Wichita State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 40
Networking
Online Networking
LinkedIn is not only a powerful job search engine but also a great professional networking tool. Below you will find a sample
LinkedIn message and a breakdown of the parts of an effective message. Use this section as a reference to create your own
connections on LinkedIn.
PARTS OF A LINKEDIN MESSAGE
1. Introduction: Address who you are speaking to. Unless
you personally know them, use their full name. Introduce
yourself and why you are messaging them. Keep it short
and to the point.
2. Supporting Details: Differentiate yourself by commenting
on their work or something relevant about their profilemake sure to keep it genuine.
3. Closing: What is your goal in messaging them? Are you
looking to simply connect? Or do you want to speak with
them further about their life or career? End with a call to
action.
4. Ending: Make sure to thank them and sign off with
your name.
SCA QUICK TIP: Make sure to turn on your
LinkedIn notifications so you are notified when
connections message you.
SAMPLE LINKEDIN MESSAGE
Hi Professional,
I’m a senior at Wichita State University interested in
working in accounting.
I noticed you have been working at Deloitte for the past
year. I just read up on the updated audit committee
guidelines, and I thought it was quite forward-thinking and
insightful.
If you have a few minutes, it would be great to hear more
about how you started working in the field and what skills
you believe are most relevant to the profession.
I’m look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you,
WSU Student
DO'S AND DON'TS
Do Check Your Inbox Often
Make sure to check your email and
messages frequently so you don't miss
communication.
Do Commit To Be Active
Post, react to others, and reply to
comments regularly.
Do Build Your Network
Connect with professors, students,
mentors, industry professionals,
and more.
Don't Request Strangers
Send an introduction message first to
people outside your network.
Don't Spam Connections
Make sure you are posting relevant
content and spacing your post out.
Don't Forget To Personalize
Make your messages personal to your
connections.
References & Thank You Notes
Networking is a great place to begin building quality
relationships that lead to stellar references. References
are people you submit to a position to verify your work and
character. The people you choose as references should be those
that can speak highly of you and give insight to how you would
excel in the position you are applying for.
Thank you notes are a great way to reiterate your interest in a
position, sell yourself, and thank an employer for their time.
Thanks can come in many different forms. Written notes and
thank you emails are the most common, choose which option
is best for you.
For more information on references, thank you notes, and
other professional documents, visit wichita.edu/CareerDocs
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