3 Keys to Success Networking for an Internship - Workology

3 Keys to Success Networking for an Internship - Workology 3 Keys to Success: Networking for an Internship You havent missed the boat, not yet. Even though LinkedIn has been around 10 years now, theres still time for you to get in on the best business social media site on the web. If youre not convinced yet, here are three great reasons why you should get started. 3 Keys to Success: Networking for an Internship 1. Networking In the business world, networking is key. Sure, having a great resume is essential too, but a resume cannot reach out and make hundreds even thousands of connection like a LinkedIn page can. While your LinkedIn page can serve as a digital resume, its all the business contacts and all the people you meet through LinkedIn that ultimately will determine which job you get. LinkedIn works. A quarter-billion people cannot be wrong. 2. The art of the passive candidate The sad truth for the millions of unemployed is that most employers dont want to hire people who are out of work. They want someone who already has a job and is in demand, and this is why they hire recruiters. This is what is known as the passive candidate someone who is sought after instead of the other way around. Having a LinkedIn account is the perfect way for recruiters to track you down, get a sense of who you are and if you will fit before they make contact. Applying the art of the passive candidate is a great way to look for a better job without actually having to look at all, and there is no better way to do this than with a LinkedIn page. 3. Take advantage of LinkedIn industry groups Besides networking with colleagues and potential employers, LinkedIn offers a much improved groups area where discussions about your industry can be downright candid. Joining groups relevant to your expertise can help get your finger on the pulse of whats going on, where the jobs are, whos hiring. Make new acquaintances that can lead to a great new job using LinkedIn groups. Things to remember when setting up your LinkedIn account Make sure you fill out your profile completely. Go that extra mile and pack your page full of everything that can help you land that job. While a traditional resume should never be longer than two pages, your LinkedIn account, which serves as your online resume, can link out to work you have done and the companies for which you have done that work. Include the best examples of your work. For example, if you are a content writer, link out to the best writing you have done. Also be sure to include all your skills and expertise. This process may seem superfluous, but it does matter. When looking over your LinkedIn page, employers will want to know that you have the skills they are looking for, not just the experience and qualifications. So why dont you have a LinkedIn page? Pretty much everyone does, even incredibly successful business people like Gary Crittenden. What are you waiting for? 3 Keys to Success Networking for an Internship - Workology 3 Keys to Success: Networking for an Internship I recently connected a college junior with a new business associate who is also a local employer. This particular young lady, Julie Hannan, is the daughter of my good friend Barbara.   The most important thing I try to do as a connector is find a great match. You may be the connector ( like me) or the student (like Julie) or even the parent of a student seeking an internship (like Barbara). 3 Keys to Success: Networking for an Internship Students need to leverage all of their networking opportunities in order to find the right internships. If you are working your network well, you can expect to get introductions to new contacts and interesting employers. Here are the best ways for a student to react to these types of introductions. Do not delay with research and follow through. Julie immediately jumped on the opportunity and did her research. She found that the employer was a good fit by studying the company website. She made contact right away. Show your enthusiasm to the employer. Find out the special things that you can mention. Julie studied the website.   I got an email from her stating   “Their philosophy and approach are very unique and exactly what I am looking for.”   She quickly uncovered what was special about this employer.   I expect Julie to be able to connect well during any communications or interview as a result. Thank your connector. Julie’s email went on to say “Thank you for the guidance I am drafting a response to Joshs email as we speak .” As the connector, I am very interested in Julie’s success. The fact that she kept me in the loop makes me even more vested. I expect to hear more as she continues her internship search. Repeat this process.   Again. This particular opportunity may or may not result in an internship. College students need to have many of these type of opportunities working at one time.   Students who only pursue one opportunity are often disappointed.   Most likely you didn’t apply to only one college right? Note that if you find that the company is not a good match for you, determine that early on but remember to still thank the employer and the connector. Finding internship opportunities through networking will result in a much higher “win rate” than applying through an online portal.   You still want to play it smart with great follow-up, enthusiasm, and appreciation. Personalize your approach and you are on to a winning networking plan.   Julie did all of these things very well. How do you show enthusiasm and appreciation while you network in your internship search?