Networking

Networking for SuccessPresented by MSJC Counseling Department

AgendaNetworking: what is it?Why is networking important?Networking mythsEveryone can be a successful networkerBasic networking toolsHot spotsWho is in your network?Informational InterviewYour personal commercialFollow-upFinal tipsBooks and web resourcesQuestions

Networking: What is it?Networking is the process of discovering and utilizing connections between people Not asking for a job Networking is the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, support and access in such a way as to create mutually beneficial relationships for personal and professional success. from Make Your Contacts Count, by Baber and Waymon Reciprocal relationship: look for ways to help Request for information and (you hope) for referrals Relationships over time: show your competence and credibility

Why is Networking Important?Explore your field of interestExpand your knowledge of the industry or field and opportunities within itBreak into a fieldWork the job market the way employers doRefine your interviewing skillsBuild experience and confidenceHelp you achieve your goals: personal and professionalNetworking MythsIts manipulative: not when you are open about your agendaIts only for extroverts, people who are good at schmoozingThey wont talk to meThey are too busy to talk to meI tried networkingit doesnt workEveryone can be a successful networker!Its OK to find the prospect of networking scary most people do!Everyone has valuable connections.Find a networking style that is most comfortable for you.Networking is not bothering people who dont want to help you.People enjoy:Helping othersTalking about themselvesA break in their routine

Basic Networking Tools: at Networking EventsNames are importantLearn their name, give your nameTagline: short identifier after your name, answering one or more of these:Why are you here?Who are you?How do you relate to me?

Basic Networking ToolsWhat do you do?Most common answers do not invite conversation they stop it!Two SHORT sentences, explaining Best/TestBest: What do you do best? One thingTest: testimonial to your talentsIf you hate your jobtalk about what you DO like, or want to do more ofBasic Networking ToolsWhat will we talk about? Your AgendaWhen you prepare your Agenda, you increase your chances of:Having interesting conversationsHelping othersAchieving your own goals

NetworkingHOT SPOTS at MSJCClassroomsCareer FairsWorkshopsCareer/Transfer CenterSpecial EventsSporting EventsStudent OrganizationsMSJC Staff/Administration

10HOT SPOTS beyond MSJC Professional Associations & Conferencescheck out: http://www.cacareercafe.com/cool- connections/ Regional Career Fairs & Events Community Groups Family/Friends Parties Professional Service Providers Trade Publications/Industry News Online Past & Present Employers

Who is in Your Network?

Putting it all to use:The Informational Interview

A chance to learn more about the industry, the market trends, where your skills best fit.A structured, low-stress conversation with a person of your choice.Both the content of the information and the process of gathering it will be helpful to you.You are talking to get their insight, perspective and referrals, NOT to ask for a job.Your Personal CommercialWhat to include:Your nameYour Program at MSJCWho referred you/How you got their nameWhen you are graduatingYour area of interest and backgroundWhat you are hoping to learn about from them

Your 30-60 second personal commercial is a script that allows you to introduce yourself to the person you are contacting and let them know what you are seeking.Activity: Network Like a Pro

Choosing Your WordsWhat NOT to sayWhat TO say insteadI hear X field pays wellI heard youre hiring a lot of people right nowI really cant stand it when.I need a job. Can you help me out?Im very interested in your fieldI was impressed by your companys presentationI welcome your advice about coursework or other experiences that will help me break into this field

BeSmartInformational InterviewPreparation:Know your product: your assets (skills, accomplishments, knowledge areas)Know your target function, target industryIf you dont (yet) then craft questions to help you research this

Tell Me About Yourself (TMAY): your 2 minuteintroduction; what do you most want thistarget to know about you? Key accomplishments.

Informational Interview: StructureYou set the agenda for the meeting

Prepare questions (sample Qs on website)

Research the industry, company and person before the meeting

Its NOT a job interview (but it might turn into one)

Set a time frame and stick to it (generally 30 minutes)

Follow-upAssess the experienceRecord your notes and thoughtsThank your contactKeep in touch with your contactUpdatesLunch, coffee, etc.Periodic emails, cards, notesIdentify new groups to get involved in

Final Tips Be conscious of your body language Be enthusiastic! No gum Turn off your cell phone Try and leave the meeting with three new contacts

Books and Web ResourcesMake Your Contacts Count, Anne Baber and Lynn Waymon Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Ronald Krannich The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, Marti Olsen Laney www.zumeo.com: this mini professional website is the perfect tool to help you impress your future employer.www.collegecentral.com: the nations largest network of college job seekers.www.rileyguide.com: excellent internet resource with links to web information on all aspects of the job search www.careerjournal.com: good articles on career management, including networking www.cacareercafe.com/pdf/hot-tips/10-Professional-Networking-91-100.pdf: Professional Networking Tips

Any Questions?