Learning the art of networking Fall 2013

Prepare the Pitch Elevator Pitch-develop and practice Who are you? What are your strongest skills? Where do you want to work? (Industry/Company) Research the selected company or companies. Think about how your skills meet the employers’ needs. Practice communicating this message with a friend.

Prepare the Print Prepare your resume (Targeted is best! Don’t confuse your resumes when handing them out.) Take resumes printed on resume paper. Take a list of references on resume paper. Print about 40 business cards from a kit to distribute at fair.

Prepare Your Online Brand Clean up your social media, facebook Create a Linked In account with picture. Develop your personal work history. Highlight skills you want to target for next job. Request recommendations from colleagues, co- workers, employers. Networking is a two way street. (Don’t be selfish.)

Perform with Focus Refer to CCN Document Library – Dress for Success. Dress the same as you would for an interview. Turn off your cell phone. (Focus!) Arrive early and pick your top 3 to 5 recruiters to target for discussion. You can speak to others after you meet your top choices. Speak clearly and confidently, firm handshake, good eye contact, give name, major, and tell recruiter why you are interested in his company. Review the CCN Document Library – The Hello.

The Recruiter Meeting Focus on the recruiter. Tell the recruiter something interested you just learned about his company from your research (before the fair). Tell the recruiter about the specific position you are interested in pursuing. Ask about available opportunities. Learn more about a “day in the life” of someone with that job description in that specific company. Discuss internship or summer job opportunities. Inquire about the application process. Offer recruiter a copy of your resume and business card.

Ask Questions to Demonstrate Interest What are common career paths in this organization? What is the training program for new hires? How would you describe your ideal candidate for this position? What advice would you give an applicant? (Write down the answers. You will need them for your follow up contact).

Record the Contact Information Make sure you get the name, title, address, address, and phone number of each recruiter, with whom you have a conversation. Ask for available literature and business cards. Ask about follow up contact. Thank the recruiter for attending the fair and for taking time to speak with you. Stop after each table and write some notes for your follow up contact. (Focus-Be Organized.)

After the Job Fair Follow up is critical. ( or snail mail within 3 to 5 days.) Write a letter expressing your interest in the company and what they have to offer. Mention something the recruiter said that increased your interest in the company. Thank the employer for attending the fair and for speaking with you about employment opportunities. Include an updated resume and link to your Linked In account.

Persist Stay positive about what you have to offer an employer. Continue to practice your networking skills for the next opportunity. (It could pop up when you least expect it.) Be prepared with business cards at all times. Research CCN Documents for more information. Information for this PowerPoint obtained from attached CCN Document, “Making the Most of the Event”