Networking Guide

Career Services [email protected] 800.486.3116 Ext. 2170

Networking Networking is a key component in your job search. Ever hear the phrase “it’s not about what you know, but who you know”, as frustrating as that sounds it sometimes proves to be true. Employers would much rather employ someone who has been recommended by someone they already employ or by someone that has been referred to them by someone that they know personally. In fact, the vast majority of job openings are never advertised or publicly announced, but filled through word-of-mouth or networking. What is networking? In terms of finding a job networking is simply telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job and what kind of position you are seeking. Networking is also the act of creating professional relationships. It is important to create and also maintain these relationships throughout your career. The purpose of creating these relationships/networks is to have a resource of individuals whom you can call upon for professional advice, assistance, or collaboration. In return you do the same for others in your network. Below are some examples of formal and informal opportunities to network. Formal Networking Events:  Attending professional association meetings, conventions, workshops, and conferences  Trade shows/Exhibitions  Career Fairs  College or community networking events Informal Networking can occur through:  Volunteer Work connections  Social events in your child’s school  Events within your religious affiliation  Friends and family gatherings Never miss an opportunity to Network! Professional organizations and universities tend to provide networking events for their members & alumni. Use the internet to find networking events in your area and take advantage of such opportunities. The key to using networking in your job search is to simply talk about it. Connect with family, friends, neighbors, church members, religious leaders you associate yourself with, organizations or clubs you belong to, former classmates, teachers, professors, coworkers, and managers. Use Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Informational Interviewing Informational interviewing will help you not only to make contacts but also help you to learn about your area of interest from an insider’s perspective such as the skills, training, and experience needed for an occupation. It's also a way to learn about a specific company or industry. Locate potential interviewees through your network and contact them. If you are not comfortable calling them you could start with an email and follow up with a phone call. The goal is to set up 20 to 30 minutes of their time so that you can discuss and ask questions with the intention to learn about their profession which is of interest to

you and hopefully they will remember you in the case they hear of an opportunity. Always try to set up face to face contact, however not everyone has that kind of time, so a telephone call is fine. Make sure to send a thank you note for their time and never ask for a job unless it is brought up. Your goal is to gain information and make a contact not ask for favors. Before your interview do some general research and prepare some questions for discussion. Some examples could be:  What is your role in the organization?  What kinds of projects do you work on?  What is your typical day/week like?  What do you enjoy the most about what you do? Least?  What are the characteristics of someone who would be successful in this field?  How did you get into this field?  Can you recommend ways for someone with my background to get into this field?  What skills do people use most in this type of work?  Is there any advice you can give me? Source: www.careeronestop.org Tips on networking:  Think about what you want to say to others about yourself, and what you want to know from them, specifically for formal networking events. Having a short “elevator speech” prepared is a good idea; a short introduction about who you are, why you are at the event, your goals and skills. A simple speech will come in handy for job interviews as well.  Always make eye contact and reach out to shake hands with people you just meet.  Confidence and a smile go a long way! No one wants to hire or network with a person who seems insecure in their career and unfriendly.  Keep in touch, write thank you emails or make thank you phone calls when someone has helped you in some way and always return the favor. “Don’t burn your bridges!”  When someone has referred you to an employer be sure to mention that person’s name to the employer “My name is Stefanie Garcia, Dr. Sheila Brown referred me to you in regards to the administrative assistant position.” What Networking Isn't: Networking isn't a process of making cold-calls or sending Friend or "Join my Network" requests to people you don't know. It's connecting to people you do know through a valid connection (someone who may be a member of the same professional association, a fellow alumnus of your undergraduate or graduate school (or even high school), or the friend of a friend to whom you were introduced either personally or professionally. Networking does not have to be a carefully-choreographed process of meeting and greeting people. For some people it's more manageable on an informal basis, but remember that networking is always a twoway street. It must benefit both persons to be most effective, so as you ask your network for help when you are in need, be prepared to return the favor when asked.

Using LinkedIn LinkedIn is a social media website similar to Facebook except that on LinkedIn you present yourself professionally. With over 238 million people on LinkedIn, it can be a very powerful tool in your job search and in your career. LinkedIn allows you to do the following:  Create a professional online presence  Identify groups that are discussing topics of interest  Research companies  Find employment  Network with alumni and other professionals You’re Profile: When creating your LinkedIn account make sure to include a photo that portrays you in the most professional manner. A picture that you would use on Facebook will usually not work for your LinkedIn account. Networking & Asking For Recommendations: In order to “look the part” of an educated, accomplished, and well-rounded professional, you need reputable people to verify that you actually can do what you say you can do. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to get recommendations from people within your LinkedIn network to vouch for you online so that recruiters can use them as a first-round reference check when skimming through your profile. If you’re not “backed” by a former colleague or employer, then your word online means pretty much nothing to recruiters. So get your ex-bosses and employers, colleagues, professors, and clients to put a good word in for you. Searching For Jobs: Use the Job Search, Jobs You May Be Interested In, and Discover Jobs in Your Network features to look for opportunities. There are many features that LinkedIn offers for free that users overlook, potentially costing them a chance at their dream job. Here are three of the job search tools that LinkedIn offers that you need to take advantage of if you want to get your foot in the door and get hired. The Job Search function is a basic keyword search box that is typical of any job listing board where you punch in the title of your desired position and find openings that way. Jobs You May Be Interested In allows you to take a break from the search boxes and see what LinkedIn recommends for you, provided that your profile is complete enough for the algorithm to do what it does best – find the best employment match for you. Discover Jobs in Your Network is a great way to see who is hiring within your existing network on LinkedIn, which means you already have an “in” with the employer some way, shape, or form, so go for it! Source: http://www.payscale.com/career-news/2013/09/7-ways-to-master-your-job-search-onlinkedin#

Some Tips:  Use a good picture that portrays you as a clean cut professional  Just as you should not lie on a resume, do not lie on LinkedIn  Think about creating a catchy headline. Think of how sometimes you read articles solely because the headline caught your attention, same idea.  If you join any professional groups, participate in group discussions. This will get the attention of other professionals who may want to connect with you.  Get recommendations and also give them. Source: http://executivembaprograms.org/ten-rules-of-linkedin-etiquette-for-business-professionals/

Other References:  Robbins, C.R. (2010). The Job Searchers Handbook. Pearson Education, Inc..  Palmiere, C. & O’Halloran, P. (2010). Unlocking the Door to Your Career. Pearson Learning Solutions

If you need further assistance contact: Career Services [email protected] 800.486.3116 Ext. 2170