CAREER WISE: NETWORKING FOR CAREER SUCCESS...Hate small talk? Feel that networking is inauthentic,...
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MELBOURNE CAREERS CAREER WISE: NETWORKING FOR CAREER SUCCESS Dilani Rasanayagam Melbourne Careers
Transcript of CAREER WISE: NETWORKING FOR CAREER SUCCESS...Hate small talk? Feel that networking is inauthentic,...
MELBOURNE
CAREERS
CAREER WISE: NETWORKING FOR CAREER SUCCESS
Dilani Rasanayagam
Melbourne Careers
WHAT WILL WE COVER IN THIS SESSION?
What is networking ?
Identify and assess your current network – and potential networks
Building your networks and maintain sustainable relationships
Networking strategies, e.g. cold calling, information interviewing, LinkedIn
Understanding information interviewing
How to promote yourself - understanding and articulating your value
Develop conversation skills relevant to networking – Practise!
IN PAIRS DISCUSS AND WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU THINK NETWORKING IS
ACTIVITY
NETWORKING IS NOT…
NETWORKING IS THE ART OF ASKING
Ask supervisors or colleagues for a recommendation, or to be a referee in the future
Ask directly about opportunities – including sessional/casual/small project work
Ask for contacts within their networks
Ask for job search and career advice
NETWORKING IS BUILDING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
INSTEAD: How can I
help?
NOT: What can I get?
ACTIVITY: MAKE A LIST OF 10 PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE IN YOUR NETWORK LIST
TRUE OR FALSE?
You should never approach
employers directly
BUILD YOUR NETWORKS
Professional Associations
Careers fairs / ‘employer talk’ sessions
Family, friends, classmates, tutor, lecturers
Student clubs and associations
Alumni / mentor
Informational interviewing
Cold calling
LINKEDIN •LinkedIn - is an online professional network tool which summarises your skills and experience https://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-studentsI
•Your profile page - short summary of your experience, skills and job interests
•Your experience - provide a concise CV-style summary and use the skills and expertise section to list technical skills, professional skills and languages
•Start making connections with people you know.
•Keep your profile up to date and post updates.
•Find Alumni – ‘Exploring your career options using LinkedIn.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rnWkZCbESU
INFORMATION INTERVIEWING …is a conversation with someone who has work experience in a job, field, or industry that you are considering. A 15-20 minute meeting.
Advantage - to get an insider’s perspective and find out more about particular careers and potential job opportunities.
•First impressions – be on time, handshake, eye contact, professional presentation
•Do research and be prepared to self- promote “elevator pitch”
•Be prepared to ask questions & be a good listener & take notes
•Wrap up on time & thank them & follow up with original referrer Career Minute: Informational Interview
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMCdxfBnA3w&feature=related
SETTING UP AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW Introduction/Getting Started
“Hello Dave, my name is….. We don’t know each other but a mutual acquaintance of ours, Dilani Rasanayagam, recommended that I contact you.”
The reason for my call
“Briefly, the reason for my call is that Dilani explained that you have extensive qualifications/experience in……..(degree/work experience) and because of that you might be in a position to help me.
My situation is that I am graduating from my degree and I’m currently doing some research into (job/industry) as a possible future direction & find jobs.”
Reassurance – I don’t want/need you to find me a job
“Dave, I’m not asking if you can give me job like this, or for your help in finding such a job. What I would really like is information, advice and some guidance about….(industry/field/type of work). I’ve got lots of questions and would appreciate speaking with someone ‘in the know’.
Dilani spoke very highly of you and your experience in this field. She thought you would be an excellent source of information and advice.
So……would you be open to the idea of a quick meeting with me, say 15 or 20 minutes of your time?
Great. When is a good time for you to meet with me, and where?”
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK Position Related
What is your position / role in your organisation?
How did you get your start in this industry?
What are the best and worst aspects of this job or career?
