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  June  2011   Jones  Graduate  School  of  Business    

Career  Management  Center   [email protected]   P:  713-­‐348-­‐3246   F:  713-­‐348-­‐5838    

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True   networking   is   simply   a   mutual   exchange   of   information   between   people   who   have   common   interests   and   goals.   Good   networking   is   a   lifelong   process   that   takes   time   and   is   a   skill   that   can   be  

learned  and  therefore  refined.  You  should  be  building  and  maintaining  these  relationships  before  you  

need  them;  start  now!  Although  networking  can  sometimes  result  in  an  opportunity,  it  should  not   be   solely  about  using  others  to  find  jobs  or  other  opportunities.  Just  like  any  relationship,  the  networking   process  should  be  mutually  beneficial.  If  someone  offers  you  some  information  that  has  been  helpful,   try  to  return  the  favor  if  they  ask  for  assistance  in  the  future.  

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Whether  you  realize  it  or  not,  you  have  most  likely  networked  before.  You  are  currently  networking  with   peers,  professors,  JGSB  staff  and  administration—and  if  you  attend  events,  you  most  likely  are  already   networking   with   employers   as   well.   Giving   or   getting   a   recommendation   for   a   doctor   or   a   good   restaurant   is   an   example   of   a   simple   form   of   networking.   You   can   strengthen   this   skill,   however,   to   translate  it  to  a  more  professional  venue.  

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•  Go  out  of  your  way,  or  comfort  zone,  to  meet  people  and  ask  for  introductions   •  Take  a  genuine  interest  in  the  people  around  you  and  listen  actively  

•  Make  the  effort  to  keep  in  touch  with  old  and  new  friends.  A  simple  e-­‐mail  every  few  months   can  do  the  trick  (or  message  via  facebook/Linkedin)  

•  Think  about  what  you  are  saying  and  to  whom  you  are  saying  it,  especially  in  social  situations   with  people  you  may  not  know  very  well,  to  avoid  offending  or  embarrassing  them  or  yourself   •  Tell  people  around  you  what  you  are  interested  in  and  what  you  want  to  do,  instead  of  limiting   conversations  to  “small  talk.”  This  is  the  best  way  to  find  common  ground  

•  Offer  to  return  the  favor  if  person  communicates  any  information,  and  be  sure  to  thank  them   •  For  those  who  may  consider  yourself  to  be  shy,  take  small  steps  and  don’t  get  discouraged.   You  cannot  become  a  networking  expert  overnight.  Instead,  stay  positive  and  keep  practicing   •  Take  a  friend  if  you  are  anxious  about  going  to  a  networking  event  alone,  and  let  them  know   that  you  are  trying  to  practice  this  skill.  They  may  be  able  to  help  ease  you  into  conversations   with  others,  if  they  notice  you  are  not  engaged  in  discussion  

•   Do   not   feel   as   if   you   are   being   a   pest   or   bothering   anyone.   Most   people   are   happy   to   talk   about  themselves  and  what  they  do  (even  if  you  are  not  ready  to  talk  about  yourself)  

•   A   good   networker   should   be   self-­‐aware   and   conscious   of   the   response   of   others.   You   will   eventually  come  into  contact  with  someone  who  is  not  interested  in  networking  or  too  busy  at   the  moment  to  do  so.  Look  for  cues,  stay  positive,  and  politely  excuse  yourself  

•  There  is  a  fine  line  between  persistent  and  aggressive.  Find  a  balance,  and  if  you  are  unsure   about  this  or  anything  else  concerning  networking,  contact  a  CMC  career  advisor  

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Networking  letters  are  meant  to  help  you  build  and  establish  contacts.  They  are  not  designed  to  find  a   job  for  you  (although  that  can  sometimes  occur—especially  if  you  already  know  an  opportunity  exists).   Usually,  networking  letters  are  used  to  gain  more  information  about  your  area  of  interest,  often  leading   to   an   informational   interview.   They   can   also   help   you   gain   advice   on   industry   and   professional   introductions.  In  your  letter,  be  sure  to  establish  connection,  state  your  purpose,  request  a  meeting  and   a  time  frame  (ie:  Can  I  have  15  minutes  to  discuss  your  role  at  E  &  Y?).  

