<p>Hey guys just wanna ask you guys about the networking.</p>
<p>Apparently, the owner of the shop where my mom works knows someone who works at PSEG and is willing to network for the internship program. I guess this is a good opportunity but will this increase the chance of me getting the position. The thing is that because I was having a medical condition of having depression since past semesters, my gpa is below 3.0 (which is the minimum requirement for PSEG internship program). Will this lower the chance of me landing the position even if I explain what happened? (I believe I can get it up to 3.0 after this spring, but not sure if it'll be late).</p>
<p>You don’t want to go into medical details. You can simply state that you had a medical condition that impacted those semesters and that you are now working toward an upward trend, but say no more on the topic and move the discussion toward your strengths. They should not ask for details. There is a stigma around psychological conditions that could lead them to discriminate against you. Depression is not something that is “cured,” meaning you can’t have a medical test done to show you don’t have it anymore. Because of this, they may be concerned about those feelings returning and affecting your future work. You do not want to leave them with that question in mind.</p>
<p>Networking will help you if you do it well and leave a favorable impression. Having an internal recommendation can sway decisions. It won’t make up for a poor interview or a weak resume, but if you’re level with another candidate it could be enough to win you the spot. Be sure to have some thoughtful questions planned out to discuss with this contact; i.e., things you couldn’t find an answer to through a simple Google search. Ask about the company values and atmosphere, the skills they’re seeking for the position you’re applying to, etc. Since you have a low GPA you will want to accentuate your strengths - skills that match the job description, your work ethic, demonstrate a genuine interest in the company, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks alot for the reply. But how does networking really work? Does networking mean, the recruiter will actually “care”? (I mean like, I heard the recruiters just throw away the resume if it’s bad in terms of gpa or any other experiences). How does the process generally work?</p>
<p>With respect to your grades, most employers don’t ask and don’t care. The most likely way they will harm your job search is if you are defensive about them. Focus on the quality of your school, the fact that you’re getting a degree and accomplishments in school, ECs or other work. Be confident and positive.</p>
<p>Networking is absolutely the best way to get a job. Talk to people you know and let them know what you’re looking for. Even better, find the ideal job or company and try to find people who know the decision maker for that job or company.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, but unfortunately, I do not have such comeptitive resume. I really do not have any good experiences other than a retail job and volunteering at hopspital for 2 years. I have included the java programming and autocad and other MS stuff as my skill (though not sure if this will help). I did join the ASME club but man, they rarely do anything and we meet like once in 4 weeks. This seems like a really good opportunity for a student like myself and I really do not want to miss this chance.</p>
<p>More advices would be grateful of how I should go about taking advantage of this networking.</p>
<p>For context, I’m an HR manager. If someone I respected at my company came to me and recommended a candidate, I would take a harder look at them - meaning that even if they don’t have the best application, I might still give them a call and at least give them an opportunity to impress me. Not all recruiters or hiring managers may feel that way, but again, it wouldn’t hurt to have someone recommend you; and if that person has some influence and respect in the company then all the better. </p>
<p>You want to make a good impression, which means you want to do some research on the company in advance of speaking to the contact so that you are not asking obvious questions. Asking thoughtful questions like I suggested earlier will show you are genuinely interested and did your “homework” on the position/company. You also want to exude confidence without being arrogant. Practice speaking aloud about your skills and what your goals are and what you can bring to the company. Smile and be social; you want to be likeable because no one wants to work with someone unhappy or rude.</p>
<p>That depends on the job. Some might request them, some might not. Some might look at them closely, while others just have it on file and don’t really care about it.</p>
<p>I second what everyone else has had to say.</p>
<p>Never go into much detail about medical conditions, especially psychiatric. If this becomes an issue, explain that you should have your GPA above the required 3.0 before the program starts. You could say that your school performance suffered as a result of medical circumstances and just don’t go into it from there–certainly don’t qualify it as depression or anything of the sort. Unfortunate as it may be, there is still a stigma attached to emotional and mental afflictions. </p>
<p>Just as everyone else was saying, focus on the positives. Emphasize your strengths, your area of study, your extracurricular activities. </p>