On Networking to the First Job

         Its never the first step that's the issue, it's what happens after that first step. So you have made it. You graduated. Congratulations! Have lunch with you family, go out and get wasted with your friends, update your resume and smile at your accomplishment.

         Now to do something with it.

         This is where to watch that perilous stretch of stepping stones rise out of the river rushing in front of you. This is the writers attempt at a metaphor for networking, did you find it amusing? Not the point. Time to pick up the phone and schedule a meeting with everyone you know who is both successful and connected to someone in the field you want to pursue. In my case its the writing industry, the publishing world, and the realm of  makeup artistry.

          Work hard. Wrack your brain and your legal pad for all the burning questions that will lead you to that dream job. Pull the suit out of the closet and put it on. On the way to the interview rehearse your opener and your bullet points until your blue in the face, until its so natural its like someone slapped the words on your brain like a slab of meat on a steel table. Know your questions raw and well done. I swear I'll stop with the butcher metaphors now.  Use your best professional voice. Cross your ankles and whatever you do: don't stare and don't say "um".

          After your pitch (which should sound like your asking for advice on how to get a job and not "please could you try and get me a job as a writer somewhere?) is the most important part: listening to every word they say. These people are the keys to your future. They may only give you breadcrumbs to follow, but if you listen to the words coming out of their mouth the path will lead to more and more individuals who will have the answers to your questions. One of them will even tell you there's a job you'll be perfect for if you only apply. It will be a slow, uphill climb-but at the end will be your dream job. I haven't made it there yet but I'm sure It will be worth every ounce of effort. Thank the people giving you advice, write down their names and once you are hired, send them something they will enjoy.

          I will close this blog post with a word of warning to the aspiring writer/reporter/publishing house worker: Sometimes the stepping stones lead right back to where you started: on the other side of a big river. If this begins to happen its time to stop networking and start taking matters into your own hands. Best of luck guys.