We’re doing something new and exciting today in the “networking arena” today.
Brian and I have agreed to record a live discussion answering your networking questions.
Here’s how it’ll work:
- Comment below with your most urgent question(s) about networking and the job search process
- Brian and I will choose the top 10-20 questions
- We’ll record a live audio discussion of our answers – tackling both finance and consulting
- We’ll post that mp3 on both sites in about a week (May 11 onwards) along with a text transcript
This means we need your questions! Feel free ask us anything networking and job search-related.
To get you started, here are some hot topics that people have been asking us lately:
- From boutiques to Bain: How to “upgrade your firm” by meeting the right people
- Firm events and mixers: How to stand out and make the right contacts when you only have one shot
- Recruiters and gatekeepers: How to build relationships and make sure your resume gets reviewed
- Backup plans B, C, and D: What to do when recruiting and lateral hiring fails, and how to keep your contacts warm for when the economy improves
Please comment below with your questions. We’d like this session to be a mix of beginner’s and advanced networking topics.
If you have a burning question that is not networking related, go ahead and comment anyway. We’ll probably throw in a few responses to non-networking questions for variety’s sake.
After our recruiting talks from last year, this is our first live discussion.
If all goes well, we’ll expand the format to other topics (eg, conquering interviews, editing resumes, experienced hire recruiting).
Looking forward to it!
*After a recent Q&A answer regarding LinkedIn, many of you emailed to ask for an extended tutorial on how to best use LinkedIn for the job search process. Expect a detailed post (may even publish it as a free ebook!) in the next few weeks and thanks for your continued feedback!
Stay connected:
Related posts:
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Found through your Twitter account – great work! Would be great to connect given your startup leanings.
2 questions for your discussion (audio is a great idea, you should consider video if you haven’t already):
1. As your “analyst years” come to an end, how do you network effectively for the best exit jobs? A la your posts on exit opportunities
2. Can you talk about smart ways to network internally with senior people? Especially if you don’t work with them directly
Thanks!
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What would be a good networking strategy for on the beach time? It seems like that would be a good time to do something more big-time, something you wouldn’t have time to do when involved involved in a project?
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If you work overseas, how do you get to America? Both office transfer and general recruiting networking.
Also, who are the most important people to speak with and how do you find them??
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If you have had discussions with a HR/Recruitment Employees at a specific firm regarding an open role you are applying for, how to best incorporate this fact into your cover letter?
(I ask this more form a experienced hire perspective as opposed to having met an employee at a college “Information Evening” – Which I am sure has been covered elsewhere in this site)
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Thanks for the great contributions thus far, everyone! And while some have emailed me, I’d prefer if you simply commented here to share with readers.
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Kevin – how about for people who do not know consultants or even finance people? How do you build those names and meet those people?
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Kevin – How would you prepare for a firm presentation and networking mixer. Also would you recommend talking to one or two people for a long time or working the room? Thanks.
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Hi Kevin – How should you network in LinkedIn? I mean, is appropriate to send cold messages to the Big 3 guys?
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Is good for you if the McKinsey recruiter know you’re applying for BCG and Bain too? What can you do if you have an interview with towo of them the same day at the same time?
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How about meeting industry professionals at events? How do you go from that to then building beneficial relationships that will help with jobs, etc?
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I don’t quite understand the concept of networking. As an undergraduate, why would an alumni go out of their way to assist you in finding a job. You don’t have anything to offer them so it feels really one-sided and embarrassing to ask for their help. Establishing a relationship when they are complete strangers is really difficult, why would they care about helping some undergrad kid looking for a job?
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Kevin Reply:
May 8th, 2009 at 11:15 am
CA – to be a bit blunt, it’s precisely that attitude that will lead to poor results when attempting to network with alumni or any other party where the relationship is a bit lop-sided.
For alumni and those who will receive little tangible benefit in return, it’s mostly about giving back. The majority had significant help in their ascent through the business world, and are now doing the same for those coming after then. As an alumni now myself, I’m more than happy provide such advice and assistance.
Your responsibility is to make that process as efficient and hassle-free for your “benefactor” as possible.
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If I already know 4-5 alumni at a particular firm that I’m interested in, is there value in trying to connect with more recent graduates? If so, what should I focus on, since I feel I’ve already heard enough perspectives on the experience?
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All – thanks for your great questions! The networking audio clip and transcript should be coming in the next 1-2 days, so please stay tuned.
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