Career Networking Mistakes

1. Don’t assume that everyone has time to meet over coffee. Networking contacts are doing you a favor. Please take into account their free time and schedules. Ask them what is best for their schedule.
2. Once you have an appointment, don’t break it! If you must, explain to your contact why you must cancel the meeting. Leaving a message saying you are busy or something just came up, doesn’t cut it. These people are just as busy and don’t have a lot of time.
3. Once you have the appointment, be on time. If someone is putting you into their schedule be respectful of their time.
4. If you asked for 15 minutes to ‘pick their brain,’ don’t take an hour, don’t take more than the time you asked for or were given.
5. Call the contact on the phone. Many companies, particularly those in the financial services area, have their emails monitored and are asked not to work on personal emails in the office.
6. Be prepared. Have a list of questions about the industry or firm. You’ve made the appointment to gather information so know what you want to ask.
7. Your networking connection can help you with specific information. They can’t help you decide what you want to do or solve the problems of the world.
8. If you want to make a career change, ask you contact if they can help you in advance. Don’t make an appointment and ask for something the contact can’t or doesn’t feel comfortable giving.
9. If a contact gives you additional names, let the person know that you have contacted them, met with them etc. It’s common courtesy and will also keep you in touch with your contact.
10. Keep in touch with your contacts. A short note advising someone of good news, interviews within the industry or current freelance work that might be of interest will keep you in your contact’s thoughts.

By Marie Raperto, Cantor Executive Search Solutions