ENHANCING YOUR NETWORKING SKILLS

Contents

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• The importance of networking• Why we choose not to network• Types of professionals encountered in a networking session• Two most common networking scenarios• Following-up

The Importance of Networking

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• Develop mentors• Connections for the job you want• Learn from people within the organization• Privy to unadvertised events

• Develop mentors• Connections for the job you want• Learn from people within the organization• Privy to unadvertised events

Why We Don’t Network!?

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“They can’t possibly be interested in me. I’m not qualified”

“I have nothing to say…”

I don’t want to

interrupt.

“My achievement

speak for themselves.”

We psych ourselves out!

Most Common Networking Scenarios

Career Fair

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Company-specific Events

Have The Basics in Order:What To Wear

DressBusiness formalConservative colors

Shirts (blue or white)Suits (black or navy blue)

Use what you have that conforms these standards

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Have the Basics in Order

• Firm handshake • Have your story down (15-second stump speech)• Make sure your breathe smells good

– Mints not gum

• Smile– Makes you more approachable – Makes the encounter less tense

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Have the Basics in Order

• 15 – Second Stump Speech– Name and major– Where you are from– Career aspirations or probable area of interest– Why you think you would be good in the role

• Experience, if applicable

– Interest in the company and role, if known

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Types of Professionals Encountered

• Quite/person of few words• Talkative• The Interogator

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Job/Internship Fair

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Job Fair Preparation

• Preparation– Know which companies you want to meet

• Do the research- How the company makes money- Recent company news- Different departments

- For which department you qualify and why- Have tons of questions

– Bring several copies of your resume

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Job Fair Preparation

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Why Bring a resume?

Job Fair Navigation

• Get recruiter’s opinion on your resume– How is my format?– What courses would be helpful to take?– What extracurricular will help me gain skills

applicable to company tasks?– Give them a copy of your resume and ask to e-

mail a revised resume copy

• Get business card

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Job Fair Navigation

• For all companies:- Obtain enough information to make application

decision- Ask every question under the sun.

- 1. Tell me about your company - 2. For what positions are you recruiting- 3. What types of qualities make for a successful employee- 4. What are the requirements for application- 5. What do employees like about their job- 6. What do employees like least about their jobs- 7. What is the culture like?- 8. What can I do to prepare for the application process?

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Job Fair Navigation

• Check List: Had an in-depth conversation with a recruiter

Received an overview of the company Received tips for applicationResume review

Created a reason to follow-up, thus strengthening your relationship with the recruiter, and ultimately the company

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You Know Exactly What the Recruiter is Looking For!

Company-Specific Events

• Company’s Primary Goals– Scout Talent!

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Company Networking Events: Ways to Impress

Get Smart on the Company

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Company Networking Events: The Networking Portion

• General Questions – What division do you work in?– Can you walk me through how business gets

done?– How did you get started in this business– I’m very interested in starting my career at this

firm. What do you think I can do to enhance my candidacy?

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Following-Up: The Key To Networking

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Following up: Keep the Ball Spinning

• Why follow up?– Every interaction is an interview: You do well, you

increase your stock– The more interactions you have, the stronger your

relationship becomes advocate for job

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How Do You Follow-Up? E-mail Example

– Thank them for their time. Ask for more advice:Mr. Smith,

It was great meeting you yesterday at the Baruch College’s J.P. Morgan event. I appreciated the advice you gave me regarding taking “Money and Banking” to solidify my understanding on financial markets. I will be sure to enroll in the class next semester. I would like to reiterate my interest in working for J.P. Morgan. If you have any other advice for me I would greatly appreciate it.

Regards,Joe Smith

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Following Up: Keep the Ball Speeding

• How do you continue to follow up?– Email once a month– Always ask for ways to increase your knowledge– Ask if it’s possible to speak to other employees

within the company– Ask to speak with people within the firm that can

give you a different perspective– Update them on your application process

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Networking: Recap

• Networking can be the difference between getting the job and coming up short

• Make sure the basics are in order• Get smart on companies• Know you stump speech and your resume• Follow-up, follow-up, and follow-up!

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THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

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