How to Network?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #201493
    Pete
    Participant

    Basically, through sheer luck, I’ve stumbled across someone, who works at an accounting firm. I’m speaking to the individual over the next few weeks, but he has agreed to let me speak with him for an informational meeting. In addition, he mentioned introducing me to other staff members at the accounting firm.

    This is a great opportunity to network, I think/hope? I was just wondering how I should best use this opportunity to leave a positive impression and the types of questions I should ask, while meeting with everyone? I did notice they are hiring; however, as I’ve done in the past, I never mention a job, while I’m conducting networking meetings, I just try to leave as positive image as myself as I can and make friends.

    Throughout my life, I’ve had a very difficult time socially, but I’m trying very hard to overcome it.

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

Viewing 14 replies - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #773258
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    Smile a bunch and try to be yourself. People expect some reservation from accountants, but try not to be too uptight. Dress nice…clean your shoes…smile…and act like you want the job and can do it.

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

    #773259
    Pete
    Participant

    Will a suit and tie be too much and make it seem like an interview? I don't want to lead them into thinking this is an interview or i'm hoping to come across that way.

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

    #773260
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    Where are you meeting them? How do they dress for work?

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

    #773261
    Pete
    Participant

    Those are questions I will ask before coming in, first I gotta speak with the individual, then if that goes well, he will introduce me to others at the firm. My bet is that people at the firm dress business casual, think B4 is B casual as well. I will be meeting people at the office.

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

    #773262
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    Wear a blue or black sports coat and nice clothes. Are you meeting him in the office?

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

    #773263
    Pete
    Participant

    Talking on the phone first and then meeting him and everyone else at the office…

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

    #773264
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    Man that's a close call. I almost would wear a tie to that. Anyone else have a thought? At a minimum look sharp and wear a sports coat. Update me when you get more details. I mean ultimately you do want a job right? I wouldn't try to hide that fact. People hire people who want the job. I know it's informal at this point, but looking sharp and confident always helps. If they aren't going to hire you in the end then who cares what they think. I mean I would ask questions like are you hiring. I would say things like I want to work here. What do I need to do to get an interview. You are going to have to act like you want it. You are trying to get a job right? If you aren't going to get the job not sure what else you think you are going to get out of it.

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

    #773265
    ScarletKnightCPA
    Participant

    You would think that in networking you would want to communicate your desire for the job but I have seen it complained that people network and just ‘asks for a job' and thus it is advised against. I am unsure myself of the best approach.

    Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
    Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
    Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
    Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

    MBA in progress

    #773266
    Pete
    Participant

    “You are trying to get a job right? If you aren't going to get the job not sure what else you think you are going to get out of it.”

    Even if I don't get it, i'm trying to get more connections, who might know of positions or additional people, whom I could further network with in the future. By asking for a job, you're defying the implied contract of an “informational meeting,” which will usually put the person on edge. Once on edge, this person is unlikely to refer you to other people or positions. In addition, you might gain valuable information from the meeting.

    Everything with my strategy is counter-intuitive. You want to ask for a job so bad and it seems so logical to do so, but it will work against you. The last job I got at a firm was obtained using this strategy. I NEVER ONCE asked for a job, but a position became available and i was referred to it. I think the person speaking with you usually knows you're looking and will mention it, if a position is available anyways.

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

    #773267
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    double post see below

    #773268
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    when networking, NEVER ask for a job. ask for “career advice.” your part should go something like this: “im starting out in the field yada yada- trying to pass (or passed?) the CPA. heres what ive done in the past heres where i see myself in the future. im just looking for some career advice from experienced people in the industry. are my goals realistic? how did you get where you are today as a manager/senior manager/etc etc” people like to be considered “experts” everyone loves flattery just dont over do it. remember, never ask for a job, always ask for “career advice.”

    also, definitely wear a suit and tie, definitely! people subconsciously respect and like people in suits its been proven.

    #773269
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    I 100% disagree about not asking for a job or an interview. You need to find work. It's not a time to be passive. There are times to just network. When you need a job it's time to crank it up a notch.

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

    #773270
    Pete
    Participant

    Despite not asking for a job, i'm going to meet other members of the team and he plans to spread my resume around the firm. Like I mentioned, it's best to not ask for a job.

    B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
    A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
    R=81 I LOVE taxes
    F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

    #773271
    Credit Revenue
    Participant

    I disagree, but it's your life. I would say things like I want to or I would enjoy that. Sounds like you are in decent shape regardless. Dress nice and smile. Don't be scared. You really have nothing to lose. Good luck.

    A - 79 expires 4/30/16 need a pass on REG
    B - 78
    F - 80
    R - 83!!! Can live again!

Viewing 14 replies - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
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