Career Research & Networking for Social Workers Network ! Network ! Network! Network! Network! R Roxanne Jackman, MSW, MBA – Career Education Center, Assistant Director

Objectives Prepared to leverage networking for career research and job search Aware of the importance of branding and creating online presence Know how to run an effective informational interview Familiar with LinkedIn tools to find Simmons alumnae/i

Networking isn’t just a good idea anymore... essential It is an essential and long-term component effective of all effective job searches

Over 70% of job seekers find jobs through contacts! US Department of Labor Statistics Networking

A Fact... It’s who “knows you” that gets you a job! So, “get known!”

What is Networking? Engaging in a conversation to develop a mutually beneficial relationship

Career Decision-Making A process over time with many stages More knowledge = better decisions Big decision = series of small decisions

Passive vs. Proactive Job Search Traditional Job Search: Look for posted positions and apply Strategic Job Search: Build your professional network, including creating your online presence

Marketing Yourself Professionally You Are the Product: The employer buys your strengths when she hires you!

Developing Your Career Brand Building a name for yourself, Showcasing what sets you apart from others Describing the added value you bring

Definition: Your Personal Brand Your total perceived value, relative to competitors, as viewed by your audience (the hiring managers) Given two equal candidates, in terms of skill sets, education, work history, and all around good fit for the job, recruiters and hiring professionals are likely to choose the person with the more vibrant, far-reaching online footprint.

Traditional Tools for Promoting Your Brand : Cover Letters Resumes Elevator Speeches Interviewing Career Portfolio

What is Informational Interviewing? A dvise I nformation R eferrals A networking meeting to obtain...

Meeting Protocol minute face-to-face meeting Meet at work place Business casual Copy of resume Written questions okay

What’s in it for you? Up to date “Insiders” point of view Help clarifying next steps Where do I fit? Discover new opportunities Build confidence for job interview

Informational Interview Agenda 1.Rapport Building 2.Infomercial 3.Purpose of Meeting 4.Interview Questions 5.Referrals 6.Closing (leaving door open)

2. Infomercial… …gives listener relevant information so that she/he can offer help.

3. Purpose of Meeting “My long-term goal is to become a private clinical social worker. I would like to discuss your career path and get some advice on the types of experiences I should have to prepare me for this role.” “You graduated last year with your MSW and landed a job with _______. How did you approach the job market?”

4. Sample Questions: “Could you describe a typical workday?” “What qualifications do you seek in a new hire?” “What are some of the challenges your agency faces?”

5. Referrals: Don’t ask: “Who else do you know that I may contact?” Narrow criteria! “Who do you know in your role at a smaller agency who might meet with me for information and advice?”

6. Closing: Always leave the door open! “May I give you a call if I have a quick question?” “Would you like me to let you know how the referral meetings went?” “Could I give you periodic updates on how my career research is going?”

Stick with your Contract! 30 minute meeting. Never ask for a job !

24 Hour Rule Send a thank you letter or

CEC Website: Career Toolkit: “Optimize Your Networking”

Informational Interviewing Tutorial tools > tutorials> informational interviewing

The Advent of Social Media We now have the opportunity for LARGER Conversations!

Expand your professional network! Manage what potential employers learn about you from the Internet

How to Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn Post profile Join groups Search for people Research Companies Give/receive recommendations Post status updates Introductions for informational interviews Update on field

Beatley Library: Career Guides LinkedIn Resources

More...  How to add status updates  How to find and join groups  How to research and follow companies  Who to ask and how to request an informational interview