Conducting a “Proactive” Job Search in the Twin Cities

Darren KaltvedAssistant Director, Career Services

School of Public Health

WORKSHOP AGENDANETWORKING• What is Networking?• Resistance/Beliefs about Networking• Types of Networking (informational interviewing)• Steps of Networking & Practice

ELEVATOR PITCH• How to construct your bio

PERSONAL BRANDING• Is perception reality?

SOCIAL MEDIA• LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Applications• Customization, Interpreting Job Postings, Skills

NETWORKINGEstablishing & maintaining lines of communication with others

What is Networking:• Networking is about relationships.• People connecting with people• Finding some common interest between the people who are talking to each

other: kids, dogs, book, golf, managers, ( like you did in the introductions) or a mutual friend/acquaintance

• Information exchange• Information gained and contacts made

We do this all the time – without even being aware that we are doing it

RESISTANCE & BELIEFSFINISH THESE STATEMENTS: (individually and in small groups)

I don’t network because…I would network if…

Which of these are under your control?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Beliefs

Networking is phony or manipulativeNetworking is designed to convince someone to do something they don’t really want to doNetworking is selling myselfNetworking requires an extraverted styleNetworking is mostly done in large groups and requires spontaneity

THE TRUTHResistance is NormalNetworking is about using social, personal and professional contacts to help you to learn more about a field of interest, or organization.Networking is not only for ExtrovertsIt can be planned…and happens when you least expect it toNetworking is not about only selling yourself, it’s about learning and getting more information People enjoy talking about themselves and enjoy helping others…you are not a nuisance (note: if someone asked you, would you help?)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Break Challenge:

Meet and networking with one other person from this workshopAsk them: how did you find your last 2 jobs? Write down strategies…share with large group

WIIFM = What’s in it for me?Networking allows you to:

Tap into the hidden job market (side door approach)Have an edge on the competition due to the relationship you have established To be informedGain visibility for future opportunitiesGain referrals (recommendations by people industry trusts)• Good people know other good people. Therefore, it’s easier and safer to recruit an employee who, by

word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.

Increase your work possibilities in the 21st centuryStrong networking = shorter job search

It is all about who you know or need to get to know, and what you do with what you know.

NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTSDrop the word “networking”. Instead, refer to this process as “gathering information”, “having coffee with someone”, or “building a few in-depth relationships with someone”.

Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.

Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the ball rolling.

Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family members, close friends, people close to them).

Join at least one professional association and attend related events – this strategy is uncommon, but the most beneficial.

Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well as blogs, discussion groups/listservs, etc.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWSOne of the best sources for gathering information about what's happening in an occupation or an industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process is called informational or research interviewing.

An informational interview is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions. The purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job. Following are some good reasons to conduct informational interviews:

to explore careers and clarify your career goal to discover employment opportunities that are not advertised to expand your professional network to build confidence for your job interviews to access the most up-to-date career information to identify your professional strengths and weaknesses

2 Types of Informational Interviews:1. Information: change to find out more about the person’s field, department, company2. Advice & Suggestions: suggestions for resume, experience building, education, connections

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW STEPS• Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about : Assess your own interests, abilities,

values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify the best fields to research.

• Prepare for the interview: Read all you can about the field prior to the interview. Decide what information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to have answered.

• Identify people to interview: Start with lists of people you already know - friends, relatives, fellow students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, etc... Professional organizations, the yellow pages, organizational directories, and public speakers are also good resources. You may also call an organization and ask for the name of the person by job title.

• Arrange the interview: Contact the person to set up an interview: by telephone, by a letter followed by a telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you.

• Conduct the Interview: Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and professional. Refer to your list of prepared questions; stay on track, but allow for spontaneous discussion. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's name when contacting these new contacts.

• Follow Up: Immediately following the interview, record the information gathered. Be sure to send a thank-you note to your contact within one week of the interview.

WHERE TO START…WHO TO TALK TOStart with people whom you feel comfortable talking with. • Graduate assistantships, internships, work connections• Family, friends, colleagues – anyone they recommend• Mentors

Next, talk to people you know in a less personal, yet professional way. • Co-workers, former co-workers, professors – anyone they recommend; mentors• Spouse’s colleagues

Finally, get in touch with NEW people (like today!)• Join professional associations, societies; mentorship programs; attend conferences, seminars,

career fairs; and ask for referrals• Utilize electronic social networking and blog sites (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________To Do: Brainstorm a List of Contacts

Prioritize listMay require some research first

CONTACTS

“ELEVATOR PITCH”

INFOMERCIAL or ELEVATOR PITCHYou never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s why you need to be able to introduce yourself and answer the question “tell me about yourself” clearly and concisely. You may use your “infomercial” when you are networking prior to your actual job search; or to articulate your answer “tell me about yourself” during the job interview.

