Shaking Hands and Taking Names

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Go to college, get a degree, get a job, live long, prosper.

There you have it folks; the generic guidelines for existing. I’ve cracked the code and seen the light and figured it all out so you can rest easy tonight. Simple. Except that it’s not…

In case you haven’t heard, times are tough. In the current economic state of affairs, the job market is more intimidating than ever and to make matters worse, we are all about to be thrown into the gauntlet. This is some real Hunger Games shit and I do NOT volunteer as tribute.

As a senior, the nauseating reality of my dwindling time at UF has been breathing down the back of my neck more intensely than Brainy breathing on Helga in Hey Arnold! and I find myself anxious about the future. On paper, I have everything in check: sound resume, extensive list of involvement, solid GPA – the stats are all there. But unfortunately, I said “shit” in this article, so I’m probably doomed and there are millions of immaculate resumes and far fewer occupational opportunities. So how do you stand out? The answer: by sucking up.

According to Forbes, a whopping 80 percent of senior job slots are filled through personal associations. There is nothing more beneficial for a soon-to-be graduate to do than to embrace the world of networking. This means going to great lengths in order to connect with established individuals within your field of interest. Ergo, here’s my list of suggestions that I have found personally valuable in making and keeping ties with the people who could become your future employers:

1. Take advantage of your parents’ friends.

I don’t mean in a weird way. That came out wrong. I simply mean that the first step in networking is to know whom you’ll be working for. For us, that’s the baby boomers. You already have a solid source of employment connection through the very folks who proudly brought you into the world. Pull the old man aside, tell him what you want to do with your life and ask if he will give you Phil the Marketing Director’s number. Schedule a lunch meeting or office-visit with the person. Prepare a mental list of questions that demonstrate interest in his or her career and for the love of God, appear psyched out of your mind.

2. You only get one chance at a first impression. Make it count.

Mom and dad taught you not to judge a book by its cover. That was cute. The stark reality is that you will almost always be judged by your cover, and if you’re lucky, maybe your table of contents. When meeting with a superior, appear modest, if not professional.  Speak clearly, appear engaged and enthusiastic and always have a copy of your resume on hand. As humans, we form basic opinions of people almost instantly. If you don’t look the part, how do you expect to get the role? Be yourself; just not the hung over, sloppy after a night at 10-12 version of yourself.

3. Be an information hound.

Research is key. If you know exactly whom you’re talking to, you will have an upper hand at making an impact on them. Big wigs are flattered when you know about them, whether it be knowledge of honors that they have received or research they have accomplished. If you appear to have invested your time in learning about them, they will respond positively. 

4. For the love of God, REMEMBER. THAT. NAME.

I’m bad with names. I mean really bad with names. I forget them almost instantly. The one thing that gives a person basic identity and I can’t remember it to save my life. Here’s my advice: Don’t forget them. I have to make a conscious effort to make a name stick. Say it over and over in your head and in a formal conversation so that you don’t walk away after closing with “Thank you for your time. I really appreciated it Mrs….. okay, bye!” You probably won’t get hired anywhere and you’ll look like an idiot.

5. Don’t be afraid to be direct.

I have found that superiors appreciate and respect those who know what they want and are not afraid to ask for it. While networking, do so with confidence. Share your dream career and ultimate goals. If you are genuinely keen to get a job for the networkee you are talking to, tell them that you would be honored to work for their company some day. Aside from the first impression thing, it will stick out to potential employers if you appear to be ambitious and passionate about your aspirations.

6. Keep in contact.

The social media generation is a beautiful thing. There are currently more communicative outlets out there than ever before so the whole “I’m really bad with my phone” thing isn’t going to fly. This is your life, not a clingy one-night stand so make an effort of getting in touch and STAYING in touch with potential employers. Create a LinkedIn profile and exchange email addresses with successful adults that you meet. Every once in a while, I try to send a quick message to the contacts that I am interested in keeping correspondence with and asking them how things are going. It’s sensitive, professional, and can often update you with the latest and greatest information about a company and its opportunities. There is no excuse in this technologically crazed world of ours. Make the effort.

 

I believe that you can get anything you want in life. However, that coveted “A” that you broke your back for in Financial Accounting will only get you so far. At the end of the day, its both the grades you make AND the hands you shake that will get your foot in the door.

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of: examiner.com