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Short  versions  for  outreach  

Dear  Ms.  Saenz,  

I  will  be  graduating  from  the  Jones  School  in  May  2013.    I  was  given  your  name  from  a   CMC  career  advisor  at  the  Jones  School,  as  I  am  interested  in  talking  to  you  about  the  oil   field   services   industry   and   potential   opportunities   within   (or)   your   role   at   the   organization.    

My  background  is  in  __________.  Previously,  I  worked  for  ____________  and  I  also  have   experience   in   your   industry   as   I   worked   on   a   graduate   project   in   the   areas   of   _______________.  

I   would   welcome   the   opportunity   to   talk   to   you   either   by   phone   or   in   a   brief   meeting.    Look  forward  to  hearing  from  you.    

Best  regards,

Dear  Mr.  Smith,  

I   am   a   first   year   Rice   MBA   student   and   obtained   your   contact   information   from   the   Career  Management  Center  at  Rice  University.    I  am  currently  interested  in  __________   and  doing  a  concentration  in  ________________.  

Prior  to  Rice  I  worked  ___________  doing  __________.  I  have  a  strong  skill  set  in  and   would   like   to   further   talk   about   summer   internship   opportunities   (if   you   know   they   exist)  in  this  field.    

I  am  very  interested  in  a  career  in  finance  and  would  like  to  know  if  you  have  time  to   talk  over  the  phone  or  in  person.  Please  let  me  know  if  that  is  possible  and  a  time  that   best  suits  your  schedule.    I  look  forward  to  meeting  you,  and  I  will  follow  up  with  you  on   September  15th  _{for  a  convenient  time.}    

Thank  you  for  your  time  and  consideration.   Kind  regards,  

FOLLOW-­‐UP  to  a  response  from  the  initial  email  you  sent  

Dear  Ms.  Saenz,    

Thank  you  for  responding  to  my  email  request.    I  appreciate  you  taking  a  few  minutes  of   your  time  to  offer  advice  on  your  industry  and  share  your  experience.    I’ve  enclosed  my   resume  for  your  review  to  assist  in  our  conversation.      

Kind  regards,    

FOLLOW-­‐UP  to  “No  Response”  from  the  initial  email  you  sent  

Dear  Ms.  Saenz,  

I  emailed  you  a  few  weeks  ago  regarding  an  informational  interview  request  and  I  am   following  up  to  determine  if  you  had  a  moment  to  speak  with  me.    If  preferable,  would  a   later  date  be  more  convenient  with  your  schedule?  Or,  if  there  is  someone  more  

appropriate  that  you  feel  I  should  contact  instead,  I  am  happy  to  do  so.   Please  advise  me.    (OR)      Your  guidance  is  appreciated.  

Best  regards,    

Longer,  more  formal  versions  for  outreach  

For  Specific  Industry/Function:  

6100  Main  St.   Houston,  TX  77005   [email protected]   (713)  123-­‐4567     Date     Contact  Name   Title   Organization   Address    

Dear  Mr.  James:  (It  should  always  be  directed  to  a  person.    If  you  do  not  have  the   contact’s  name—conduct  research  to  find  their  name)  

1st   paragraph:   Briefly   introduce   yourself   &   establish   your  

connection/why   you’re   writing.   This   is   where   you   mention   mutual   acquaintances,  interest  in  the  company  or  a  specific  position  posted  or   whatever  else  prompted  you  to  write.  (Keep  it  to  about  three  sentences)   1st  _{PARAGRAPH  EXAMPLE:}  

At   a   recent   alumni   event,   I   had   the   pleasure   of   talking   to   Mr.   Jeff   Phillips   (Managing   Director,   Product   Development)   from   your   Dallas   office.   During   our   conversation,   he   mentioned  that  several  Product  Managers  at  Colossal  Microsystems  have  backgrounds   similar   to   mine   and   he   strongly   encouraged   me   to   contact   you   regarding   full-­‐time   opportunities  in  your  division.  I  am  completing  my  MBA  in  Marketing  at  Rice  University,   Jesse  H.  Jones  Graduate  School  of  Business  and  will  graduate  in  May  2013.  

