Worst Networking mistakes
Hey guys,
I was wondering what are the worst networking mistakes you have experienced or heard of so far, especially for entry-level candidates?
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The big ones that I see during networking chats, recruiting events and even interviews:
Being too pushy with your own objectives and only talking about yourself. Any networking email/meeting/phone call you engage in, you should be saying the word "You" often and saying the word "I" very seldom. It's fine to mention that you're a student and want to learn more about an industry, but you gotta make the other person feel special. Give them their soap box, let them spout their wisdom, etc. No finance professional wants to hear a student pitch his shitty credentials. They want to talk about what they do and brag to someone whose easily impressed.
Being too casual with the employees. We're trying to make you feel comfortable, but that doesn't mean you should be cursing and calling the Analysts "dude" during pre-superday dinner after having two beers. It makes you look like you lack polish and can't be trusted around investors/clients. Always be two notches less bro than the people you're trying to impress.
Don't dress weird. Gray or navy suit, blue or white shirt, regular tie that isn't super wide or super skinny. Shoes don't have to be nice at all but make them NORMAL, i.e. thin soles not those thick soles that look like a cross between a dress shoe an a hiking shoe. Can't believe someone tried to wear those.
Things I see too often: suits that don't fit (you don't need a great fit, just look normal . . anything off the rack with basic dept store alterations is more than good enough). Those big ass ugly shoes I mentioned above. Fat ties (always a trashy look). Those super skinny ties with the flat bottom. Shiny suits. Tan suits. Asshole collars. Collar bars.
I've never seen anyone dumb enough to wear a bowtie to networking, but I've seen a few people dumb enough to wear a bowtie to work. Don't do either.
It's actually pretty hard to mess up networking. Most mistakes are forgiven. If you're a little too pushy, people usually assume you're the nice awkward guy who will get the hang of it later. If you say something stupid, big deal we've all said something stupid. If you don't know a lot about markets/deals, just admit it and ask genuine questions and be a listener. Bankers appreciate that kids are taking time out of their youth, after a long day of classes, to stand around in a crowded room to get an edge in their career. They are on your side. But dressing like a clown is one of the few ways to screw the pooch.
First Sentence - "Bro, I want to be like Wolf of Wall Street. Can you help?"
Saw a kid walk up to the CEO of Tata, push his way through the crowd politely listening to the conversation, and loudly interrupt with a rushed line:
"Oh my god, I'm such a huge fan of your company [insert 2-3 random facts easily available off the website], you have to have a spot for someone like me in your company"
Response was actually quite polite, along the lines of: "At this stage, all I know about you is that you rudely interrupted my conversation, so no, I don't have to do anything"
Linkedin Networking Requests (had this happen multiple times from college students)
Dear Mr. John Doe,
I am very impressed by your career path at Deloitte and would love to speak to you regarding my experience and why I think I would be a great fit. I've read great things about BCG and can really see myself working there. Would you have time for a coffee chat or perhaps a phone call?
Best,
Student
Lol don't think you read it correctly.
They are referencing too different companies because its a copy and paste job and they got sloppy.
I sent a LinkedIn email to someone with the wrong recipient's name and I also put the wrong company's name.
This actually cancels out. He owes you a job now.
Saw someone at a bank presentation ask the presenting MD, in a fawning tone, "what is the secret behind your incredible success?"
Don't do that. But that wasn't the biggest mistake.
I was also a student in that audience, and I sort of rolled my eyes and snickered at the question a bit, thinking I wouldn't be the only one to find it ridiculous.
I'm sure I wasn't the only one to find it ridiculous, but I'm the only one who audibly laughed (and I was pretty quiet . . others just didn't say a peep). A couple people heard me and looked at me, including the recruiter who started right at me, angled her head a bit so she could get a better view of my nametag, and wrote my name down. I think I might've been the only person invited to that event who didn't end up making the closed list for interviews.
Never underestimate the potential of other people to be humorless stiffs. Including your own classmates.
Had a call one time, accidentally called the recruiter a dirty little yield slut. Got the offer anyway but it was a close call