How to Use Connections to Get a First Job
Networking is the key to getting your first job. Most recent grads get jobs through people they know, not through job postings. You've heard the saying "it's who you know". That really is true. Follow these tips to use connections to land your first job.
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Instructions
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Make as many connections as you can while in school. Get to know professors, peers, internship managers, co-workers and friends-of-friends.
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Attend career fairs and join professional associations to make new contacts.
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Formulate a list of all your connections. Include family members and friends who may be working in your desired career.
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Contact your connections as soon as you start looking for your first job. If they're presently working in the business, call them and inquire about openings in their company.
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Call old professors and mentors. Remind them of who you are. Tell them you're looking for your first job and would appreciate any help they can offer. Maybe they know of someone hiring or can at least put you in touch with someone. Work your way through the network until you get job leads.
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Ask if your connection will call the hiring manager and provide a reference for you. It'll mean a lot if they personally contact their friend, so your name stands out when dozens of resumes appear for the same job.
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Write a cover letter for the job, remembering to put the name of the person who referred you in the first paragraph. This will peak the interest of the hiring manager and they'll read on.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep working your contacts until you have a job.
