BUILDING A STRONG CAREER NETWORK

I.WHAT IS NETWORKING? II.PROCESS & TOOLS III.DOS & DONTS IV.WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW? SUMMARY

WHAT IS NETWORKING? Networking is a key process in job seeking, job keeping and job advancement. Networking is about building relationships. 70% to 80% of all jobs are secured through networking. Its the hidden job market. Early chance, less competition. Networking is meeting with people to exchange information. Effective networking is a mutually beneficial process. Give before you receive.

WHO SHOULD YOU NETWORK WITH? Family Friends Co-workers Former Managers Teachers Alumni Groups Suppliers/Vendors Professional Associations Social Clubs Community Organizations Personal Religious Affiliations

PROCESS & TOOLS a)Conduct a self assessment – What do you want to do? Prepare inventory of skills, strengths and accomplishments. b)Prepare a strong resume. c)Organize your network: - Level 1-People you know (refer Level 2 contacts) - Level 2-People who may or may not know of specific job opportunities (refer Level 3 and other Level 2 contacts) - Level 3-People who can hire you (refer other Level 2 & Level 3 contacts)

PROCESS & TOOLS cont. d) Utilize a database or spreadsheet to capture key information. -Name, title, company name & address -Phone/fax/ address -Date -Connection -Personal information i.e. family, education, special interests

PROCESS & TOOLS cont. e) Communicate with network contacts -Dont be afraid to ask for help -Use an approach letter and/or telephone call. Dont send resume with approach letter!!! -Ask for referrals – it keeps the chain going…

PROCESS & TOOLS cont. f) Set up informational interview + Get information-not a job + Plan meeting-set agenda + Summarize your background & experience + Discuss skills, strengths & accomplishments + Keep the meeting interactive-ask questions +Thank the contact!!!

PROCESS & TOOLS cont. g) Follow up with network contacts – keep them informed. h) Leverage the power of the internet i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Search agents. i) Executive search firms should be part of your network. j) Dont be afraid to call into targeted companies to get department head names & introduce yourself.

DOs & DONTs… DO… Think outside the box when identifying network contacts. Stay focused!! Implement & execute your plan!! Prepare, prepare, prepare!! Join professional organizations related to your field. Have a prepared and rehearsed 20 second introduction about yourself. Thank your contacts – send a short handwritten note. Give back – help people that tried to help you. Keep networking even after youve secured a new job.

DOs & DONTs…cont. DONT… Be afraid to ask for help. Get down when youre having a bad day. Forget your business cards. Take your resume to a networking event i.e. conference, trade show etc. Forget to thank everyone in your network.

WHAT TO DO RIGHT NOW? oTake action!!! oMake networking a game–have some fun!! -set goals i.e. # of contacts per week -treat each contact made as a win oCommit to putting in the necessary energy to make networking work for you. -finding a job can be a full time job -networking is not natural to most people oUse a positive upbeat approach – enthusiasm is contagious

SUCCESS!!!