2nd  paragraph:  Find  subtle  way  to  introduce  an  attached  resume  (if  you  

are  attaching  one).  Resume  can  also  be  indicated  at  the  end  of  the   letter/email.  Then  highlight,  preferably  in  bulleted  form,  no  more  than   five  accomplishments,  or  key  skills  that  would  be  of  most  interest  to  this   person  or  company  

2nd  _{PARAGRAPH  EXAMPLE:}  

My  resume  is  provided  as  a  reference  for  my  background.  However,  I  have  highlighted   my  relevant  qualifications  and  professional  experience,  which  include:  

• FMC  Action  Learning  Project  (ALP).  Developed  a  growth  and  retention  strategy  for  FMC   sub-­‐sea  division  ($2  Billion)  

• Summer   internship   with   Mercer   Consulting   as   a   client   manager   where   I   conducted   strategic  market  analysis  and  identified  market  opportunities.  

• Fours   years   with   a   privately   held   consumer   products   company   as   a   North   America   Product  Development  and  Marketing  Manager  

3rd  paragraph:  This  is  your  call  for  action  or  next  steps.  Tell  them  you’ll  

be   in   town   or   calling   and   when.   Ask   them   to   call   you.   Let   them   know   what  you’re  going  to  ask/talk  about  when  you  call.  

3rd  _{PARAGRAPH  EXAMPLE:}  

I  will  be  in  Dallas  during  the  week  of  March  5th  and  hope  your  schedule  will  allow  us  the   opportunity   to   meet   briefly   to   discuss   Colossal   Microsystems   career   structure,   future   opportunities,   and   my   qualifications.   You   can   reach   me   at   (713)   123-­‐4567.   Likewise,   I   will   be   in   touch   next   week   to   see   if   we   can   arrange   a   brief   meeting   or   a   quick   call   together.  

Close:   Thank   them,   reiterate   your   interest,   and   refer   them   to   your  

resume  (if  you  have  not  done  so  already).  

Thank  you  for  your  time  and  consideration.  I  look  forward  to  talking  with  you  soon.   Best  regards,  

For  Entering  a  New  Industry/Changing  Functional  Career  Area:  

Dear  Mr.  Ryans,  

My   name   is    ___________   and   I   am   a   first-­‐year   MBA   student   at   Rice   University.     I   obtained   your   contact   information   from   Nicole   Van   Den   Heuvel   who   met   you   last   November   at   the   Career   Management   Center   Mock   Interview   Day.     I   am   strongly   interested  in  a  career  in  real  estate,  and  I  have  been  active  in  both  the  Real  Estate  Club   at  school  (I  was  recently  elected  Vice-­‐President)  as  well  as  the  Houston  chapter  of  the   Urban   Land   Institute   (ULI).    I   have   attended   presentations   throughout   the   year   to   improve   both   my   knowledge   of   the   field   and   skill   set,   as   well   as   network   with   professionals   in   the   industry.     In   addition,   I   am   currently   working   with   the   Dinerstein   Companies,  a  coast-­‐to-­‐coast  full-­‐service  real  estate  and  development  company,  for  my   Action  Learning  Project.  

Prior  to  Rice,  I  obtained  a  degree  in  Electrical  Engineering  from  the  University  of  Texas   at   Austin.     I   then   worked   as   a   software   engineer   for   two   years   creating   governmental   applications  for  a  company  called  OptiFlex  Inc.  

Would   you   have   a   few   moments   where   we   could   talk   over   the   phone   or   in   person?   Please  let  me  know  is  this  is  possible  and  a  date/time  which  suits  your  schedule.  

I  really  appreciate  your  time  and  I  will  follow  up  with  you  next  Monday,  February  12th   to   inquire   about   a   convenient   time.     I   have   attached   my   resume   just   for   further   background.    Thank  you  very  much  for  your  time  and  consideration.  

