As my summer internship is not as solid as many other people have, I simply wanted to start earlier to compensate. However, most people I wanted to reach out to didn't reply to my cold outreach during my SA recruiting process :(
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Starting your networking efforts now for full-time (FT) recruiting is a smart move, especially if your summer internship isn't as strong as you'd like. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can approach this effectively:
Start Early and Be Persistent: FT recruiting can move quickly once it begins, so starting now gives you a head start. Aim for 2-3 phone calls or coffee chats per day, and reach out to as many people as necessary to secure those conversations. Persistence is key—don’t get discouraged by low response rates.
Refine Your Cold Outreach: If your cold emails didn’t get much traction during SA recruiting, tweak your approach. Keep your emails short, personalized, and to the point. For example:
Hi Name, My name is [Your Name], and I am currently [Your Position/School]. I’m very interested in learning more about your career path and your role at company. I’m pursuing a career in Field and would greatly appreciate the chance to hear your advice. If you have any availability, I’d love to connect for a quick chat. Best regards, [Your Name]Tools like Hunter.io can help you find email structures for companies.
Leverage Informational Interviews: Cold emails should lead to informational interviews. Use these to build rapport and learn about the industry. Focus on connecting with people beyond just work—find common interests or shared experiences to make the conversation more engaging.
Follow Up Strategically: After initial meetings, follow up with thoughtful emails. Share articles, congratulate them on achievements, or reference something you discussed. Building genuine relationships over time increases the likelihood of them helping you when FT recruiting starts.
Quality Over Quantity: While reaching out to many people is important, prioritize building meaningful connections. A smaller network of people who are willing to vouch for you is more valuable than a large, disengaged network.
Campus Recruitment Events: If applicable, attend campus recruitment events. Use a friend as a "wing person" to navigate the room, meet people, and compare notes. This can help you maximize your time and connections.
Master Your Story: Before networking, ensure you can clearly articulate your story, why you’re interested in the field, and how your experiences make you a strong candidate. Practice mock interviews and refine your pitch.
By starting now and refining your approach, you can build a stronger network and position yourself well for FT recruiting.
Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Graduating without a job offer
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