Presented by MSJC Counseling Department

 Networking: what is it?  Why is networking important?  Networking myths  Everyone can be a successful networker  Basic networking tools  Hot spots  Who is in your network?  Informational Interview  Your personal commercial  Follow-up  Final tips  Books and web resources  Questions

Networking is the process of discovering and utilizing connections between people  Not asking for a job  “Networking is the deliberate process of exchanging information, resources, support and access in such a way as to create mutually beneficial relationships for personal and professional success”. from Make Your Contacts Count, by Baber and Waymon  Reciprocal relationship: look for ways to help  Request for information and (you hope) for referrals  Relationships over time: show your competence and credibility

 Explore your field of interest  Expand your knowledge of the industry or field and opportunities within it  Break into a field  Work the job market the way employers do  Refine your interviewing skills  Build experience and confidence  Help you achieve your goals: personal and professional

It’s manipulative: not when you are open about your agenda It’s only for extroverts, people who are good at schmoozing They won’t talk to me They are too busy to talk to me “I tried networking…it doesn’t work”

 It’s OK to find the prospect of networking scary – most people do!  Everyone has valuable connections.  Find a networking style that is most comfortable for you.  Networking is not bothering people who don’t want to help you.  People enjoy: Helping others Talking about themselves A break in their routine

o Names are important Learn their name, give your name o Tagline: short identifier after your name, answering one or more of these: Why are you here? Who are you? How do you relate to me?

 What do you do? Most common answers do not invite conversation – they stop it! Two SHORT sentences, explaining Best/Test  Best: What do you do best? One thing  Test: testimonial to your talents  If you hate your job…talk about what you DO like, or want to do more of

 What will we talk about? Your Agenda When you prepare your Agenda, you increase your chances of:  Having interesting conversations  Helping others  Achieving your own goals

 Classrooms  Career Fairs  Workshops  Career/Transfer Center  Special Events  Sporting Events  Student Organizations  MSJC Staff/Administration

 Professional Associations & Conferences  check out: connections/ connections/  Regional Career Fairs & Events  Community Groups  Family/Friend’s Parties  Professional Service Providers  Trade Publications/Industry News  Online  Past & Present Employers

 A chance to learn more about the industry, the market trends, where your skills best fit.  A structured, low-stress conversation with a person of your choice.  Both the content of the information and the process of gathering it will be helpful to you.  You are talking to get their insight, perspective and referrals, NOT to ask for a job.

Your second personal commercial is a script that allows you to introduce yourself to the person you are contacting and let them know what you are seeking. A CTIVITY : N ETWORK L IKE A P RO

W HAT NOT TO SAY W HAT TO SAY INSTEAD  I hear “X” field pays well  I heard you’re hiring a lot of people right now  I really can’t stand it when….  I need a job. Can you help me out?  I’m very interested in your field  I was impressed by your company’s presentation  I welcome your advice about coursework or other experiences that will help me break into this field

Preparation:  Know your product: your assets (skills, accomplishments, knowledge areas)  Know your target function, target industry  If you don’t (yet) – then craft questions to help you research this Tell Me About Yourself (TMAY): your 2 minute introduction; what do you most want this target to know about you? Key accomplishments.

 You set the agenda for the meeting  Prepare questions (sample Q’s on website)  Research the industry, company and person before the meeting  It’s NOT a job interview (but it might turn into one)  Set a time frame and stick to it (generally 30 minutes)  You set the agenda for the meeting  Prepare questions (sample Q’s on website)  Research the industry, company and person before the meeting  It’s NOT a job interview (but it might turn into one)  Set a time frame and stick to it (generally 30 minutes)

Assess the experience Record your notes and thoughts Thank your contact Keep in touch with your contact Updates Lunch, coffee, etc. Periodic s, cards, notes Identify new groups to get involved in

 Be conscious of your body language  Be enthusiastic!  No gum  Turn off your cell phone  Try and leave the meeting with three new contacts

 Make Your Contacts Count, Anne Baber and Lynn Waymon  Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Ronald Krannich  The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World, Marti Olsen Laney  this mini professional website is the perfect tool to help you impress your future employer.  the nations largest network of college job seekers.  excellent internet resource with links to web information on all aspects of the job search  good articles on career management, including networking  Networking pdf: Professional Networking Tips Networking pdf