Sincerely,  

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If  you  attended  a  career  fair  or  company  event,  send  an  email  message  to  the  employers  with  whom  you   met.    The  email  should  be  sent  within  a  week  from  the  date  of  the  event.    The  sooner,  the  better—it  is   easier  for  employers  to  “remember  a  name,  with  a  face”  if  they  receive  your  email  within  a  day  or  two  

of  the  event.    In  this  type  of  email,  you  are  not  generally  looking  for  a  response  from  the  person  you   contact—although,  if  you  receive  one—that’s  great!  

A  “Thank  you”  or  “Enjoyed  meeting  you”  email  message  is  appropriate.  Be  sure  to  include  a  sentence   specifically  talking  about  something  you  spoke  to  the  employer/contact  about  at  the  event.    

Here  are  a  few  examples:  

Dear  Mr.  Nelson,  

I  enjoyed  meeting  you  at  the  FMC  company  information  session  on  October  19th  _{at  Rice}   University.    Thank  you  for  sharing  information  on  FMC  Technologies  and  communicating   your  company’s  recruiting  needs.      

Best  regards,      

Dear  Ms.  Jones,  

Thank  you  for  speaking  with  me  at  The  Rice  University  Career  Rodeo  on  March  19th.    I  hope  I  was  

able   to   convey   my   experience   in       (whatever   industry   or   background   area   you   discussed   with   them)    _.    I  look  forward  to  speaking  with  you  in  the  future  about  opportunities  at  ABC  Company.   Best  regards,    

Dear  Mr.  Wang,  

It   was   great   meeting   you   at   The   Rice   University   Career   Rodeo   on   March   19th.     Thank   you   for  

visiting  with  me  about  ABC  Company  and  conveying  your  goals.    I  think  my  skills  are  well  suited   to   your   organization   and   I   hope   to   remain   in   touch   with   you   to   discuss   future   opportunities   if   they  arise.  

Kind  regards,    

________________________________________________________________________________  

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You  may  decide  to  send  a  follow-­‐up  email  message  a  few  weeks    after  an  interaction  with  alumni  or  an   employer  (of  course,  after  a  Thank  You  message  has  been  sent).    Reasons  for  this  might  be  to:  

• Reiterate  interest  in  a  position  (while  still  interviewing)  

• Request  more  time  to  make  a  decision  if  you  were  made  an  offer  for  employment   • Turn  down  an  offer  made  after  an  interview  

• Inquire  on  the  status  of  a  position  for  which  you  interviewed—but  have  not  received  a  response   • Request  feedback  from  interviewer  on  what  you  can  do  to  improve  (because  you  did  not  receive  

the  offer)  

• Communicate  scheduling  conflicts  (with  other  interviews  or  office  visits  that  occur  during  the   same  time)  

SAMPLE  NETWORKING  EMAIL  MESSAGES  for  reasons  above      

Short  versions  for  outreach  

Reiterate  interest  in  a  position  (while  still  interviewing)  

Dear  Mr.  Jain,    

I  enjoyed  meeting  with  you  to  discuss  the    _(job/position  title)_  position.      _(ABC  company)_  is  definitely   among  my  top  choices  for  beginning  my  career.    I  am  impressed  by  the  commitment  to  your  employees   and  your  _(mention  something  from  interview—such  as  a  specific  job  function,  a  rotational  or  

leadership  program)__.    While  I  am  still  in  the  interviewing  process,  I  look  forward  to  continued   communication  and  hope  to  hear  from  you  in  the  near  future.  

  Sincerely,          

Request  more  time  to  make  a  decision  if  you  were  made  an  offer  for  employment  

Dear  Ms.  Sims,      

Thank  you  again  for  interviewing  me  for  the  _(job/position  title)    position.    (ABC  company)  is  certainly   among  my  top  choices  for  my  summer  internship.    However,  as  I  am  still  interviewing  for  positions  I  had   previously  applied  for,  and  I  would  like  to  extend  other  companies  the  courtesy  of  following  through  on   my  commitment  to  interview.    Thus,  I  am  requesting  an  extension  on  making  my  final  decision  with  you   to  occur  (3  days,  1  week,  2weeks,  etc-­‐-­‐-­‐offer  a  time-­‐frame)    from  today,  if  this  is  agreeable  to  you.    

