Networking “The Fastest Way To Get A Job” Presenter: Kim Matthews NRCC Career Advisor

Please Read the following: This presentation is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration grant award. This announcement is the creation of the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the US Department of Labor.

What Is “Networking”? Sharing your career goals, interests, and dreams with individuals within your personal network.

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Why Is Networking Such An Important Part Of The Job Search Process? Experts Say... – When it comes to job searching, your network can be just as important as your skills & experience! Experts Say... – Approximately 60% of job hunters find their new job with the help of individuals from their personal network

Interesting Networking Facts According to Cornell University’s Career Center approximately 80% of all available jobs are never advertised and are filled through some aspect of networking! Most hiring managers would rather speak with a candidate that has been recommended by someone they know or a current employee!

Where/How Companies Look To Fill Job Openings CompaniesMethodJob Seekers 1.) Look Within 2.) Networking 3.) Outsourcing Agency 4.) Want Ads/Job Boards

So, How Do I “Network”? Begin by contacting individuals in your personal network to let them know you’re seeking employment (or new employment) and asking for what you want. Make it clear why you are reaching out and how much time you think you’ll need from them. (10-15 minutes)

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Developing Your Network Contact each individual listed on each Contact Group page to make them aware that you are either seeking employment/contemplating a career change and ask for their assistance and general advice. These are people you know and feel comfortable speaking with– called “warm contacts Also going to hope to get two additional contact names from your warm contact. These may be people you don’t know personally – called “cold contacts.” If your warm contact provides cold contact names – ask if you can reference them when you make the cold contact.

Your Personal Network Grows Exponentially!  Each member of your personal network also has a personal network of their own.  Some individuals may exist in both of your networks, but your friend will also have many other individuals in his/her network that do not exist in yours.  Then, your friend’s friend - also has a network of his/her own etc… So you see that your potential network can grow exponentially & become very large.

The “Informational Interview” With Your Network Contacts Contacts made with individuals that are not part of your “personal” network (i. e. your extended network contacts) should take the form of an “informational interview.” An informational interview is one of the most productive forms of networking in existence. DID YOU KNOW? 1 out of every 12 informational interviews eventually leads to a job offer However only 1 out of every 200 resumes submitted result in the job offer!

Informational Interview Conversations What is it? A conversation the job seeker has with someone who is doing the kind of work that the job seeker is interested in. This is not a job interview and the goal is not to initially get a job. Rather it is a conversation in which the job seeker gains information – and hopefully additional contacts. Don’t immediately ask if they know of current or future job openings – or even for additional contact names. Instead, say something like; “I’m contemplating a career in your field and wondered if I might get just a few minutes of your time to ask just a few questions about your field and/or job.”

Informational Interview Questions – A. How did they decide on this field of work – B. What path did they follow (major, areas of concentration etc…) – C. What are the most rewarding aspects of their job – D. Are there aspects of the job that they do not enjoy – E. What do they do day-to-day in their position – F. What are the current trends – G. Do you have any advice for me – H. Do you know of anyone else I might speak with about this career choice

“Informational Interview” Conversation Closure & Follow-up Before completing the conversation get their contact information and share yours. If meeting in person, get their business card and give them yours. Send a thank you note w/ card attached (or ). Follow-up with contacts every 6-8 weeks with quality content they can use.

4 Networking TIPS #1 - Create Your Networking Business Card #2 - Develop Your “Elevator Speech” #3 - “First Impressions” (Handshake) #4 - Solicit FREE Career Advising Services

#1 - Create Your Networking Business Card – Personal business card – Name – Contact Information – Degree – Desired Field Of Employment – Brief Description Of Skills and/or Qualifications – Really – Mini-Resume (professional & easy to read)

When Do You Use A Networking Business Card Professional Contact Informally Conferences Attach to Resume & Cover Letter Job Fairs Enclose w/ Thank-You Notes

#2 - Develop Your “Elevator Speech” You have to capture their attention and pique their interest quickly! Develop a 30 second monologue ( words) to best introduce/market yourself. Include what do you currently do? What are a couple of highlights of your current situation? Express what you’re looking for. Thank them for their time. Exchange Business Cards if Meeting In Person

# 3 – Creating A First Impression You Only Have “1” opportunity to make a “first impression” Its formed in the first 10 seconds If it’s a face-to-face meeting the first impression is formed by what you look like, how you sound, and how you carry yourself If it’s a phone conversation its based on your communication abilities & your message

#3 – First Impressions The Handshake (Important, but often overlooked aspect of a first impression. – Offer & use a firm (not overpowering or weak) handshake when meeting someone. – Meet the “notch” between their thumb & forefinger with the same area on your hand. Pump your hand using 2 short motions. – Look them in the eye & Call them by name (Example: It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Smith) – Goal is to express confidence & professionalism

#4 – Career Advising Services Resume’ Review & Updates Career Assessments Mock Interviews Interview Tips Job Market Trends Job Referrals Job Training Information

Networking A Job Fair How To Work A Room Successfully Goal - To Meet As Many Contacts As Possible & Leave Them With A Favorable Impression – Greet the company representative by name – Use a professional handshake – Use your “elevator speech” – Make polite small talk (no politics or religion) – Stay in the moment, at the time focus your attention on them & use active listening skills – As you conclude the conversation, give them your card and politely ask for theirs

#1 Worst Networking Mistake JT O’Donnell Career Advice Columnist

Online And Social Networking In The Job Search Online career search networking can get you in touch with other networkers, executives, and hiring managers at specific companies  Leveraging the power of the Internet through social networking sites can create a vast personal & professional network Examples include: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, CareerSonar, BeKnown, and Gadball, etc…

Why Is Social Media So Important?

Final Thoughts Networking is THE fastest way to get a job Companies prefer to hire people they know Determine who is in your network Use “Informational Interviewing” as a tool Career Advising prepares you to succeed Social Media can help with your job search

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