Center for Business Outreach -Department of Business and Economics

Networking is the key to finding the right job. Now, more than ever, it’s important to reach out, ask for advice, and keep your name front and center. Looking for a job IS a full time job. Put time aside each week, dress as if you are going to work and make it happen!

1. Create an action plan and pivot as needed:
   1. What are your immediate career goals? Long term?
   2. Where do you want to locate (now, future)?
   3. What type of company do you want to work for?
   4. Who can help you reach your goals?

2. Keep a journal of your job search: make lists of who you want to meet, interview, invite for coffee or call. Keep notes of conversations, when/how to follow up and outcomes. This can come in handy over the years as you add contacts and resources for yourself, friends and colleagues.

3. Design several resumes for various scenarios. Practice interview questions with friends. Salve alumni and the people you’ve met through the Center look forward to hearing from you! Make business cards and keep with you at all times.

4. Write a business plan for yourself. Mission/Vision; Goals/Objectives; Marketing Strategy; Financial Statement/Budget.

5. Keep your LinkedIn profile current. Share posts and material that will give employers an idea of who you are and what you are passionate about. Make LinkedIn your ‘go to’ source.

6. Network wherever you are. Look at ‘fees’ as an investment in your future. Many organizations offer discounts. Connect with different types of groups.
   1. Women in business; manufacturing; tech; science; STEM
   2. Industry and professional associations (finance, marketing, banking, hospitality and tourism, cyber, start-ups, entrepreneurship, realtors, etc.)
   3. Local city/town business associations (Google or check town website)
   4. Chambers of commerce – Join the Young Professionals’ group, become an Ambassador, volunteer on a committee – an easy way to meet people.
   5. BNI (Business Network International) – chapters all over the world. See Newport chapter for example.

7. Ask for referrals from parents, friends, relatives, religious, sports, scouts, internship and summer employers, other groups you have worked with/volunteered for.

8. Request an informational interview – gain insight, feedback and referrals. Great practice for real interviews. People love to talk about their businesses and what they do. Don’t be afraid to ask to meet for coffee or Zoom. Talk to people outside your field. Keep an open-mind…you never know where these can lead.

9. Keep in touch with peers, faculty and alumni:
   1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvereginaalumni/   
   2. https://salve.edu/career-development/for-alumni - participate; share your story.
   3. Follow social media pages for your major FB, Twitter, LI.
   4. Involve your HR department with Salve for internships, speakers and job postings.

10. Follow Center activities:
    1. https://www.instagram.com/salvecenterbiz/.
    2. Email, call, Zoom, meet with us about resources available for entrepreneurship.
    3. What advice would you love to pass on to students now?
    4. https://salve.edu/center-business-outreach (online ‘Participation’ form).
    5. Review the Center’s ‘Video Chat Etiquette’ handout before you Zoom. Request a copy.

11. Volunteer – Find the non-profits in your area. Consider board of director work – you bring a unique perspective and it will be a foundation for your own professional development. Join a committee, help fundraise.

12. Take a class (cooking, art, yoga, entrepreneurship, etc.). Join a gym, go for a walk, work out to keep both mind and body in shape. Stay connected. You are not alone!

13. Try a temporary staffing company – it a great way to try out different companies and various types of functions. Can lead to full time employment, referrals and other networking opportunities.

14. Useful websites: https://www.usajobs.gov/; https://www.jobscan.co/; Chris Voss podcasts; Forbes/Business Insider and other media outlets; https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm.

15. Get out of your comfort zone. Start a business. Join the gig-economy. Find the innovative you. Think out of the box and you’ll be surprised at what can happen!

Watch your time. It’s easy to become too involved with activities that don’t move you closer to your goal. If you don’t see progress with a group or strategy within a few weeks, move on to something else. Consider your ROI (Return on Investment). Listen to those who have been in your shoes.

You can do this - We believe in you!