Training
Find Suitable Opportunities
Get smarter about applying to opportunities that are most suitable for you.
2 hours to complete
Network For Opportunities
Candidate with referrals are 4x more likely to be offered a job than website applicants.
A recommendation by someone within the company/org to vouch for your candidacy
This means that you need to generate more referrals! But how?
1. Leverage Existing Connections
Start with your current network: friends, family, classmates, teachers, mentors, and colleagues.
👉 Share with them your interests and the opportunity and its details that you’re looking for! Ask them if they can refer you to any suitable opportunities or introduce you to relevant contacts.
🌟 This is the best way as warm introductions are much more likely to get you the referrals.
2. Tap Into Your Alumni Network
Ask your school how to get in touch with alumni or search on LinkedIn for alumni who are in the companies, industries, or career paths that you’re interested in.
👉 Either get your school to provide that warm introduction or send an email to the alumnus to introduce yourself and ask to connect over a call.
Example:
[person’s email address]
Seeking Guidance as a [Your School] Student
Hi [person’s name],
I am a [grade level] at [Your School], where I’m focusing my studies on [interest]. While exploring career and learning opportunities, I [how you came to know of the person] and was inspired by your journey, especially [a specific accomplishment or aspect of their career].
I would love for the opportunity to connect, as I believe that your insights and advice would be invaluable to me. Please let me know of your availability for a 15-min chat. I am generally available at [time and days], but am more than willing to work around your schedule.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Warm regards,
[your name]
🌟 Because of your shared experience of going to the same school, the alumnus is also much more likely to respond even if they don’t know you personally.
3. Attend Networking Events
Teen job fairs and local networking events are great to meet professionals in your field of interest. Ask your school and organizations you’re a part of for any networking events they might know of!
👉 Show up 5-10 minutes early, dress professionally, and get ready to talk to people! Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask people questions about themselves and their career path, as well as note down how to stay connected with people you meet.
🌟 Most people are happy to help young students land opportunities, so connect with people on a human level and follow up with people after the event to keep in touch!
DOs | DON’Ts |
Prepare how you’ll introduce yourself to new people - include your grade and school, your interest, and personal motivation for your career | Exaggerate your qualifications and accomplishments |
Research who you’re meeting to understand their journey to prepare thoughtful questions in advance | Come to meetings and events without preparing yourself ahead of time and researching who you’ll meet |
Be professional and display genuine warmth | Making inappropriate jokes or comments |
Offer your assistance, insights, and support to others | Not following up after the meeting and event with a thank you note |
Prepare to explain your background, skills, and what you’re looking for in your next opportunity | Feel entitled to a referral or being too pushy/aggressive |
Actively listen and use engaged body language like nodding and smiling | Make the conversation all about you and your needs |