Soon-to-be-grads are starting to network for their job searches. It's really tough to do this in a pandemic, & I wish them the best!
One thing that means a lot to me when folks ask for my help is the professionalism & preparation they put into their outreach. Some basics:
1/

*Know why you want to talk to me. Tell me up front who/what led you to contact me. Tell me what you want to talk about with as much specificity as you can.
*I often meet job-seekers in groups, for time management & also because you can help each other! Peers are your network.
2/

*Make it worth your time and mine. Don't ask me to describe by career path; my bio/CV are online.
More fruitful Qs might be: How did you know that X was the right choice for you? What do you think was most valuable for you in achieving Y?
3/

*Meeting the most senior people you can is not always the best way to get into a career. I graduated from college in 1991 & started my post-PhD career 21 years ago. Networking with early & mid-career folks can be very valuable. I can connect you to some if you ask!
4/

*Office norms matter. "Hey Tamara," is not a professional salutation when making requests from strangers. Yes, there's privilege in knowing this stuff already; teachers/mentors, you owe it to your students to guide them on this.
*Follow up! Start with a thank you note.
5/

*If I told you'd I'd do something for you & haven't, it's OK to reach out and remind me! I'm busy & things slip thru the cracks.
*Send me updates on your job search/plans, so I don't do things for you that are no longer relevant.
*In general, every 2-3 weeks is not pesty. :)
6/

*If you want my help on something, explain why/how I can help, & ASK, don't assume: "I've applied for Job X with Person Z at Place Y. If you know Z, would you be willing to highlight my application for them?"
*After you get a job, stay in touch. Networks live forever.
7/

I encourage others to append their advice/ideas/disputations to this thread. Good luck, grads!
/fin