Claire Childress Senior Assistant Director of Career Services Nancy Brittle Director of the Alumni...
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Transcript of Claire Childress Senior Assistant Director of Career Services Nancy Brittle Director of the Alumni...
Networking Tools that will help you get a job!
Claire Childress Senior Assistant Director of Career Services
Nancy BrittleDirector of the Alumni Career Resources Program
“I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation. Between us and everybody else on this planet.”
-Six Degrees of Separation by John Guare
Step 1…Defining networking
What is it?Why is it important?How do I network?When do I network?
What is a “network”? A network is any group
of people you know or can get to know (through referrals and introductions) for the purpose of gathering and /or sharing information.
What is “Networking”?Networking is the systematic process of discovering
and utilizing connections between people.
Networking is a process of cultivating and maintaining relationships so that mutual exchange of information, advice, and support is given and received.
-From Networking for Everyone
Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships
Key words: Development --- takes timeMaintenance --- ‘Not a one-time occurrence’Mutually valuable --- Focus is not ‘me’ centered
What networking is NOT:
It’s not about bothering, pestering, or using people
It’s not about being pushy and demandingIt’s not about collecting the most business
cards and phone numbersIt’s not one-sided or selfish
Reasons why NETWORKING does not always come easy:
Fear Personality Types Unfamiliar territory Getting started
Why develop a network of contacts?
1. To gather information• To learn more about a career area from people
working in that career and ask for advice and information ( See Alumni Career Coaches)
• As a job search strategy• The #1 way VT students find jobs, most effective
job search strategy (statistics say anywhere from 60-80% jobs found by networking)
2. Professional development/Career management
• Develop and cultivate relationships with other professionals in the career field to ensure career success
How do VT students find jobs?Networking 26%Worked for employer 25%Career fair 15%Career Services/OCI 10%Employer website 9%Job websites 7%Academic dept info 2%
Taken from the 2010-11 Post-Graduation Report conducted by Virginia Tech Career Services
How can your network help?Your network can help you with your job search
in the following ways:1. Planning your job search strategy2. Preparing your job search tools (resume,
cover letter, etc.)3. Uncovering job leads and opportunities4. Referring you to other resources and
contacts5. Helping you evaluate offers6. Providing career advice7. HIRING YOU!
Networking in the job search
Important things to remember:It’s the #1 job search methodGives you access to the “hidden job
market”Only about 20% of jobs are ever posted or
advertisedMay create your own opportunities
It requires you to expand your network beyond your inner circle of family, friends, and colleagues.
GoalYour goal for networking in the job search is
to…GET A JOB!!
Your network is your ‘net worth’ !
Step 2…Developing a network of contacts
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” – Networking Cliché
Let’s examine this:It’s who you know…
It’s good to know LOTS of peopleQuantity cannot come at the expense of Quality
It’s who knows what you need to know…Concentrate on people who have the information,
knowledge, and expertise that you needIt’s who you know, knows…
Some people may be your core of contacts, they will lead you to other people who may “know what you need to know”!
How to develop a NetworkPrepare and practice your ‘elevator’
speech – Video examples
Begin by contacting individuals who are closest to you.
Expand your network by getting names and contact information of others whom they would suggest you contact.
Your “core” sourcesFamilyFriendsNeighborsEmployers (current
or former)VT Alumni
Hokie Nation NetworkAlumni ChaptersSorority/Fraternity
Alumni VTCC Marching Virginians Teammates Other student
organizations
ProfessorsMentorsClub MembersClergy/Church
membersHair stylists/barbersDoctorsTeachers/CoachesProfessional
Associations
Ways to Network
Face-to-faceWritten
correspondenceTelephoneEmail
Where to networkOne-on-one meetingsConferences and conventionsCareer/Job FairsAcademic settings (classroom, college
programs, etc.)Social/Recreational/Community settings
USING SOCIAL MEDIA – What is LinkedIn? LinkedIn for Virginia Tech Alumni
Next Step…Contacting your network
First things first…Get Organized
CMS: Create a Contact Management System to keep track of people in your network and record phone calls, meetings and other types of interaction. The CMS should include the person’s name, address, phone number, email, employer, referred by, etc.
Keep track of your networking activitiesSet Goals/Action Plans
You may want different things from different people. Make sure you set goals for your networking contacts and be specific about action plans for each contact
Making ContactPlan what you are going to say!Call, write or send an emailOffer a personal introductionExplain how you got the person’s nameAsk if he/she has a minute to talk, have
you interrupted something?Tell him/her what you want
Schedule a time to talk with him/herType of information or assistance you are
looking for
Planning the Networking MeetingPLAN, PLAN, PLAN (do not wing it)What’s your agenda (i.e. What type of
assistance are you seeking)Job search advice (strategy, resume)Employment opportunities (jobs, leads,
etc.)You’re in charge of the meeting
Plan your questionsControl the time
The Meeting1. Greeting2. Small Talk3. Appreciation statement4. Resume presentation5. Background summary6. Agenda7. Referrals8. Closing statement
THANKS and more appreciation
Questions to ask during meetingHere’s how I am conducting my job
search. What am I doing right?How effective is networking in finding a
job in this field? What other methods should I look into?
How did you get your job when you were at my level?
What web sites would you recommend?Could you tell me of any meetings,
conferences, or networking opportunities coming up?
What are strengths and weaknesses of my resume?
Questions to ask (continued)Am I coming to this job search with any
serious deficits in skills or experience? How do I bridge the gap?
Do you know of any positions available?Please suggest people I could speak with
who might know of job openings.What companies/organizations who hire
people in my field would you recommend?Can you refer me to anyone else for more
information?
10 Tips for the meeting1. Arrive on time2. Have an agenda and planned questions3. Bring a copy of your resume4. Clarify how much time you have (if not already
known)5. Establish rapport6. Keep agenda flexible but stick to time limits7. Be courteous and show appreciation; show
enthusiasm8. Leave when your time is up9. Ask for additional referrals10. Send a thank-you note
Finally…Tips and Suggestions for Networking Success
Networking Tips for Students Get involved on campus Attend professional conferences Be a leader Make classes count Connect with people Get to know alumni Use Career Services Get some experience Get involved in your community Broaden your horizons
More tips…DiversifyEnlist the assistance of relativesUse the internetHave a resume handy (updated and
current)Develop resume business cardsFind role modelsLearn/practice good time management
skillsWrite thank-you notesStart a portfolio
Use the Resources that are available to you!
Virginia Tech Career Serviceswww.career.vt.edu
Virginia Tech Alumni Career Resources
www.alumni.vt.edu/career
A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month’s study of books.
-Chinese Proverb
Good Luck!!