Networking for Everyone Networking for Everyone! Society of Women Engineers Vic Snyder, Associate Director 134 Mary Gates Hall, Box 352810 (206) 543-0535 careeradvice@uw.edu careers.uw.edu

What is “Networking?” Developing relationships with others Giving and receiving information, advice, support and referrals Making new contacts Networking is reciprocal – it is a two-way process that involves giving and receiving.

Purpose of Networking Career Research Job Search Career Development To get information and advice about career options, and show how you might match Career Research To learn about opportunities, meet new contacts, and be able to say how you can contribute to an organization Job Search To maintain awareness of opportunities for new projects and jobs, to enhance skills, and to assist others in their career development Career Development 11/10/2018

Does networking work? How many of you: That's how networking works! Decided to take a class, go to a movie, eat at a restaurant based on a referral? Found a part time or summer job by talking with family, friends or someone you know? That's how networking works!

Why Networking? Employers Recruitment Methods Job Seekers’ Strategies Promote Qualified Internal Candidates Identify candidates through contacts, business associates, prof. assns., etc. Recruit candidates from targeted schools & student organizations Interview candidates who make unsolicited applications Employment services Ads Contacts/ Networking Career fairs, OCI, Univ. Career Centers & student clubs Private & government employment services Targeted job search: Actively applying directly to employers of interest Job listings and want ads Why is networking so important? This diagram shows job seekers’ strategies and employers’ methods for getting new hires. As you see, most employers hire known contacts. Unfortunately, job seekers rely too heavily on the less effective strategy of job listings.

A Reality Check… MOST PEOPLE ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH NETWORKING!! Be the exception and welcome the opportunity!! 11/10/2018

Why do people avoid it? Fears: rejection approached appropriately, people will accept you Misperceptions: “people aren’t interested in talking with me” most people want to be helpful Uncertainty: “I have to talk too much” you won’t have to! False belief: “talking about myself and my strengths is self-centered” you and your strengths have value to others To address these concerns, start the networking process with people you know so you can practice your approach and gain some confidence, then continue with alumni association Husky Career Network contacts who have volunteered to be approached by UW students and alumni association members. Also, most all of your contacts will be willing to give you additional names of people to connect with, which will make it easier to contact them since you have a mutual acquaintance. Even though it may take a bit more effort, your will likely feel more energized in the process since you are actively involved, which will also improve your confidence and your communication skills. Your contacts will see you as interested and involved and recognize your confidence and the strengths that you offer. You may find that you surface opportunities willingly from others as a matter of course rather than feeling like you are pressuring them to give you a job. And this will likely shorten your overall job search with the added benefit of finding a position that is a better match with your qualifications.

Why do people avoid it? They would rather be online SOCIAL networking! it’s more fun and rewarding in person! It requires too much effort it will very likely shorten your job/internship search “I don’t know how!” we can help! To address these concerns, start the networking process with people you know so you can practice your approach and gain some confidence, then continue with alumni association Husky Career Network contacts who have volunteered to be approached by UW students and alumni association members. Also, most all of your contacts will be willing to give you additional names of people to connect with, which will make it easier to contact them since you have a mutual acquaintance. Even though it may take a bit more effort, your will likely feel more energized in the process since you are actively involved, which will also improve your confidence and your communication skills. Your contacts will see you as interested and involved and recognize your confidence and the strengths that you offer. You may find that you surface opportunities willingly from others as a matter of course rather than feeling like you are pressuring them to give you a job. And this will likely shorten your overall job search with the added benefit of finding a position that is a better match with your qualifications.

Networking Methods Meet in-person Phone Email Online social networks Write a letter or card Some of the methods you can use, listed in order of preference. Meeting in person allows you to make a more powerful impression, thereby increasing your chances that your contact will remember and refer you.

