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Making it more personal

As well as using social media for anonymous research, you can also use it to reach out to SMEs directly, connecting with their existing employees.

Two people sitting on stools in a modern café, engaged in a conversation while drinking coffee. Large windows in the background provide natural light.

As well as using social media for anonymous research, you can also use it to reach out to SMEs directly, connecting with their existing employees.

Networking is something that many people dread and try to avoid, but it’s just having a conversation with someone. No one is suggesting that your opening line should be ‘Give me a job’! A useful rule is to focus on getting to know the person first. If they feel a connection with you, they are more likely to want to help.

Online contact

When you view a company on LinkedIn, you’ll see a list of staff members who are also on the platform. You could message some of these individuals, and ask to link with them. LinkedIn actually has a lesser-known Alumni Search tool which you can also use to find warm connections. You can read more about the tool here How to find alumni on Linkedin

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Graduates into Work: Understanding and Interacting with SME Employers

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When I first went on LinkedIn, I messaged loads of people asking them to link with me, but not many replied. Then someone suggested that I personalise my messages rather than using the standard wording on the site. That changed things. More people were happy to connect and some of them even asked how they could help me!’ Jelani, BSc Computer Science

When personalising your message, find some mutual ground and open with that. For example,

I’m a new graduate considering my career options and I’m really interested in [something they are involved with]. Could I connect with you and find out more about your [work/sector/business etc.]?

Clarifying that you are not a direct threat to their job and showing an interest in what they do, are tactics more likely to gain a positive response. Not everyone will say yes, but most people like to share their experiences and feel helpful!

The same advice applies regardless of which messaging tool you use. Keep it brief and clear. Once you’ve connected with them, you can start to build the relationship and if appropriate arrange a face to face meeting.

Face-to-face contact

If you attend a networking event, a conference or a trade show, and there are organisations there that you are interested in working for, you’ll need some opening lines up your sleeve.

A key piece of advice is to make it about them – asking what they think of something or whether you could ask them for some advice, etc. is a good way to start to build rapport.

Turning connections into jobs

At this point you’re ‘information gathering’ and as you get to know each other, you can talk some more about your career plans or the skills and strengths you have to offer. You’ll consider how to pitch yourself to potential employers in the next section.

A next step might be to ask if they can introduce you to other key people in their business. If you’ve taken some time to build rapport with them, they might even be happy to introduce you to others in the region or their sector.

SMEs often rely on networking or personal contacts when recruiting so if you are already in their network, they will be more likely to approach you for an application if something suitable arises.

Another step might be to explore the possibility of work experience within their business.

‘I’m interested in heritage jobs and I know that relevant work experience is vital. I already have a full time, unrelated job so I’ve had to think more creatively about how I can achieve this. I volunteer at a local heritage property on Sundays, and I’m taking a week off in January to help with some deep cleaning while the castle is closed. This will give me an opportunity to chat to a wide range of staff about their roles and hopefully get a useful foot in the door!’ Owen, BA History

Over to you

Imagine you are at an event for small businesses to showcase their products and services to the local community. You’ve looked at the list of stands or attendees and you know an organisation that interests you is there. You see that their representative is alone at their stand – this is your opportunity to start a conversation. Share your best opening line in the comments below.

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This content is taken from University of York online course

Graduates into Work: Understanding and Interacting with SME Employers

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