When to send resume to networking contacts? Forum

[Anonymous User]

When is it appropriate to send a resume to someone you met through networking? Friends and family have recently put me in touch with some people to "speak with them about their experiences." I don't want to send them a resume before they ask and have them think I'm being presumptuous, but I also think it'd help me if they saw it.

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

[Agent]

I would probably take the resume along, tucked beneath the notepad in a padfolio. I would not offer it unless they asked.

If the meeting went well but they didn't bring it up, I'd politely ask (before leaving, or in my thank you email) if they'd mind glancing at my resume sometime and offering suggestions on how I might make myself more marketable. If they seemed glad to help, I'd email it to them.

They usually say they'll hang onto it or offer to pass it along if they like it. If they don't like it or aren't in a position to help, they'll usually at least offer a couple of suggestions or words of encouragement.

HTH

[Anonymous User]

Yes, very helpful. Thanks. Anyone else have any thoughts?

[desertlaw]

Are you in the same city as them and you're meeting them for the first time? If so, just bring the resume along, but don't send beforehand. If they ask during the meeting, you can show them. But hopefully your discussion during lunch/coffee brings out all your experience and wonderful qualities. If they later want to help you find a job, they'll ask for your resume.

[bogart]

I usually send mine in the thank you email with something like "feel free to hand it out to whomever you know that may be looking." If the meeting is in their office then I will bring it with me in a leather binder or something like that - offer it at the end. If your going out to lunch then I wouldnt bring it because you will look awkward carrying it into a restaurant.

As time goes on and your resume changes (publication, good grade, etc....) send the updated one to them in an email. Its a good way to keep in touch.

[Agent]

I usually send mine in the thank you email with something like "feel free to hand it out to whomever you know that may be looking." If the meeting is in their office then I will bring it with me in a leather binder or something like that - offer it at the end. If your going out to lunch then I wouldnt bring it because you will look awkward carrying it into a restaurant.

As time goes on and your resume changes (publication, good grade, etc....) send the updated one to them in an email. Its a good way to keep in touch.

It's funny how different our perspectives must be, as I disagree with pretty much all of this advice. I guess that's why it's nice to be able to ask a bunch of people at once via the internet.

[r6_philly]

My experience has been, if the person is willing to pass it along, they will ask you for it. It could go like this:

"So do you know a firm where I could be a good fit?" or "Do you know any place that's hiring?"

and they say "sure, send me your resume and I will pass it along."

I don't usually send it unsolicited. People should always be asked about whether or not they want to help you.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone.

I guess the issue is that I always have a tough time balancing not trying to be pushy but also letting the person know I'm open to opportunities at their firm.

The person that I'm meeting with is a friend of a good friend, and they were told that I'd like to meet with them because I'm interested in learning more about opportunities in his city's job market. I'm not sure how much he knows about my background and has any idea I'd be interested in opportunities at his firm, so I want to be able to make that clear/sell myself while not seeming like I'm just trying to get a job from him.

Is it a good idea then to just let the conversation flow naturally, and if he doesn't bring it up, just ask if there are any opportunities for me to explore at his firm now or in the future?

[LawIdiot86]

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone.

I guess the issue is that I always have a tough time balancing not trying to be pushy but also letting the person know I'm open to opportunities at their firm.

The person that I'm meeting with is a friend of a good friend, and they were told that I'd like to meet with them because I'm interested in learning more about opportunities in his city's job market. I'm not sure how much he knows about my background and has any idea I'd be interested in opportunities at his firm, so I want to be able to make that clear/sell myself while not seeming like I'm just trying to get a job from him.

Is it a good idea then to just let the conversation flow naturally, and if he doesn't bring it up, just ask if there are any opportunities for me to explore at his firm now or in the future?

They all know that if you're talking to them and haven't said something like "and I never want to live in this city" or "I would never do what your firm does," that you would kill for a job there. It's beyond implied.

[The Pen Is Mightier]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

[Agent]

They all know that if you're talking to them and haven't said something like "and I never want to live in this city" or "I would never do what your firm does," that you would kill for a job there. It's beyond implied.

+1

[Agent]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

+1. I will also note that IMO, it's extremely helpful to be likeable and genuine. Sometimes being aggressive in the wrong ways and at the wrong moments can really hurt likability.

[LawIdiot86]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

I disagree. My approach to one on one networking is that I'm there to learn from them and get advice from them. Implying they should care about or that I am so important they should spend time preparing for me makes me seem too important. Just leave the resume at home and actually network beyond the proforma chit-chat you think is required before you can drop a resume; this isn't a suite at OCI. My rule of thumb is that I don't ask them to look at or pass my resume around unless I've had 5-10 separate interactions with them or have some family tie to them directly.

[AreJay711]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

I disagree. My approach to one on one networking is that I'm there to learn from them and get advice from them. Implying they should care about or that I am so important they should spend time preparing for me makes me seem too important. Just leave the resume at home and actually network beyond the proforma chit-chat you think is required before you can drop a resume; this isn't a suite at OCI. My rule of thumb is that I don't ask them to look at or pass my resume around unless I've had 5-10 separate interactions with them or have some family tie to them directly.

I like being bold but this is probably good advice unless you are asked -- which in my case has happened more often than not.

[Anonymous User]

I disagree. My approach to one on one networking is that I'm there to learn from them and get advice from them. Implying they should care about or that I am so important they should spend time preparing for me makes me seem too important. Just leave the resume at home and actually network beyond the proforma chit-chat you think is required before you can drop a resume; this isn't a suite at OCI. My rule of thumb is that I don't ask them to look at or pass my resume around unless I've had 5-10 separate interactions with them or have some family tie to them directly.

