McCombs Alumni Network News

‘Tis the season to be merry, and even though we may not be feeling as cheerful as usual, it’s still the best time of year to build your professional network.  If you’re in a job search, take advantage of this time to build momentum going into the New Year.  If you’re not conducting a job search, this is the perfect time to further existing connections and make new ones before you need them. Here are a few tips for holiday networking which I hope you will find useful. 

• Have your answer to “What do you do?” ready at all times – this is your elevator pitch.  Provide your function (human resources; chemical engineering), context (your company name, industry or subspecialty) and something unique or memorable about what you do.  Modify your pitch for the situation and practice it out loud beforehand.
• If you’re in a job search, tell everyone – and I mean everyone – your dentist, hairstylist, accountant, relatives, and neighbors. Give them your elevator pitch and include “I’m interested in companies such as ABC, XYZ, and DEF”.  They may have another client who works at one of your targets!
• Contact former colleagues and old friends: “How’s your schedule for catching a drink to toast the holidays?” or “With things a little slower due to the holidays, I thought this might be a good time to catch up over lunch”.
• A holiday greeting card or email letter is a great way to keep your name top-of-mind with your networking contacts.  Include recruiters you know who work in your field and your professional network.
• Arrive on time and stay late at a function to allow ample time to meet as many people as possible.  Briefly greet and make plans to follow up with people you already know so you can focus on meeting new people.
• Volunteer: Not-for-profit organizations need more helping hands during the holidays.  It’s a great way to meet people outside your usual network and it will lift your spirits. 

For more career advice and details on how to obtain a McCombs alumni discount on Laura Hill’s services, visit the McCombs Career Resources Web site.