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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Career Resources
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.
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.
Had a call one time, accidentally called the recruiter a dirty little yield slut. Got the offer anyway but it was a close call