Thank  you  again  for  your  consideration  of  my  candidacy  and  this  request  for  an  extension  on  my   decision.     Best  regards,          

Turn  down  an  offer  made  after  an  interview  

Dear  Ms.  Evans,    

Thank  you  for  the  opportunity  and  offer  sent  last  week  for  the  (job/position  title)_  position.    I  enjoyed   meeting  with  you  and  your  team  and  although  I  am  interested  in  product  marketing,  I  have  accepted   another  offer  that  aligns  more  closely  with  my  career  goals.      

I  truly  admire  _(ABC  Company)_  and  wish  you  the  best  of  luck  in  finding  the  right  candidate.        

Regards,    

Inquire  on  the  status  of  a  position  for  which  you  interviewed—but  have  not  received  a  response  

Dear  Ms.  Stringer,    

Thank  you  again  for  interviewing  me  on  _(Provide  time-­‐frame,  ie:  June  2nd_{,  2  weeks  ago,  etc.)  _    for  the}   __(job/position  title)__  position.    I  am  following  up  on  the  status,  as  I  have  not  yet  heard  back  from  you   on  whether  a  decision  has  been  reached.      

I  am  excited  about  the  possibility  of  working  with  your  team  and  feel  that  I  have  a  great  deal  to  

contribute  in  terms  of  _(give  a  few  specific  functions  you  discussed  in  the  interview__.    If  possible,  could   you  provide  me  with  time-­‐frame  of  when  a  decision  might  be  reached?  

Look  forward  to  hearing  from  you.    

Best  regards,  

Request  feedback  from  interviewer  on  what  you  can  do  to  improve  (because  you  did  not  receive  the  offer)  

Dear  Mr.  Saenz,    

Thank  you  again  for  consideration  of  __(job/position  title)_  position.    In  order  to  better  develop  my   interviewing  skills,  I  have  been  advised  by  the  JGSB  CMC  to  request  your  assistance  with  direction  for   areas  of  improvement.    I  was  hoping  you  could  provide  me  with  feedback  on  how  I  might  position   myself  professionally  to  become  a  better  candidate  for  similar  positions  within  our  industry—or  how  I   might  improve  in  an  interview.    I  am  committed  to  my  career  choice  and  welcome  constructive  feedback   so  that  I  may  improve  and  ultimately  succeed  in  my  desired  field.  

Your  thoughts  would  be  graciously  accepted  and  most  appreciated,  as  I  plan  to  continue  recruiting  over   the  next  few  months.  

Sincerely,    

Communicate  scheduling  conflicts  (with  other  interviews  or  office  visits  that  occur  during  the  same  time)  

Dear  Mr.  Ryans,    

I  would  like  to  once  again  express  my  sincere  interest  in  the  _(job/position  title)__  position  and  thank   you  for  consideration.    Currently,  I  have  an  interview  scheduled  at  the  same  time  as  your  proposed   interview  date  and  time.    Would  it  be  possible  to  reschedule  for  another  time  that  day  or  later  in  that   week,  so  that  I  may  fulfill  my  prior  obligations?  

I  am  eager  to  meet  with  you  regarding  this  opportunity  and  hope  we  can  determine  a  time  agreeable   with  your  schedule.    I  am  available  _(provide  dates/times  available  for  that  week—or  early  the  next   week)_.        Please  advise  which  one  of  these  options  might  work  for  you—and  if  not,  I  am  happy  to  speak   over  the  phone  or  meet  at  your  office.  

Sincerely,  

           Responding  to  re-­‐scheduling  interview  question—if  answer  is  YES  –the  time  works:  

  Dear  Ms.  Wong,  

This  is  great  news.    I  look  forward  to  meeting  you  on  _(confirm  date/time)_  to  interview  for  the   _(job/position)__.        

  Thank  you  for  accommodating  my  request.  

  Warm  regards,    

           Responding  to  re-­‐scheduling  interview  question—if  answer  is  NO  –the  time  does  not  work:  

Dear  Ms.  Wong,    

I  completely  understand  your  recruiting  time  restraints  as  this  is  peak  recruiting  season.    Would   you  consider  conducting  the  interview  via  phone  (or  skype)  30  minutes-­‐1  hour  prior  to  (or  after)   my  previously  scheduled  interview?      

