How do you think you’re coming across to MiddNet volunteers? You might be less suave than you think you are. If taking a call from a networking contact or a potential employee in the Proctor booth room has ever occurred to you as a not-so-bad idea, think again and read on my friends.

Just last week, Career Services received the following eye-opening feedback from a graduate. There are some revealing messages here about networking: pay attention to the details, follow through on commitments, differentiate yourself from other candidates, and just be considerate. Here’s an important “heads up” from a MiddNet alum:

Over the past five months, I have been contacted by seven current Middlebury students seeking career guidance.  Of those seven:

· One called me by the wrong name and asked me to funnel him through to get a job

· One scheduled a call to discuss my firm, which she took in the dining hall before realizing she could not hear me and then walked across campus talking to people she ran into along the way

· Two scheduled calls, which I thought were helpful and productive, though I never heard back from either of them with any type of thank you or acknowledgment for my taking the time to speak

· Three never responded to my reply to their initial request for guidance

These behaviors are disrespectful of alumni and they are a poor representation of the College. Middlebury has been a respected brand, known for its strong community, and I want that to continue.

I have also interacted with students at other schools (particularly in the Ivy League) with similar results.  If it is a systemic issue, then I think there is a true opportunity to extend the learning environment beyond the classroom and help Middlebury students differentiate through accountability and professionalism not just today, but throughout their careers.

 -Recently received from alum at top-tier consulting firm.

Well, this is downright embarrassing. Believe us, we are blushing and looking down at our shoes on your behalf (especially you, #2, although congrats on being so popular around campus). Avoiding these faux pas might seem like common sense, but we are willing to bet that the students in the scenarios above are probably generally clever, thoughtful folks who are not usually so unscrupulous. The post-grad job search can be an intimidating, stressful, and at times awkward experience, which can make normally level-headed people do not-so-wise things. Here are some tips for remaining tactful as you network on MiddNet and elsewhere:

1) On remembering names: Do not, as I have been prone to do, assume that every man above a certain age who works in finance is named Steve. This very, very untrue. There are plenty of Roberts and Kenneths even the occasional Scott these days. Before sending an email, having a phone conversation, or meeting in person with a networking contact make sure to double-check who you’re meeting with and what position s/he holds within the company. And keep your scruples about you; never ask to be “funneled through” for a job, especially if you literally have no idea who you are talking to.

2) Plan ahead: find a quiet and secluded location to take your telephone call. Set aside a few minutes before the call to mentally prepare your talking points and questions for the kind soul who is taking the time out of his/her busy day to talk with you and answer your questions.

Suggestions for where to take a “professional” telephone call:

-Your empty room. Alone. Sans background noise.

-An empty classroom/study room.

Remember that your networking contact is doing you a favor by talking with you, not the other way around. We’re not saying you’re not awesome and it’s not great that your team is going to NESCACs next week and your thesis on feminist artists in Lisbon is not fascinating. Maybe just talk a little less about your awesome self and focus on what your contact is saying. And maybe don’t invite your networking contact to your a cappella group’s next concert in the Abernathy room. If you’re so worried about pushing ahead with your talking points, you could miss out on something important and also come off as insufferably pompous and self-absorbed. Also, for those of us with more severe phone phobia, it helps to write out questions and comments you might have, and maybe even little notes of encouragement in the margin (Way 2 Go, Sport! Buck up, little camper!)

3) If someone takes the time to reply to your query, say thank you! You always have time to send a quick, sincere thank-you, even if you are no longer pursuing the networking relationship. Nobody likes to feel as if they wasted their time by helping you out

Consider yourselves scolded. We still love you. We just want the best for you, so just don’t let this happen again, okay?

Happy (job) hunting!