Networking Basics: “Seize the Opportunity”

This is the final part of a 4-part guest post (See part 1 / part 2 / part 3) on Networking from Luis Miguel Ochoa (see bio at bottom of page).

In this closing article, we’ll talk about networking basics at the interview stage, and how to reconnect with someone if you’ve lost touch.

First off, in any interview your contact helped you land, please make sure you make them proud for recommending you. Make sure you are fully prepared for detailed technical and behavioral questions so you can knock the interview out of the park. It would be pretty unfortunate if you went in with a very positive endorsement from a contact (“this kid can convert base metal into gold”), and you flop on the first question (ex: what is investment banking?). The end of the interview is really a chance to test your knowledge about how well you know the company.

“I remember reading about the DEAL that your team worked on. What was the toughest part of that process? / What were some of the selling points? ”

“Why did you choose this company?”

I learned from a friend of mine at Stanford GSB, that if the interview isn’t going well, you could bring up this:

“It was really great speaking with you today, I want to ask if there’s anything in my background that you have any concerns about so I can address it now.”

Don’t forget the thank you letter, keep it short and sweet.

“Hi Name,

It was great to meet you today. I really appreciate the chance to hear about [topic], which reminded me so much about my own work in [topic]. Thank you for your time.”

Tip #12: You are trying to draw parallels between the person’s interests and your interests. Not just at the end of the interview, but throughout the interview.

Rekindling the Fire

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. If you lost touch with someone, you can always send them a note saying

“Hi Name,

Hope things are well. I know it’s been a while and wanted to check in and see how things are going. I am [list update(s)]. Any chance we can touch base over the phone?”

While you can only handle so many quality connections, it’s never too late to reach out to an old contact…just make sure you aren’t asking for a favor at the same time. Bad form monkeys, bad form.

Now over to you readers, I know it seems like a lot of common sense, but sometimes that stuff isn’t so common…

Luis' full bio: He has worked in investment banking for several years covering the industrial sector. In addition to being an avid mentor for his alma mater, he volunteers for the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. In his spare time he enjoys fencing and attends networking events in New York. He graduated from Stanford with a BA in economics.