KEY COMPONENTS• Introduction• Education; professional development• Work experience; key accomplishments• Transferable skills, if necessary • Current status; what you have to offer• Employment opportunities you are seeking• Length – 30 seconds to max of 2 minutes

USES FOR YOUR INFOMERCIAL• Response to “tell me about yourself” during

job interview• In any situation when you are making

“networking” connections• Portions can be used on your resume• Increase confidence as you introduce

yourself • Script when making “cold” telephone calls• When requesting informational interviews

or advice

EXAMPLEThanks so much for being willing to speak with me. My name is Jane Jobseeker, and Nan Networker gave me your name as someone who might have information for me about the field of bioethics, in which I am very interested.

In May I will be graduating from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health with an MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy. While in school, I worked as a research assistant, and I am especially proud of the fact that I presented a poster presentation on tobacco use prevention at the ASPH conference last year.

As I mentioned, I am exploring information about the field of bioethics, with a goal of combining my skills and education working in a small non-profit. I have a few questions about your position and this agency and wonder if you could tell me a little about what you do and what it is like to work here.

Here is another one…

FOLLOW-UP IS KEYFollow-up is often the most overlooked part of networking. Remember, any contact you have with a professional (info interview, interview, event, etc.) – you should always follow-up.

Nurture Connections (value-added networking) – look for opportunities to help them

Potential Mentor/SponsorCareer Opportunity might ariseFuture questions? – this is a new resourceFollow-up with your status on additional contacts they helped you makeDemonstrate your integrity and follow-through skills

Keep track of contacts (jibberjobber.com)

Handwritten thank you or e-mail (widely accepted)Should be called “Great to meet you because…” letter

RESOURCESAssociations/Professional Networks (www.weddles.com)

Volunteer Opportunities (www.servicelearning.umn.edu)

Social Events & Networking Groups

Book of Lists, Twin Cities Business Journal

Academic Job Search Resources

The Academic Job Search

http://www.iseek.org/

www.linkedin.com

LifeScienceAlley

NETWORKING BOOKSDig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, by Harvey MacKay

How to Work a Room, by Susan Roane

Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts,

the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected, by Devora Zack

Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections, by Ivan Misner,

David Alexander and Brian Hilliard

The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies, by Ivan Misner

and Michelle R. Donovan

Social Networking for Career Success: Using Online Tools to Create a

Personal Brand, by Miriam Salpeter

NETWORKING RECAPBe prepared: any time, any whereStart with contacts that are safe to build confidenceNot a quick fix to your next job – make it part of your life/work to build relationships (make it a priority…be committed) Use thought, sensitivity and preparationManage your energy wiselyRehearse…Reach out…Get referralsBe Brief, Be Sincere, Be ThankfulTake advantage of online social networksGet Involved!

ARE JOB BOARDS EXTINCT?According to the Wall Street Journal (January 2011) “Recruiters Rethink Online Playbook”,

"Many plan to scale back their use of online job boards, which they say generate mostly unqualified leads, and hunt for candidates with a particular expertise on places like LinkedIn before they post an opening. As the market gets more competitive again, they are hiring recruiters with expertise in headhunting and networking, rather than those with experience processing paperwork.“

SO WHAT DO YOU DO…

LINKEDINWORLD’S LARGEST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ON THE INTERNETHelps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals

Over 173 MILLION members from over 200 countries/territories (49 % in U.S.; 61% outside U.S.)Members include executives from ALL FORTUNE 500 CompaniesOver 2 MILLION company profilesProfessionals are joining LinkedIn at a rate that is faster than two new members per second.46% of employers use LinkedIn to research new hires (Careerbuilder.com)85% use LinkedIn or Google to search candidates (NACE)82% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn for their Corporate Hiring SolutionsAccording to the Harvard Business Review, 80% of jobs are obtained through networkingIn 2008, social networking sites, including blogs and LinkedIn were used more than email (Nielson Online)

LINKEDIN – It is not a matter of using it, but more importantly how you use it!

