"Do you have any contacts at our firm?" Yes, but...
So I've attended a few networking events at a particular firm, and on their online app there's a section where you are supposed to list any contacts you have within the firm (name, position, nature of relationship). Can I just add in all the names for people who freely gave me their cards (and I had good rapport with) or should I drop them an email asking for permission first? One of these events was in the last few weeks so they will recognise my name without being prompted. I have read on here before that you should always ask for permission to name drop people on a cover letter, but how about for a dedicated section on an app? I don't want to bother them unnecessarily, although I haven't got in contact with any of them since the event so I could use it as an opportunity to say thanks for their time too.
Any thoughts?
Just leave it blank, nobody reads that stuff.
No. I have a strong feeling from past experiences that this firm does notice this stuff.
Even if they do, don't put it unless you actually know the person. What if they ask the listed person, and the response is "I have no idea who that is." Unless you've had ongoing correspondence, they likely won't remember you.
Thanks for the replies. It would be good if more people could chime in on whether or not I should email them first, given that I want to include them on the 'contacts' section of the application.
I've had ongoing correspondence with the people from the first event.
For the second event I attended, it was more than a 1hr networking drinks; I spent the day with them basically (and this was in the past few weeks) so I feel confident they will recognise my name.
Don't underestimate how easily people forget you.
People notice the efforts of networking and it will help as people look through the resume stack and have to decide between you and candidate #115 who has the exact same stats as you (male, 3.7 gpa, finance club, etc). But I'm telling you right now that nobody gets the full application that people submit online. All they get is the resume stack and cover letter stack. And frankly, all people look at is the resume normally. So I reiterate my original post - leave it blank, nobody reads that stuff.
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