1. Claire Childress Senior Assistant Director of Career Services Nancy Brittle Director of the Alumni Career Resources Program

2. “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

3. Defining networking What is it? Why is it important? How do I network? When do I network?

4. 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.

5. 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 time Maintenance --- ‘Not a one-time occurrence’ Mutually valuable --- Focus is not ‘me’ centered

6. What networking is NOT: It’s not about bothering, pestering, or using people It’s not about being pushy and demanding It’s not about collecting the most business cards and phone numbers It’s not one-sided or selfish

7. Reasons why NETWORKING does not always come easy:  Fear  Personality Types  Unfamiliar territory  Getting started

8. 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)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

9. How do VT students find jobs? Networking26% Worked for employer25% Career fair 15% Career Services/OCI10% Employer website 9% Job websites 7% Academic dept info 2% Taken from the 2010-11 Post-Graduation Report conducted by Virginia Tech Career Services

10. How can your network help? Your network can help you with your job search in the following ways: 1. Planning your job search strategy 2. Preparing your job search tools (resume, cover letter, etc.) 3. Uncovering job leads and opportunities 4. Referring you to other resources and contacts 5. Helping you evaluate offers 6. Providing career advice 7. HIRING YOU!

11. Networking in the job search Important things to remember: It’s the #1 job search method Gives you access to the “hidden job market” Only about 20% of jobs are ever posted or advertised May create your own opportunities It requires you to expand your network beyond your inner circle of family, friends, and colleagues.

12. Goal Your goal for networking in the job search is to… GET A JOB!! Your network is your ‘net worth’ !

13. Developing a network of contacts

14. “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 people Quantity 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 need It’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”!

15. How to develop a Network Prepare and practice your ‘elevator’ speech – Video examplesVideo 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.

16. Your “core” sources Family Friends Neighbors Employers (current or former) VT Alumni Hokie Nation Network Alumni Chapters Sorority/Fraternity Alumni VTCC Marching Virginians Teammates Other student organizations Professors Mentors Club Members Clergy/Church members Hair stylists/barbers Doctors Teachers/Coaches Professional Associations

17. Ways to Network Face-to-face Written correspondence Telephone Email

18. Where to network One-on-one meetings Conferences and conventions Career/Job Fairs Academic settings (classroom, college programs, etc.) Social/Recreational/Community settings USING SOCIAL MEDIA – What is LinkedIn?What is LinkedIn LinkedIn for Virginia Tech AlumniLinkedIn

19. Contacting your network

20. 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 activities Set 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

21. Making Contact Plan what you are going to say! Call, write or send an email Offer a personal introduction Explain how you got the person’s name Ask 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/her Type of information or assistance you are looking for

22. Planning the Networking Meeting PLAN, 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 questions Control the time

23. The Meeting 1. Greeting 2. Small Talk 3. Appreciation statement 4. Resume presentation 5. Background summary 6. Agenda 7. Referrals 8. Closing statement THANKS and more appreciation

24. Questions to ask during meeting Here’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?

25. 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?

26. 10 Tips for the meeting 1. Arrive on time 2. Have an agenda and planned questions 3. Bring a copy of your resume 4. Clarify how much time you have (if not already known) 5. Establish rapport 6. Keep agenda flexible but stick to time limits 7. Be courteous and show appreciation; show enthusiasm 8. Leave when your time is up 9. Ask for additional referrals 10. Send a thank-you note

27. Tips and Suggestions for Networking Success

28. 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

29. More tips… Diversify Enlist the assistance of relatives Use the internet Have a resume handy (updated and current) Develop resume business cards Find role models Learn/practice good time management skills Write thank-you notes Start a portfolio

30. Virginia Tech Career Services www.career.vt.edu Virginia Tech Alumni Career Resources www.alumni.vt.edu/career

31. Good Luck!!