Peer Career Consultant Blogs

Common buzz words in recruiting for internships nowadays is that it’s “such a tough job market.” This is true! The job hunt now has adapted and introduced a lot more barriers to entry than the job market our parents were competing in. It can feel like you’re submitting applications into a black hole when after your 50th resume submission you realize. . .you haven’t necessarily been hearing back. Sure maybe you’ve been given a hirevue, but as we all know by now, this isn’t even the first official step in the door. So how does one start getting invitations to interview and feel like they have a sense of control over the application process? Networking. No, I don't just mean having surface level conversations with alumni about how much they enjoyed being a Bronco, but actually building a genuine relationship with a professional. Often 70%-80% of jobs are filled through referrals and networking. These connections can fast-track your resume to the hiring manager’s desk and be the key to unlocking the hidden job market. 

Now that I have your attention, here’s where to start: your existing circle. At first thought, this might sound simple but there is a lot of self reflecting and awareness one needs to have before reaching out. You need to find a way to explain your current status. This includes understanding why you’re interested in a specific career path, what you hope to gain from the work experience, and understanding what makes you unique. When you know this about yourself, you make it easier for other people to empathize and help you. The goal isn’t to ask the people you’re connecting with for a job, but rather asking, “Who do you know that I should talk to?” This expands your reach exponentially. 

Once you have exhausted your immediate circle, it is time to pivot to the cold outreaches, and this is where LinkedIn becomes your best friend. The “informational interview” becomes your most powerful weapon. Reach out to people who currently hold your desired role, alumni from SCU, or people from the company who were in the same on-campus organizations as you. Any connection point is a great step in the right direction and an easy way to break the ice. But do NOT ask them for a job in your initial outreach in any scenario. Instead, ask for 15-30 mins of their time to ask about their experience at the company or their career path. When you approach someone with genuine curiosity and a desire to learn, they are often flattered and willing to help. By focusing on their insights rather than your need for employment, you lower their defenses and build a real connection. 

As these conversations progress, you eventually earn the right to make “the ask.” If you have built rapport and demonstrated that you are a competent, thoughtful professional, asking for a referral becomes a natural next step. A referral is essentially a golden ticket because it ensures your application bypasses the automated screening software and lands directly in front of human eyes. However, remember that networking is a two-way street. Always look for ways to add value to the other person, whether it’s sharing an industry article they might like or simply sending a thoughtful thank-you note. People help those they like and trust.

Ultimately, networking is a long-term investment that requires patience, consistency, and a bit of courage. It might feel slower than clicking “easy apply” on fifty jobs a day, but the return on investment is infinitely higher. Most people genuinely want to help, they just need you to make it easy for them. So, here is your challenge for the week: identify three people. Whether these are old friends or new LinkedIn connections and send a message to start a conversation. You might be just one coffee chat away from your next big opportunity.

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