LINKEDIN PROFILE

Profile PictureStatus UpdateSummary ExperienceRecommendationsConnectionsSkills & ExpertiseEducationVolunteering…Other sections

Darren’s Profile

LINKEDIN FEATURESKey Features:

People (keyword based)Groups (shared interest; quality vs. quantity)Companies (the inside scoop – side door approach)Skills & Areas of Expertise (MORE)Jobs

Lets check them out

TWITTERWhat is Twitter: • Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you with the latest

information that you find the most interesting.• Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the

conversations (http://twitter.com/about) • 140 Million accounts on Twitter (300,000 new users every day); 3 Billion

tweets per day• 60% of Twitter users abandon their accounts within the first month of use

Why Participate:• Make and maintain connections; Good learning tool; and can be used to

promote events• Follow industry leaders• Share knowledge; interact with others and get advice• Creating and marketing your brand – demonstrate your expertise• To learn about occupations, employers, recruiters and job opportunities

PERSONAL BRANDING

PERCEPTION VS. REALITY

Do you think perception is reality?

Robin Williams

Steve Martin

BRANDING

When you see brands somewhere, you associate them with a set of expectations or perceptions that are connected with a product or service.

You associate these concepts, thoughts, and images with the particular companies because of the brand each company has established.

A brand is a unique promise of value.

PEOPLE BRANDS

LETS CHATWhat brand do you associate with the most? (product or person)

Why do you like it (her or him)?

From a brand perspective, what is its (her or his) “unique promise of value”?

WHY BUILD A BRAND?Puts you in charge of leaving a footprint.

Establishes credibility and visibility.

Provides a competitive edge – differentiate yourself.

To find people who compliment your strengths.

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR

HERE IS WHAT THEY WANT…Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Self-Awareness• High Emotional Intelligence• Self-Esteem/Confidence• Passion• Awareness of strengths/weaknesses

Top 10 Skills (NACE):• Communication, Integrity, Interpersonal, Technical, Analytical, Initiative,

Adaptability, Work Ethic, Team-work, Detail-oriented

How can you help out bottom line…

JOB SEARCH PROCESSConducting a job search takes time, commitment, and organization. Here are a few tips to help you through the process:

Assess yourself: Be certain you know your own values, skills, strengths, and work criteria.

Create your own marketing materials: Develop a portfolio, write a resume and cover letter, have an online presence, and script an elevator pitch.

Gather information: Network in professional associations, conduct informational interviews, or “try on” a position through volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.

Apply for positions that match your qualifications: Apply for positions for which you possess most of the required qualifications - even if you don't possess all of the skills listed in the job description. (60-70% rule)

Interview preparation: Even before you are invited to interview, begin preparing. Think about and practice your responses to the most commonly asked questions.

Stay on task: by persistent, prioritize and organization search information (deck of cards rule)

APPLICATIONSWhen applying for job opportunities (or inquiring about opportunities), here are a few tips to help you out:

Customize all application materials to the position and/or organizationFocus on the keywordsGovernment applications (federal) are a nightmare…RUN! The format for all materials should be the sameIt is not about what the company can do for you…it is what you can do for the companyRemember – you are one-in-a-million…not one-of-a-million!

Steps:1. Go through the position description and highlight all keywords that represent your Skills,

Knowledge, and/or Experience.2. Incorporate these keywords into your resume (use their lingo)3. Select the 3-5 that are your strongest…this becomes the Summary section of your resume and is

what will be narrated in your cover letter

WHAT IS A HEALTHY CAREERHeart - Occupational expertise

Circulatory System - A wide, deep network of contacts

Muscle Groups - Versatility in contributing your expertise

Flexibility & Range of Motion  - Willingness to adapt

Work With Winners -  Successful organizations and coworkers aid and abet your ability to accomplish your career goals, enabling you to grow on the job and developing useful professional/lifetime connections

Stretch Your Soul - A healthy career not only serves you, it serves others, your community, and your country as well. It regenerates your pride in what you do and your enthusiasm for doing it.

Pace Yourself  - Discipline yourself and your boss to set aside time to recharge your passion and capacity for work.

Adapted from Peter Weddle’s “Career Fitness”

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY CAREERKeeps you up-to-date on relevant information in your field

Expand your networking contacts and meaningful connections

Provide opportunities for you to serve others

Can help you be more efficient

Enhance your brand and online presence

ANYONE…ANYONE…ANYONE…BUELLER

Darren Kaltveddkaltved@umn.edu

www.linkedin.com/in/darrenkaltvedhttp://www.sph.umn.edu/careers-blog/

Thanks for coming!