won’t approach you if you don’t look very friendly and are hiding in the back corner. Smiling is an easy way to seem approachable. It’s very important to look and seem confident – even when you aren’t. Giving the illusion of confidence may actually boost your own! You’re most approachable when you’re relaxed and calm – it may help to bring a networking wing-woman/ wing-man. Establish a buddy system if you’re still unsure about venturing by yourself.

 

Follow Up

 

 

The last thing to do after networking is follow up with the person! While networking, make sure you obtain the person’s contact information so you can email them and set up another day to get coffee to catch up or connect with them on LinkedIn. This way you become more memorable to the person you’ve just connected with!

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Still need help with Networking techniques? Email Gianina Chrisman at Gianina.Chrisman@mhc.cuny.edu or Jamie Ruden at Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu to make an appointment.

Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.

By: Sebastian Leung

The semester is ending, and you’re probably applying for summer internships or full-time jobs. We all know the tedious process of applying to different jobs. After awhile it can be tough to keep track of what we’ve applied to, which ones we really want, and which ones we actually have a chance of getting. We may even get burned out and lose motivation when things begin to go downhill. But there are several things you can do to make this process a bit easier.

 

Write Down Reasons You Need a New Job

Writing down the reasons you need a new job is a very helpful step in organizing your job search. Keeping these reasons in mind will help you filter out the jobs you want and don’t want. In addition, you will be able to answer certain questions at interviews confidently. Also, writing down the reasons you want a new job will simply help keep you motivated during the tough process. Writing down reasons is a good way to start the application process.

 

Track Your Applications (With a Spreadsheet!)

When you start applying for jobs, one of the most important things you can do is to track you applications. Here is a picture of spreadsheet (created by Jamie Ruden from Macaulay’s Career Development team!) that you can use to help keep track of what stage of the application process your various applications are in.

You can download it from the attachment here.  You can use the spreadsheet to keep track of your applications so you remember what you’ve applied to and when. Additionally, it helps you remember if you’ve followed up, if you have an interview, and other important details.

 

Keep Notes (Different Kinds!)

It’s very helpful to keep notes about different jobs or positions. These notes can be useful in remembering information about certain employers or positions. For example, you can take notes of certain ideas or projects mentioned during an interview or particular requirements for the position. If you want, you can add a section to the spreadsheet provided to keeps notes in. If you’re more of a visual person, organizing your notes in sticky note format may be more beneficial. Another tip, you can use a color code system for each job application and take notes on each sticky. Whichever type of note system you use, make sure you keep track of the important information at all times.

 

Get Started!

As long as you follow the advice for organizing your job search, you should have no problem keeping track of your applications and your job search process should be easier. Now it’s time to get started!

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Still need help organizing your job search? Email Gianina Chrisman at Gianina.Chrisman@mhc.cuny.edu or Jamie Ruden at Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu to make an appointment.

Interested in writing a blog for the Career Development blog? It’s open to Macaulay students and alums. If you would like to contribute or have any questions, feel free to email Jamie.Ruden@mhc.cuny.edu.