Networking Your Most Important Job-Search Technique

Sponsored by

Jump into the Job SearchCareer Center ♦ Lucina Hall 220www.bsu.edu/careers

Workshop Objectives

1. To learn how networking works in the job-search process.

2. To describe success rates of various job-search strategies.

3. To outline the steps used to build your network.

4. To identify network contacts.

Definition of Networking

Making use of contacts to gather information,

identify significant opportunities, and help make important career connections.

Purposes of Networking

To gather information and advice To receive help about your job

search To obtain referrals

Success Rates of Job-Search Strategies

If . . . you only use creative marketing = 1-2% success rate.

If . . . you only attend job fairs= 1-3% success rate.

If . . . you only use your college or alumni for job leads = 3-5% success rate.

If . . . you only use the unemployment / workforce development system = 3-5% success rate.

If . . . you only answer classified ads = 7-10% success rate.

If . . . you only use recruiters, headhunters, or private employment agencies = 3-12% success rate.

If . . . you only use the Internet = 5-15% success rate.

If . . . you only use targeted marketing = 35-65% success rate.

If . . . you only use new contact development = 25-50% success rate.

If . . . you only use networking = 35-70% success rate.

Most successful single method = 70%

Before you go, plan!

Decide exactly what kind of a position or career you want. What do you have to offer? What are your favorite skills?

Decide exactly where you want to work. Explore your opportunities through

research. Conduct informational interviews.

Learn

Conduct an informational interview.

Follow up appropriately.

Keep good records.

Pursue Go after the organizations that

interest you the most. Use members of your network to

identify contacts. Identify the person with the power to

hire you.

Identify Contacts

Faculty Students Friends Former employers Former co-

workers Family

Social contacts Chamber of

Commerce Young

professionals groups

Social organizations

Professional associations

Resources

Career and Experiential Learning Lab Lucina Hall 235, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vault http://www.bsu.edu/students/careers/secure/

vault Cardinal Career Link

http://www.bsu.edu/webapps/viewjobs/Default.asp

Links to Explore http://www.bsu.edu/students/careers/students/

recommended/ Career Management Action Plan

http://www.bsu.edu/students/careers/cmap

Resources

Advising Drop-in Advising (Lucina Hall 220)

M,T,W: 1-3 p.m. Th,F: 10 a.m.-noon

Advising by Appointment (765) 285-2430

Opportunities

Questions Evaluation