NETWORKING It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You UNCP Career Center Chavis University Center, Suite 

Workshop Overview Questions… Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

What? Definitions of Networking: Strategic Serendipity

What? Cont’d Strategic Compile a List State Your Purpose/Goals Expand Network and Prepare Arrange Meetings Ask Questions Follow up and Continue Relationships

What? Cont’d Serendipity You can’t predict when you will meet someone that you will begin a relationship with, so be prepared for the opportunity! “ It's better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." -Les Brown

Why? Networking is THE #1 way to find a job! 75% to 95% of all jobs go unadvertised 48% of newly hired employees found their jobs from referrals from friends and relatives (through networking) 80% of all current employees found their jobs through networking Networking is successful 2/3 of the time

Who? Members of professional organizations Past or present co-workers Family Close friends/roommates High school friends Church members Fellow volunteers Neighbors Your mentor Teammates Anyone who can… Give you advice, information or referrals to additional contacts Tell you about specific job openings in their own companies Introduce you to people with hiring power Hire you immediately Hire you sometime in the future

When? Always! Before you leave school or your current job During your job search After accepting a new job

Where? Gym/Health Club Job Fairs Internships/Summer Jobs Professional Organizations Volunteer Organizations Religious Community Golf Course Basketball Court Airplanes Weddings Campus Groups Chamber of Commerce Cocktail Parties Cruises Conferences Book Clubs Alumni Association Online Discussion Groups/Chat Rooms Wine Tastings Waiting Rooms Coffee Shops Family Reunions

How? In person (lunches, meetings, conferences, informational interviews) Social and Networking Web sites Phone (including cold calls) Mail

Networking for the Shy Start where you know other people and with those you’ve been referred to by family/friends Start by writing or ing before calling Have friends/family give a heads-up Do your research & keep up with current events Plan out what you will say Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” Set goals Just do it! Celebrate your successes

Informational Interviewing Purpose of Informational Interviewing How to find interview opportunities Treat it as any job interview Questions to ask

Networking Etiquette Know your purpose for networking Do your homework/research Don’t act desperate Remember it’s a two-way street Listen Respect your contact’s time Get permission Talk about what you have to contribute, not what you want Don’t be pushy or aggressive

Networking Tips Open yourself up to unexpected opportunities Create your own business card Bring a pen Hold your glass in your left hand Place your nametag on right side Develop your own “mini commercial” of yourself. Start your own networking club

Don’t forget to… …Follow up …Show your appreciation …Get organized …Continue to expand your network T HE C AREER C ENTER Coaching  Resources  Networking  

Sources Hansen, Katharine. A Foot in the Door: Networking Your Way into the Hidden Job Market! Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press Darling, Diane. The Networking Survival Guide-Get the Success You Want by Tapping into the People You Know New York, NY: McGraw Hill. 2003