Make the most of your holidays:

Network your way to an internship or job

Presented by Amy Cavanaugh

Fall 2014

Today’s Agenda

What is networking?

Why network?

Who is in your network?

Getting started

Developing your communication strategy

Q & A

What comes to mind when you hear networking?

What is networking?

“Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions;

specifically :  the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.”

As defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary

Common fears Many people feel like they don’t want to

impose People like to talk about themselves and

also enjoy helping others

Sharing information is something that we do everyday, it is a two way streetHave you had a conversation with a

professor, family friend, or even talked to someone on an airplane?

Do you feel uncomfortable networking?

It’s normal!

What networking Is and what networking Isn’t

IS: 

A reciprocal relationship: look for ways to help

A request for information and (you hope) referrals 

Relationships over time: demonstrate your competence and credibility

ISN’T:

Asking for an internship or job

Why network?

Considered one of the most effective ways to find internships and jobs

A powerful tool that is needed not just to obtain your first job, but will also assist you when you search for future jobs

Build confidence in communicating with others

Deliver the personal touch that can’t be conveyed in resumes/cover letters/job applications

Employer focus is on internal hires, viewing proof of work & asking for referrals

Job seeker focus is on resumes & applying to posted positions

Student and Alumni Quotes

“I wanted to thank you since your advice paid off as I started as a project coordinator for ABC Company. I kept networking and talking to people and was able to find a good match.”

“Network, network, network. You never know if the person next to you in spin class or on the airplane might be your next big lead.”

“Get started early…You should already have a resume put together by the beginning of your senior year. Any chance that you get to network, TAKE!”

Getting started

Start by identifying short and long-term goals WHY are you networking?

Common reasons to network:

1. Gain Career Information:

-learn about industry and organizational culture

-make informed decisions

2. Strengthen Communication Skills

3. Tap into the Hidden Job Market

4. Build a network of contacts for future

Who is in your network?

Personal Dentist/doctor Hairstylist Family friend Former/current supervisor Members of your religious

group Relatives Facebook friends Current/past co-workers Members of your gym Co-participants in community

service Attendees at conferences or

events

UP Faculty and staff Classmates Peer members of

student organizations and clubs

Professional members of student organizations and clubs

Representatives at internship and job fairs

UP Alumni on LinkedIn

Networking opportunities over break

Social Gatherings Holiday parties

Local professional association meetings

Volunteer experiences at organizations of interest

Informational Interviews One-on-one meetings

Social Networking LinkedIn (online discussion groups)

Facebook

What about next semester?

Events On-campus events (club/organization meetings,

lectures, internship and job fairs) Off-campus events (local professional association

meetings, alumni events, information sessions, etc.)

Volunteer at organizations of interest

Informational Interviews One-on-one meetings

Social Networking LinkedIn (online discussion groups) Facebook

Develop your communication strategy

Introduction

Create a positioning statement for in-person meetings and email and telephone introductions

Begin with a firm handshake and eye contact

Manage networking relationships

Develop a tracking system for contacts

Express your appreciation

Follow through on next steps

Reciprocate

Brief introduction

A positioning statement is a brief declaration

of who you are, what you do, and what you

are looking for

It is a SNAPSHOT and may communicate these elements:

Professional identity; The most relevant and unique elements of your strengths; Problems you are good at solving; Work you love to do or what you are known for; The types of organizations where you have worked or

studied;The opportunities you are looking for to further your

experience/career

What’s the formula?

Name

Class/Profession (senior, junior, sophomore/Marketing Professional, Teacher)

Major

Opportunities that you are seeking

Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer work)

Highlights of skills and strengths

Knowledge of the company

Let’s get started! Name

Class (senior, junior, sophomore)

Major

Opportunities that you are seeking

Relevant experience (work, internship, volunteer work)

Highlights of skills and strengths

Knowledge of the company

Holiday networking tips

Approach people and introduce yourself with a smile and a handshake.

Try to use an opening line based on the current social situation and try to end your opening line with a question.

(e.g. Do you have any special plans for the holidays?)

Don't take it personally if someone does not want to talk to you or becomes pre-occupied with something/someone else.

Make eye contact when talking to the person—it shows sincerity and interest.

Be careful about telling jokes. Do not tell any ethnic, sexual, gender, or political jokes.

