"Frequent Flyer Miles" count more in networking

At a Career Fair recently I had an employer ask me - "Hey, where's the student you introduced me to last week? I was looking forward to chatting with them today." The student was at the same fair, but failed to visit that employer's booth. Why? My guess is treating networking like a checklist instead of forming relationships.

Another recruiter praised a student who met them one week then just "stopped by to say hello and thank you again for coming to the fair"

Guess which student was invited for an interview?

Frequency and meaningful conversations are the goal with networking. If you have close friends, you're already good at networking - Just apply those same methods.

Here is some advice to building your network:

DO cultivate professional relationships just like a friendship. One and done greeting goes no where.

DON'T just meet someone once and expect to get a job/get a lead. Would you hang out with a new friend after a brief introduction?

DO reach out every few weeks or months. Pay attention to news about the organization or individual and offer a congratulations or follow up question.

DON'T bop around a networking event or career fair collecting business cards

DO strategically (or even by chance) find three people to have a meaningful conversation with. Your impact will last longer.

DON'T make it all about you. Be sure to ask about their organization or needs - How can you make a connection or share a resources?

What other ways do you cultivate relationships? Try those !