Networking Tools that will help you get a job!

Claire Childress Senior Assistant Director of Career Services

Nancy BrittleDirector of the Alumni Career Resources Program

“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

Step 1…Defining networking

What is it?Why is it important?How do I network?When do I network?

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.

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 timeMaintenance --- ‘Not a one-time occurrence’Mutually valuable --- Focus is not ‘me’ centered

What networking is NOT:

It’s not about bothering, pestering, or using people

It’s not about being pushy and demandingIt’s not about collecting the most business

cards and phone numbersIt’s not one-sided or selfish

Reasons why NETWORKING does not always come easy:

Fear Personality Types Unfamiliar territory Getting started

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)

• 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

How do VT students find jobs?Networking 26%Worked for employer 25%Career fair 15%Career Services/OCI 10%Employer website 9%Job websites 7%Academic dept info 2%

Taken from the 2010-11 Post-Graduation Report conducted by Virginia Tech Career Services

How can your network help?Your network can help you with your job search

in the following ways:1. Planning your job search strategy2. Preparing your job search tools (resume,

cover letter, etc.)3. Uncovering job leads and opportunities4. Referring you to other resources and

contacts5. Helping you evaluate offers6. Providing career advice7. HIRING YOU!

Networking in the job search

Important things to remember:It’s the #1 job search methodGives you access to the “hidden job

market”Only about 20% of jobs are ever posted or

advertisedMay create your own opportunities

It requires you to expand your network beyond your inner circle of family, friends, and colleagues.

GoalYour goal for networking in the job search is

to…GET A JOB!!

Your network is your ‘net worth’ !

Step 2…Developing a network of contacts

“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 peopleQuantity 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 needIt’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”!

How to develop a NetworkPrepare and practice your ‘elevator’

speech – Video 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.

Your “core” sourcesFamilyFriendsNeighborsEmployers (current

or former)VT Alumni

Hokie Nation NetworkAlumni ChaptersSorority/Fraternity

Alumni VTCC Marching Virginians Teammates Other student

organizations

ProfessorsMentorsClub MembersClergy/Church

membersHair stylists/barbersDoctorsTeachers/CoachesProfessional

Associations

Ways to Network

Face-to-faceWritten

correspondenceTelephoneEmail

Where to networkOne-on-one meetingsConferences and conventionsCareer/Job FairsAcademic settings (classroom, college

programs, etc.)Social/Recreational/Community settings

USING SOCIAL MEDIA – What is LinkedIn? LinkedIn for Virginia Tech Alumni

Next Step…Contacting your network

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 activitiesSet 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

Making ContactPlan what you are going to say!Call, write or send an emailOffer a personal introductionExplain how you got the person’s nameAsk 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/herType of information or assistance you are

looking for

Planning the Networking MeetingPLAN, 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 questionsControl the time

The Meeting1. Greeting2. Small Talk3. Appreciation statement4. Resume presentation5. Background summary6. Agenda7. Referrals8. Closing statement

THANKS and more appreciation

Questions to ask during meetingHere’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?

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?

10 Tips for the meeting1. Arrive on time2. Have an agenda and planned questions3. Bring a copy of your resume4. Clarify how much time you have (if not already

known)5. Establish rapport6. Keep agenda flexible but stick to time limits7. Be courteous and show appreciation; show

enthusiasm8. Leave when your time is up9. Ask for additional referrals10. Send a thank-you note

Finally…Tips and Suggestions for Networking Success

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

More tips…DiversifyEnlist the assistance of relativesUse the internetHave a resume handy (updated and

current)Develop resume business cardsFind role modelsLearn/practice good time management

skillsWrite thank-you notesStart a portfolio

Use the Resources that are available to you!

Virginia Tech Career Serviceswww.career.vt.edu

Virginia Tech Alumni Career Resources

www.alumni.vt.edu/career

A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month’s study of books.

-Chinese Proverb

Good Luck!!