Wait for an appropriate opportunity or for the end of the conversation to ask for contact information to follow up.

Phone Networking tips

Always ask if the individual has a moment to speak with you or if you should call back at a more convenient time.

Pronounce the person’s name correctly.

Communicate your referral, if you have one, to establish something in common immediately.

Be direct and state clearly that you are asking for advice or information, not asking for a job.

Informational interview

The term informational interview was coined by Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career handbook, What Color Is Your Parachute?

A one-on-one conversation with someone who has a job you might like, who works within an industry you might want to enter, or who is employed by a specific company that you're interested in learning about.

A highly focused information gathering session with a networking contact designed to help you choose or refine your career path by giving you the “insider" point of view.

Informational interview

YOU are the one who leads

Learn more about what is done on a daily basis and determine if it relates to your skills, interests, and values

Ask questions that you cannot ask during a first interview (i.e., salary, benefits, work hours, vacation)

Gain valuable career information + build self-confidence + improve your ability to handle a job interview

Getting started – Info. Interviews

Determine potential industries/careers that you want to learn more about

Identify people in that industry If you want to know about event planning,

meet with a person from University Events or someone who plans a major fundraising event for a nonprofit.

If you are interested in working in human resources, contact a human resources professional at UP.

Requesting an informational interview:

It’s best to start with a personal referral who makes an introduction

You can send an email with a brief request and follow up with a phone call

You can begin with a phone call and follow up with an email

You can contact someone through LinkedIn or via a company’s website

Phone/Email Introduction

Hello . . . my name is Sally Student. My former supervisor Wally Pilot suggested I contact you because I am doing some research on careers in civil engineering. Is this a good time to talk? He thought you would be a good person to answer some questions I have about the structural engineering. If it works for you, I can meet you for coffee or lunch sometime in the next several weeks. Or, if it works better for you, I can call back at a time when you might have 15 or 20 minutes to talk. Would you consider this?

Preparation for meetingPreparation is the key to your success

Ideally you will conduct the informational interview in person but it may be necessary to schedule a phone appointment or communicate via email

Begin with research Read as much as you can about the person

Review the organization’s website (avoid asking questions you can easily find the answers to with a little research)

Prepare your introduction about your interests, skills, and values and how they relate to the career field the person you are interviewing works

Create a list of well thought out, open-ended questions

Determine appropriate attire

Questions to ask Tell me more about your career path.

How did you find your job?

What would you suggest to someone trying to break into the industry?

Are there any professional associations that you would recommend exploring?

What kind of work/internship experience would this organization or similar employers look for in job applicants?

What are the opportunities for advancement? Is an advanced degree needed?

What is your schedule like? Are the hours flexible?

What are some of the rewards and challenges that typically accompany this type of work?

Do you know anyone else I might be able to talk to?

Conducting the informational interview

Arrive 5-10 minutes early

Introduce yourself and offer a good handshake

Thank the person in advance for sharing his/her time and acknowledge that you don’t intend to take too much time

Ask your questions, take notes, and let the conversation unfold

Bring your resume with you but do not expect to share unless he or she asks

Follow up Send a formal thank you note.

Let them know what steps you have taken to apply the advice he or she provided.

Keep in touch

Follow up with anyone who provided you with an introduction.

It is common courtesy and it keeps others interested and involved in your career path.

Sending an occasional article on a business related topic or a quick note updating them on your current activities.

Eventually if you decide to pursue the career field, you may wish to send out a “feeler” letter along with your progress report by stating, “If you hear of any job possibilities, I am enclosing my resume and would appreciate hearing from you.”

Your Holiday action plan

Develop your networking goals

Identify people in your network and opportunities to network

Know your positioning statement and how to answer “what are your plans?”

Send emails or make phone calls to schedule informational interviews

Buy thank you notes for follow up

Questions?

CAREER FAIRS SWE Engineering &

Computer Science Career FairFri., February 27 | Shiley

First Avenue Career Expo Thursday, April 9 | Chiles Center

**watch the portal for info!

CAREER PANELS Social Media

Professions: Mon. Jan. 27th

Careers in Biotechnology: Tues. Feb. 11

What Employers Want: Weds. March 26

Careers in Sports: Tues. April 15

Networking in Spring 2015