OP Here: I agree that this is good advice, but my goal is to get a (good) job in the city as soon as possible due to personal reasons. (I've been through the legal hiring process before, so I know how the whole process in general works). Since I do not live in this city, and since this person isn't someone I'd interact with normally otherwise, this may be one of my only chances to impress them enough for them to be willing to recommend me for opps at their firm.

I guess I don't have much to loose by being a bit bold in this situation.

[Anonymous User]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

Perhaps then it'd be best to just give him a brief primer before we met. When we set up the meeting, I can just say, "Here is a little bit more about me and my goals for the near future.", just so I can set the tone for the conversation.

[bogart]

I usually send mine in the thank you email with something like "feel free to hand it out to whomever you know that may be looking." If the meeting is in their office then I will bring it with me in a leather binder or something like that - offer it at the end. If your going out to lunch then I wouldnt bring it because you will look awkward carrying it into a restaurant.

As time goes on and your resume changes (publication, good grade, etc....) send the updated one to them in an email. Its a good way to keep in touch.

It's funny how different our perspectives must be, as I disagree with pretty much all of this advice. I guess that's why it's nice to be able to ask a bunch of people at once via the internet.

Fair enough. This style has worked for me. Just curious as to what you disagree about?

[Agent]

Not at all surprised that it's worked for you. I guess it all just sounds a bit too forward for me, at least considering my particular circumstances (young non-trad).

[r6_philly]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

Perhaps then it'd be best to just give him a brief primer before we met. When we set up the meeting, I can just say, "Here is a little bit more about me and my goals for the near future.", just so I can set the tone for the conversation.

The whole point of meeting in person is to sell yourself during the meeting. There is really no point to pre-sell if the meeting is already agreed upon. Resume is not really an effective way to self-market. Treat the meeting like an interview and shine in it.

[LawIdiot86]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

Perhaps then it'd be best to just give him a brief primer before we met. When we set up the meeting, I can just say, "Here is a little bit more about me and my goals for the near future.", just so I can set the tone for the conversation.

The whole point of meeting in person is to sell yourself during the meeting. There is really no point to pre-sell if the meeting is already agreed upon. Resume is not really an effective way to self-market. Treat the meeting like an interview and shine in it.

I thought OP was "networking," not "interviewing" at this meeting. Many of the partners I met with indicated they were put off by the number of law students who viewed every meeting or conference as an interview and didn't get that networking was about building professional relationships without an eye towards a job.

[The Pen Is Mightier]

Can I just say, "Here's my resume; wanted to pass it along in case you'd like to learn more about me before we talked"

Sometimes you can just do this. Being shy about networking is a poor strategy. When there's an extant relationship though, family friend, etc., I guess you might want to be a little more cautious, but at least try to bring it up during your convo, as others have said ITT. But when there is a more attenuated connection with the person you're contacting, I think it's a good idea to include your resume "to give a sense of your background."

Perhaps then it'd be best to just give him a brief primer before we met. When we set up the meeting, I can just say, "Here is a little bit more about me and my goals for the near future.", just so I can set the tone for the conversation.

The whole point of meeting in person is to sell yourself during the meeting. There is really no point to pre-sell if the meeting is already agreed upon. Resume is not really an effective way to self-market. Treat the meeting like an interview and shine in it.

My thinking is that the entire point of a resume is the exact opposite of the bolded. And if that is the case, you ought to re-work your resume.

As for leading with it, I agree with others that it's not always appropriate right off the bat. I was envisioning a circumstance where OP is contacting someone who 1) doesn't know OP that well, 2) can influence hiring decisions, and 3) is likely to be impressed by the resume. Also that OP is looking to get hired in the short term, as opposed to genuinely seeking career advice, developing relationships, or shooting the shit. I guess the crux of what I'm arguing is that the point of a resume is to efficiently convey your experiences and qualifications, in a format that is familiar to anyone reading it, so that the reader can at least know whether you're serious about her field and at most so you can impress her.

[Anonymous User]

I was envisioning a circumstance where OP is contacting someone who 1) doesn't know OP that well, 2) can influence hiring decisions, and 3) is likely to be impressed by the resume. Also that OP is looking to get hired in the short term, as opposed to genuinely seeking career advice, developing relationships, or shooting the shit.

OP: Yes, to clarify, this is exactly the situation. While I was introduced to this person as "someone who is trying to get a feel for legal hiring in the area", I am actively seeking a job in the short term and not really looking to waste any unnecessary time. I would love to have the time to build a relationship with that person, but that's not going to happen. Either our meeting will impress him enough to help me get in the door where he works (or somewhere else he has connections to) or the meeting will end up having little value.

[The Pen Is Mightier]

I mean, yeah, then considering it was your gut feeling anyway, I say fire away. Good luck hombre.

[Anonymous User]

I mean, yeah, then considering it was your gut feeling anyway, I say fire away. Good luck hombre.

Thanks! Meeting next week; will give an update.

[bogart]

Not at all surprised that it's worked for you. I guess it all just sounds a bit too forward for me, at least considering my particular circumstances (young non-trad).

May be a regional thing. I'm in NY so "too forward" isnt really something that exists here. One thing our stances show is that you have to do what is comfortable for you. We both have different methods, and I am sure yours works for you, and mine works for me. When networking, it is so important to just be yourself (corny line, I know, but it works).