I  am  also  available  to  meet  you  at  your  office  if  it  is  more  convenient,  either  this  week-­‐-­‐or  next   week.    I  would  welcome  to  opportunity  to  speak  with  you  in  person,  but  due  to  scheduling   conflicts—I  am  extremely  flexible  in  our  initial  discussion  as  it  pertains  to  your  availability.    I  look  forward  to  your  consideration  and  hopefully  meeting  you  face-­‐to  face.    

Best  regards,      

T

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OTES

A  well-­‐composed  thank  you  note  is  an  essential  skill  that  reaches  beyond  the  bounds  of  business.  The   use  of  a  thoughtfully  constructed  note  can  have  great  impact  on  an  employer  or  a  contact.  Thank  you   notes  can  establish  good  will,  express  appreciation,  and  distinguish  you  from  other  candidates.    

You  may  use  the  email/letter/stationary  card  to  reinforce  points  made  during  the  interview,  to  correct   any  missteps,  or  to  assert  briefly  any  points  you  failed  to  make.  You  should  always  thank  someone  who   has  taken  the  time  to  help  you  as  soon  as  possible.  You  may  prefer  to  send  a  thank  you  email,  which  is  a   quick  and  easy  way  to  show  gratitude  immediately  and  at  times  is  more  appropriate  for  small  favors.    

However,  it  is  always  a  good  idea  to  send  a  hand-­‐written  note  as  well,  especially  if  someone  made   great  efforts  on  your  behalf  for  an  informational  interview  or  after  a  job  interview.  

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•  After  a  job  interview  

•  After  an  informational  interview/networking  appointment  

•  After  a  networking  contact  has  taken  the  time  to  critique  your  resume,  do  a  mock  interview,   pass  along  information  about  a  job  opening,  or  other  proactive  help  

•  Anytime  someone  has  gone  out  of  their  way  to  assist  you    

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• Use  good  stationery  in  a  simple  design,  nothing  too  flashy  or  loud  

• A  thank  you  note  is  ineffective  if  the  person  cannot  read  it,  so  write  neatly  (and  then  personally   sign  it)  

• Take  the  time  to  personalize  the  message  in  the  note.  Refer  to  a  common  interest  you  discussed   or  reaffirm  a  point  you  made  in  the  interview.  You  do  not  want  the  note  to  read  like  a  script  

• Be  sure  you  spell  the  name  of  the  person  correctly  and  address  the  correct  person  in  the  note!   (This   can   be   an   issue   if   you   have   been   seen   by   more   than   one   person   or   company   in   a   short   period  of  time.  Try  to  collect  business  cards  and  write  notes    on  the  back  of  each  soon  after  to   avoid  confusion)  

• Write  each  thank-­‐you  letter  separately,  even  if  you  follow  a  similar  form  for  each  letter  

• The   letter   should   specifically   highlight   what   was   discussed   in   your   interview   and,   when   appropriate,   reiterate   your   interest   and   qualifications.   You   may   also   offer   pertinent,   supplemental  information  that  was  not  discussed  

• Use  the  opportunity  to  drive  home  a  key  point  from  your  interview  or  to  follow  up  on  a  question   or  topic  from  the  interview.  (“I’ve  enclosed  an  article  that  relates  very  much  to  our  discussion  of   X,”  or  to  reemphasize,  “I  am  extremely  interested  in  this  position.”)  

• You   could   also   review   something   interesting   you   learned   about   the   position   or   company,   and   link  it  to  your  qualifications  and  ability  to  meet  the  employer's  needs  

• Remember   to   send   a   note   to   the   assistant   or   others   who   arranged   your   visit   or   gave   you   the   initial  job  lead  –  even  if  those  people  were  not  on  your  interview  schedule  

• Proofread  your  letter  or  note  twice!  It  should  be  error  free  

• Ask  for  clarification  regarding  anything  in  the  interview  that  was  not  clear,  or  reiterate   • Your  understanding  of  their  next  steps.  (I  understand  that  you  will  be  interviewing  on                                  the  West  Coast  before  you  make  your  decision.  Is  this  correct?)  