What advice can you give me for getting started in this type of career?
How did you get started in this line of work?
What is the typical work progression in your field?
What type of work experience I volunteer work would you recommend for someone wishing to gain entry into this field?
How does the economy affect job availability in this field?
What type of personal characteristics, skills and talents are essential for this position? How did you learn these skills?
Education & Training
Where and what did you study (local, international)?
Are there any industry based training programs that you would recommend?
Is ongoing training a pre-requisite for advancement in your field?
MORE QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT ASK
Organisation Related Questions
What is the organisational structure of this company?
What is the management style of this company?
How does this organisation differentiate itself from its competitors?
What kinds of projects have you been involved in during your time with this organisation?
If you were in my position, how would you approach an organisation like this for employment?
Are there work opportunities for graduates other than those offered in the formal graduate programs?
I am very interested in (put in your speciality or area of study). Does your company work in this area?
What can you tell me about the corporate culture of this organisation?
What’s the best thing about working for company x ?
How do you see graduates contributing to the future of the organisation?
What are some of the major projects your organisation is currently undertaking?
How flexible is the organisation in terms of dress, work hours, vacation schedule, family commitments, etc.?
Is remote working a feasible possibility in this organisation?
AND MORE QUESTIONS… Occupational Outlook or Industry Overview
How do you see jobs in this field changing over time?
How do you keep yourself marketable?
What is the outlook for women in this occupation/ organisation?
How does this career affect your work/life balance?
How can I learn more about this field and keep up with current issues?
What do you think are the main characteristics of people who are successful working in this sector?
What do you think is happening more broadly in the sector that you operate in?
What are the future prospects for the industry – is it growing or in decline, what are the biggest trends or
issues right now?
How do most of the larger employers recruit?
How do smaller employers recruit?
Suggestions & Referrals
Thank you for your insights. I have learnt a lot. I am keen to meet some more people, would you be able to
introduce me or provide with me more contacts?
RESEARCH BEFORE YOU CONTACT Research thoroughly before making contact
MCC website - how to approach employers directly
Graduate Careers Australia and myfuture
University LibGuides and industry websites
Professional Associations & Career Links
Online job search sites eg seek.com
Attend careers fairs and employer talks
Research organisations online eg: using Yellow Pages, Google
Use professional networks such as LinkedIn to research profiles of alumni https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rnWkZCbESU
‘Explore Your Career Options Using LinkedIn’ (UoM Careers YouTube)
APPROACH VIA EMAIL Professional, focused and attention-grabbing. Highlight your value. Indicate that you will be telephoning in a few days to discuss further. Paragraph 1 -Reason for writing ‘I am writing to inquire about work opportunities with your firm………..I have been given your details by / I read about your firm in……..’
‘I realise you may have nothing at present but I am very keen on …..I’d really appreciate…..’
Paragraph 2 -Introduce yourself - overview of your qualifications and experience ‘I am a recent graduate.....with an Honours degree in……..’ Link your request to your career plans and motivation for the industry, organisation ‘I am strongly committed to a career in....and would love the opportunity to work with...........I am particularly wanting to…..’
APPROACH VIA TELEPHONE •Prepare and practise your introduction. Tone of voice •Think about a connection to the employer that you can use in your introduction. •Be prepared to talk about why you have contacted the organisation and what you have to offer. •Think through how you will handle any resistance. ‘Hello. My name is…..I have been given your details by/I read about you in/my lecturer suggested I…… I am a recent graduate of the University of Melbourne and ..I love the look of your company and I'd like to know how I can work there. I've also been doing some research on the industry and I would love to discuss my thoughts with you if you have the time“ OR
……I realise you may not be employing at present but I’m really keen to find out more about your business…… Do you have time to talk at the moment? Or perhaps I could make a time to drop by and talk then?’
