Tap into the Tufts Career Network

Research shows that 70-80% of jobs are landed through networking. The Tufts Career Network is a great way to connect with resources that can help you throughout your career.

August 14, 2006--Research surveys agree that 70-80% of jobs are landed through networking! The networking conversation begins with a referral or introduction to that crucial networking contact. Tufts alumni have an excellent resource available to initiate networking contact - the Tufts Career Network (TCN) with 7,000 active members. Alumni in the TCN have volunteered to offer career or industry advice making your call to them a “warm call” instead of a “cold call."  

Here are some quick tips for making the most of your Tufts network:

• Send your email introduction with a clear subject line such as “Tufts alumna with career question” or “Tufts Civil Engineering grad with career question."
• Keep your email short but with enough details to make it immediately clear to the reader WHY you are interested in talking to them; customize your request to match the contact's background and your own interests.
• Proof your email closely - this is not the place for spelling errors.
• Keep your conversation or meeting brief - no more than half an hour.
• Research the role, industry, and company you are interested in BEFORE you contact TCN alumni so you are using their time effectively.
• Don’t ask for a job; ask for information and advice.
• After your conversation, send a prompt thank you note, either email or hardcopy. Reference advice that was particularly helpful.

Networking is an art and a life skill that can be developed over time. Take the first step by joining the Tufts Career Network today.

For more resources and information about networking, see the Tufts Career Services website.

Additional resources may be found at:

• The Riley Guide: E-Networking
• Networking on the Network: A Guide to Professional Skills for Ph.D. Students
• Rochester Women's Network: Women Making Connections

In addition, many job search books have excellent chapters on networking.

For more personal support for your networking efforts, contact Tufts Alumni Career Services.