Networking in U.S vs. Europe

Absolutely. What people do in the US would be considered brash, over-the-top and even downright rude here. Don't do it. Be more subtle, laid back, relaxed etc. Don't go into every single conversation looking to get a CV drop or an interview referral, just try to get to know the people.

Does networking even work in Europe? The always tell me to apply online either way... and then its just a lottery.

Agree with Cujo, looks like there is little to no "networking" culture in Europe. All people I know (me, my university mates, (ex-)colleagues, etc.) just apply on the company's sites and headhunter websites.

It has to be much more subtle and long-term oriented. After knowing someone for a long time they may mention that there is an opening king of thing. In the short term, I've seen it doing much more damage than good to be honest.

That's true but networking is also very useful in the UK. I have landed quite a few interviews by pretty much getting to know bankers and getting my name out there.

Can't speak for the US because never experienced US networking before, but in the UK its mainly just talking to the bankers and getting them to like you - if they do, they'll give your name to the HR and you'll get an interview :) But of course you have to apply online first as well.

My bank hired an intern last week just because he reached out to a senior ER guy. The intern will now work with analysts collecting data and work on his bachelor thesis (work experience and a mentor on his thesis all in one). Anything is possible if you step outside the networking norm in Europe.

Not networking but in Europe, there is generally a lot less "embellishment." If you present your CV the way you would do in the US, people would think you're blowing things way out of proportion or lying.

i think at networking, it's more about knowing more people and getting people wanting to know you. Rather than pushing yourself to them. It works differently.

However , do you think since it is more rarely done, it is therefore more effective? i.e you get a better response rate?

I don't think it's "rarely done". It's done all the time but in a more subtle/less agressive way. And if you do it the wrong way it won't be very effective. Some interns at my bank didn't get offers simply because they "tried too hard" asking for work/coffee meetings too many times, to the wrong people and at the wrong time. Be open, be sociable, but don't be pushy.

Is it safe to say that Americans are hungrier?

Anyone know a good European networking PDF or something... so I can go about this the right way? Been using American methods and clearly they havent worked ;)