• Close  with  a  sincere  expression  of  appreciation  and  enthusiasm  for  future  work  together  (Make   them  believe  you’re  excited  about  the  opportunity!)  

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After  an  interview:  

Dear  Mr.  James,  

Thank  you  for  taking  the  time  to  interview  me  for  the  Senior  Analyst  position.  After  speaking  with   you,  I  am  convinced  that  I  am  the  right  candidate,  with  the  appropriate  experience  and  future   vision,  to  move  your  company  forward.  

In  particular,  you  expressed  the  importance  of  fit  among  team  members.  After  meeting  with  the   group  last  week,  I  felt  a  strong  rapport  was  built  and  that  common  goals  were  held  by  all.  With   this  in  mind,  I  know  that  I  can  apply  these  same  skills  as  we  move  together  to  reach  the  three   company  goals  we  discussed  during  the  interview.  

Again,  I  appreciate  the  time  you  took  to  see  me.  I  am  very  excited  about  this  opportunity  and   look  forward  to  hearing  from  you  soon.  

In  response  to  a  networking  opportunity:  

Dear  Ramin,  

Thank   you   for   your   time   yesterday   at   the   partio.   I   enjoyed   talking   to   you   about   Frito   Lay’s   marketing  process  and  your  job.  Your  advice  on  how  to  start  thinking  about  my  career  path  is   much  appreciated.  

My   finance   background   is   strong,   but,   I   also   wish   to   explore   other   areas   in   marketing.   I   was   impressed   with   the   team   of   presenters   and   the   fact   that   Frito   Lay   seems   to   promote   an   entrepreneurial   spirit.     The   atmosphere   was   exciting   and   engaging   and   I'm   excited   at   the   prospect  of  working  in  such  a  dynamic  environment.  

Thank  you  again  for  your  time,  and  I  look  forward  to  pursuing  the  next  step  with  Frito  Lay.    

Sincerely,  

Marion Gold

After  an  informational  interview:  

Dear  Ms.  Preston,  

Thank  you  for  speaking  with  me  the  other  day.  I  sincerely  appreciated  the  insight  you  provided   on  consulting  work.  Your  advice  and  guidance  allowed  me  to  make  my  final  decision  to  pursue   consulting  exclusively.  After  speaking  with  you,  I  am  confident  that  I  am  on  the  right  track  and   will  be  looking  for  an  appropriate  internship  soon.  Additionally,  am  grateful  to  you  for  providing   me  with  the  contact  information  for  your  colleague  at  Wainwright  Inc.  I  will  be  contacting  him   sometime  this  week  about  the  opening  you  mentioned.  

Again,  I  truly  appreciate  the  time  you  afforded  me.  Thank  you  for  being  so  open.     Kind  regards,  

George Winn

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• Complete  job  applications  as  requested  

• Use   your   resume   wording   wherever   possible;   do   not   reinvent   language   that   is   already   precise  

• Avoid  filling  in  a  salary  history,  which  could  constrain  you  in  negotiating,  withhold  you  from   consideration  (too  high  or  low  –  wrong  “fit”)  and  may  be  irrelevant  for  comparison  purposes   (You  may  write  in  “open”  or  “negotiable.”)  

• Be   mindful   of   submitting   “TEXT”   resume   online   (This   is   a   different   format   and   the   Career   Management  Center  can  provide  you  a  template  if  needed)  

• Consider   adding   “keyword   lists”   to   your   resume   (where   appropriate).   This   is   helpful   for   online   searching   when   the   employers   use   a   program   to   find   the   number   of   keyword   matches  (or  “hits”)  on  a  resume  

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• Be  ready  with  names  and  contact  information  of  at  least  three  references  (whom  you  have   contacted  in  advance)    

• References  should  be  provided  on  resume  paper  with  your  name  and  address  printed  at  the   top,  typically  matching  your  resume  format  

• Mention  the  nature  of  your  relationship  (–  e.g.,  former  supervisor,  client,  former  direct   report,  colleague,  or  teacher)  

• Provide  as  much  contact  information  as  the  person  acting  as  your  reference  will  allow  (ie:   phone  number  and  email  address)