networking guide oc… · to a job networking is an important part of any job search. it’s the...
TRANSCRIPT
NETWORKING GUIDE
CONTRIBUTOR: CAREERS SERVICE, ANNA PERSSON
NETWORK YOUR WAY
TO A JOB
Networking is an important part of any job
search. It’s the process of establishing
contacts for the purpose of gathering
information, communicating your career
goals, seeking advice, and obtaining
leads on jobs.
But if you’re like most students the
thought of networking could feel
intimidating!
And yet, it’s true. Networking is your
best return on investment when it
comes to landing a job.
CONCRETE TIPS TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Networking is about people helping people. It’s about actively creating and
maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with others, particularly those
in your fields of interest. Networking is all about communication but it’s not
about selling.
Create a list of primary contacts
Your primary contacts are people you already know, family members and
friends for example. Let them know about your career goals and ask them
whether they know of anyone who works in your area and who might be
helpful in your job search.
Create new contacts
Get in touch with the contacts family and friends have referred to you. Tell
them about your career goals, skills and experiences. You can also create
new contacts by joining professional associations and organizations,
attend career-related event and by volunteering or doing an internship.
CONCRETE TIPS TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Arrange information interviews
Information interviewing is meeting someone currently working for an
organization, or in an occupation of interest, in order to increase your
knowledge of the career you are targeting. It also helps grow your contacts
in that field. You can also do an information interview on the phone, but
even better if you meet in person.
Follow up
The importance maintaining and caring about relationships cannot be
overstated, as many people neglect this step. If you haven’t talked to
someone in a very long time, it can feel awkward asking them for a favor
when you haven’t done anything to maintain the relationship in the
meantime.
CONCRETE TIPS TO EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
Say Thank You!
Also make sure to thank people at every opportunity you
have. Let them know if you have met with someone they
introduced you to and let them know how it went. I you share
your success and progress and say thank you, these people
are more likely to help you again. Also remember to give
back when you can.
Tip! Be proactive in seeking information and creating
contacts. The more people who know about you and the
kinds of positions you are interested in, the better.
GET COMFORTABLE WITH NETWORKING
Career success depends – partially, at least – on your ability to
create relationships and make connections. In other words,
networking. Networking comes naturally to some people but
can be challenging for introverts.
The good news is that introverts can be just as effective,
successful and socially able as extroverts.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE
NETWORKING EVENTS MORE SUCCESSFULLY
Find out who is attending
Find out in advance, if possible, who else will be there. You can
deliberately seek out people you’re most interested in talking with. This
strategy is useful for everyone, but it especially allows introverts to use
their time most efficiently.
Introductions
If you’re uncomfortable approaching someone directly, ask the host or
organizer to make introductions.
Volunteer
If possible volunteer on the welcoming committee – having a specific
function makes it easier to talk to people and gives you a purpose as you
attend to the needs of other guests.
PRACTICAL TIPS…
Start a conversation
Prepare some conversation starters and questions
beforehand. To start a conversation, make small talk
about the event and/or the speaker. This is a great way
to build rapport. Keeping up-to-date with current trends
and reading the newspapers daily before going to such
events could serve as an important tool when
networking.
Prepare your introduction
Prepare (and practice) your own brief introduction.
When you prepare your introduction ask yourself the
following questions: Who am I? What do I offer? What
problem is solved? What are the main contributions I
can make? What should the listener do as a result of
hearing this?
PRACTICAL TIPS…
Ask questions
Getting people to talk about themselves is a good way of
getting them to open up. By asking questions you accomplish
several important things at the same time.
Use open-end questions in your networking conversations.
Open-end questions are the ones that can’t be answered with
a simple yes or no.
Ask questions starting with who, what, where, when and how.
This type of questioning opens up the conversation and it
shows the listeners that you are interested.
PRACTICAL TIPS…
Be memorable
Bring business cards - there are a number of
online services where you can order business
cards at a fairly cheap price.
Arrival
Arrive early before crowds arrive – this helps
people who are shy to find others to talk with
before little groups are formed.
Bring a friend
Knowing there’s someone in the room who will
be happy to include you in a conversation can
take the pressure off. If the friend is more of an
extrovert than you are, he or she may help
make introductions for you.
PRACTICAL TIPS…
Be a good listenerIf you happen to be more of an introvert you probably have good listening skills.
Listening is an excellent way to get to know a person and listening for the needs and problems of others give you the opportunity to recognize also how you can help others.
Talk to many or only a fewDon’t try to talk to everyone – instead, set a goal, some number of people that you think you can reasonably talk with. If you have a list of people attending, target a couple of people that are of special interest to you.
If you happen to see someone standing alone, looking a bit lost, go and talk to them. They may be shy or introvert and will most likely be grateful for you taking the initiative.
PRACTICAL TIPS…
Follow up
Send an email or call the people you met and acknowledge the
conversation you had. Perhaps send information or suggest resources in
follow-up to what you learned about their needs or goals. You can also
suggest an in-depth conversation over coffee or lunch, if you feel it’s
appropriate to ask.
Do it your way
Have an open mind and show a genuine interest in the people you meet.
Networking is vital and you will need to build, develop and nurture your
relationships but you can do this on your own terms.
Occasionally, you’ll need to step outside your comfort zone – but you don’t
have to be a super-connector to be a success.