PROMOTE YOURSELF – THE ‘ELEVATOR PITCH’ The Art of the Elevator Pitch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHaoDDZbDVY
Introduce yourself and what you’re studying:
‘Hi I’m Dave, I’m in my final year of a Masters in ….’
Your interests/passion and goals:
‘…I’m really interested in X and am keen to start my career in the X industry next year..”
Your skills (and something interesting or unique about yourself – your X Factor):
“I’ve had lots of great experiences at university like being involved in the local Melb Uni Education Society and going on a volunteer trip to Cambodia. I feel these things have really developed my leadership and communication skills as well as my a global awareness”…
Then open up the conversation:
“I’m looking to create some strong industry contacts and thought this event would really helpful. Tell me about how your organisation is involved with the …..?’
WRITE DOWN 3 UNIQUE SELLING POINTS YOU CAN OFFER
ACTIVITY
APPROACH IN PERSON AT AN EVENT •Be yourself! Smile
•People are interested in your story, introduce yourself and be interested in what they have to say
•Have a positive attitude - view yourself as a ‘professional rather than a ‘student’
• Listen carefully, whatever they say, try and get more detail
•Don’t get offended when people want to move on. Know when to wrap it up eg. “it was great to meet you”
• Go and find a person on their own
• Conversation starter: ‘Do you mind if I join you?’
• Don’t feel you need to conquer the room, set small goals to start with (eg. 3 good conversations in one hour). It’s about making a good connection.
•Body Language – handshake, position of hands, eye contact, personal space – too close or too far way, nodding, look for cues for wrapping up the conversation
What to wear? Video ‘Style Yourself – From Student to Professional’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSpI2-rCK24&list=PLsdCHR23_kAIl27VbICX5MvrXgEAULmaH
NETWORKING - WHAT NOT TO DO
THE ART OF CONVERSATION Starting a conversation
•The best way to start the conversation is to begin with your shared experience.
eg ‘Have you been to (name of event) before?’
•Be the first to say ‘hello.’ Listen more than you talk.
•Take your time during introductions. Make an extra effort to remember names and use them frequently. Shake hands with the person, look them in the eye, smile and introduce yourself.
What is your message?
Exit lines ‘I have really enjoyed meeting you, may I exchange business cards with you so that we can keep in touch after this evening?’
•Or ‘Great to spend time talking with you. I am really interested in finding out more about X, would it be possible to keep in touch through email or connect via LinkedIn?’
IN PAIRS, PRACTICE INTRODUCING YOURSELF TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU
ACTIVITY
NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS AND WALLFLOWERS https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-mindset-changes-thatll-make-networking-feel-way-less-fake-and-horrible
Hate small talk? Feel that networking is inauthentic, fake and all about ‘me, me, me..?
•Change your mindset & the way you network – one way doesn’t work for everyone. Small talk = practice rapport building
•Reframe networking as the ‘art of having a conversation’
•Understand what you are asking for and how to articulate your value
‘The Ins and Outs of Networking’, Boston University
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8elMYTDbd0
http://careers.unimelb.edu.au/student/find_a_job/job_seeking_strategies
FOLLOW UP • Follow up with any connections you’ve made either via email or LinkedIn with a personal message thanking them for the conversation highlighting what you learnt, how they have helped you
• Always do what you’ve promised (eg. sending them info or an email, making an application – they might be looking out for it)
• For those who have helped you, don’t let the contact go cold - keep up communication over a period of time (once every so often, update them, ask further questions about trends or contacts)
• Keep good records – spreadsheets are your friend!
ACTIVITY: WHAT NEXT?
In pairs:
Of the strategies we discussed, what made sense for your situation?
Identify three next steps
Q & A
SEE US IN PERSON
careers.unimelb.edu.au
facebook.com/careers.unimelb
twitter.com/careersuom
Career Express Drop-in Service
10.00am–12.00pm & 2.15–4.15pm
Monday–Friday
The Gallery (G04 – Ground Floor)
Stop 1 (Parkville)
