Never Fear Networking Again Boot Camp 2016 Marcy Bullock and Neal Hairston

Cardio The heartbeat of your career is your network of contacts.

Circulatory Your network is interconnected and keeps you alive.

“So who actually uses networking?” Stand up and lets whip you into career ready shape How did you find the best job you’ve ever had? 60% of jobs are found through your network Only 15% of job hunters use the tool

“I’d rather hire Billy’s son’s roommate’s cousin’s lab partner than someone I don’t know!” Prepare your personal contact list. Anyone who has some even remote connection to what you want to do. Who can you include? Lots of NAMES!

What kinds of people do you know that might help you? Faculty, Friends, Family, Fellow Job Hunters Alumni on LinkedIn Supervisors and co-workers Professionals Clubs/Service Groups Customers Peers Someone next to you on an airplane Who Can Help you?

Networking for the Shy: Start with people you know –Make a list of friends, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, classmates, coworkers. Assess the list and prioritize who you need to contact. Try setting up informational interviews with friends of friends –The friend in common will be a good topic for an icebreaker. Do your research –Conversations are less stressful if you’re prepared. –You’ll be more confident, more productive. Use your college connections/resources

First Level Networking Make personal contact with people you know Ask for name of other people to contact as referrals or “leads” Conduct an Informational Interview. Ask for Advice, Information and Guidance, NOT A JOB! Add them to LinkedIn

“I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t know what to say” Give a cheerful greeting Ask open ended questions and listen –What is a typical day like? –What is most challenging and frustrating? –What are the trends in your industry? –What skills do you seek in new hires? –What advice do you have for me to increase my competitiveness? –Who else do you suggest I talk to? Look for invitations to share interesting facts about yourself Look for commonalities

Second Level Networking Follow up with all of your contacts and leads each month. Now mention that you are looking for a job. Mail them an updated resume.

Organize your own personal contact list: Contact’s name Relationship Contact’s Information Leads Advice Shared Resume Thank you note Special requests

Networking in a Nutshell: Meet People Welcome opportunities to meet new people Re-connect with those you already know Listen and learn Everybody likes to talk about themselves When you listen, you will learn who they are, what is important to them, how you can help them and they can help you Stretch Yourself

Be Flexible and Stay In Touch -Find ways to stay in touch and build relationships

Pace Yourself Marathon vs Sprint

Be a Boot Camp Winner Believe in your potential Visualize success Celebrate

Thank you and best wishes!