Networking: Contact This!

Networking is not having the largest business card collection or standing in the middle of a crowd directing traffic. It is bridging the gap between people and linking ideas to resources in order to accomplish them.

It shows that you have vision and are unselfish enough to share your circle of friends, acquaintances and partners.

With that being said, you should be more concerned with how networking can help you than others. The key is to remember that anywhere from 30 to 40% of new hires stem from personal contacts and referrals.

Business Cards

What is the end goal? People will remember your face and your personality – not your business card.

Headhunters

Headhunter is the term given to corporate and independent recruiters who seek talent to fill a given position. They contact and lure a candidate and receive compensation based on fit and length of tenure.

In general, headhunters are not as interested in business students as they are in experienced managers. But despite a lack of experience, the fact that companies need to replenish human capital on a regular basis is great news for a job market newcomer.

Regardless, before venturing off it may be good to visit a headhunter to get a feel for the current job market and your prospects. They can also inform you how you measure against the competitors.

Promising students are not always given the right amount of credit and encouragement when they see an academic advisor. Some students get preferential treatment while others get held back. Which ever category you fall in, understand why. An unbiased headhunter can provide an objective opinion.

Headhunters provide a valuable resource to any employable businessperson. Even if you are never placed, headhunters help by sending you to interview at solid firms. They will tell you how to improve everything from a résumé, cover letter as well as interview skills. Feedback from a headhunter with a proven track record is perhaps the most important advice you can receive.

A corporate recruiter can help you see the big picture. While academic advisors lend a helping hand on school, business headhunters are better equipped to prepare you for work. After all, their compensation is contingent on you finding a job and staying there.