Networking Preparation: Self-Reflection Figure out what you really want to know… Information about my area of interest or jobs that match my strengths and interests. Is this the right job/career for me? What are my options? I need advice on how to become a good candidate. Is it Research? Who are the important contacts at…? I need advice on how to conduct a job search? How do I know the right questions? How do I ask for support? Is it Job Search? And /Or 11/10/2018

Networking Preparation: Research Research areas you want to explore. Industry Company or Organization Occupations/Jobs/Salaries Graduate School How? Web Resources careers.washington.edu/Resources/Web-Resources Company/Industry Research Occupational Information The next step is to explore what is out there and to educate yourself so you can be prepared to have an informed conversation. Check out: Web Resources on UWCC website the Washington Occupational/Career Information System at www.wois.org the Occupational Outlook Handbook at http://www.bls.gov/oco/. www.gradschools.com. Professional organizations What Can I Do with a Major in… Others

Networking: Identifying Contacts Employers Career Counselors LinkedIn/ S.Media New Contacts Professors Prof. Assns. Family/ Friends Alumni You You are surrounded by a network of support. 11/10/2018

Give networking a try! Find someone you don’t know Introduce yourself Ask your partner: “What is an activity you enjoy doing?” “What do you like most/least about it?” “What advice would you have for someone new? “Who else could tell me more about it?” After activity, ask participants: “How was that for you?”

How was that? A bit awkward? Do questions help? It helps to practice 11/10/2018

Ask for Information, Advice, Contacts “What drew you to this field/organization?” “What advice would you give to someone aspiring to a career in this field?” “My strengths are __,__,__. Please tell me your opinion of how they might match with positions in this field?” “Can you suggest other people I might talk with? May I mention that you referred me?” Take notes!!

Networking: New Contacts The hard part (who to contact?!) made easy: Student Clubs UW Registered Student Organizations: depts.washington.edu/sao/rso-directory Career Fairs/Employer Info Sessions/Employer Conversations Panels Calendar of Events: careers.uw.edu/Calendar UW Alumni Husky Career Network: washington.edu/alumni/careers/hcn/index.html) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups?mostPopular=&gid=40422)

Networking: New Contacts (cont.) The hard part (who to contact?!) made easy: Professional Associations & Directories Seattle Networking Guide (iloveseattle.org), WOIS (www.wois.org), Weddle’s Association Directory (weddles.com/associations/index.cfm) Environmental Services Directory (esdwa.com/index.html) , Washington Manufacturers Register see pp. 9 & 10 in Career Guide Online Social Networking – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter Social Media Workshop  Find Jobs/Explore Careers: careers.uw.edu/Workshops LinkedIn (learn.linkedin.com) 11/10/2018

How to Stay in Charge (and not have to talk!) Most people like to talk about themselves How did you get where you are? What did you find most difficult? How do you like working here? What made you a success? Most people like to give advice What is your advice about how to do this? Where do you suggest I might best fit? How can I make myself a strong candi-date? What is your opinion about..? 11/10/2018

How to End the Conversation Declarative statements and emphatic questions “This has been very informative, Amy, thank you!” “Fred, I’ve really enjoyed talking with you, would it be possible to meet over coffee for more discussion?” “Thanks for your time, Ann! I look forward to meeting you again! May I contact you in a couple of weeks?” “Your comments and suggestions have really helped me, Ted! Thanks! Unfortunately, I have to go now. Can we meet again soon? …May I have your business card?”

Helpful Tips Take someone with you Instead of asking directly for a job, ask for information, advice and contacts – this is especially important in job search Avoid preconceptions about who might be helpful Be persistent: if you’re not getting responses, then re-evaluate your approach Need more help? Go to The Career Center! Handout?

Networking: Follow-Up Send a thank you note immediately, then stay in touch around once a month after that to let them know: How your connections went with their referrals How you’ve taken their advice New information that you discover (articles, weblinks, etc…) You appreciate their support and are still interested and available (see networking follow-up letters on p. 23 in Career Guide) Use Contact Sheet to keep track of what you discussed Continue making new contacts to maintain energy and confidence Show them examples of Contact Worksheet in their packets

Networking Resources QUESTIONS? The Career Center at UW JobStar.org The Riley Guide CareerJournal.com Quintessential Careers http://ezinearticles.com/?Networking-For-Shy-People---19-Tips-to-Being-More-at-Ease-Communicating-With-Humans&id=2337745 QUESTIONS? Handout?