Networking Strategies Tuesday, October 6th,

Upcoming Events Study Lock Down Date: Wednesday, October 7 th 2015 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Library - Room 433 Hispanic Heritage Month – Cultural Potluck Day Date: Friday, October 9 th 2015 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Student Union – Egmont Key (Room 224) Tailgate Date: Saturday, October 10 th 2015 Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Location: UCF Memory Mall

Upcoming Events Conference Checklist Overview – MANDATORY Date: Monday, October 12 th 2015 Time: 6:30 pm Location: NSC 114 NASA KSC Meet & Greet IGNITE Social Date: Monday, October 19 th 2015 Time: 5:30 pm Location: HEC 101

Learning Outcomes  Benefits of Networking  Networking Sources  Networking Goals  Networking Strategies  Networking Fears  Plan and Prepare for Networking Events

What is Networking?  Networking is building alliances and relationships with people.  Networking is a powerful tool that will assist you with your job search.  Networking starts long before a job search.  View networking as an opportunity to get to know others and for them to get to know you.

Networking Fears  Fear of coming across as disingenuous  Fear of meeting new people  Fear of not making a good impression  Fear of not having anything to talk about  Fear of not fitting in

Benefits of Networking  Networking is often more efficient and effective than looking for posted job openings.  Helps people develop an active contact network that can help professionally, personally and in future job searches.

Open Market vs. Hidden Market  80% of time  20% of available jobs  20% of time  80% of available jobs

Hidden and Open Job Markets  Hidden job market  Open job market General Public Referrals Decision Maker Job Seeker directly known to Decision Maker Job Seeker indirectly known to Decision Maker Job Seeker unknown to Decision Maker

Your Turn  Name some potential networking sources that you could use to get into your field.

Networking Sources  Family and their contacts  Friends, classmates, co-workers  Fellow clubs, organization, sports team members  Professional Association meetings and conventions  Contacts made at trade shows  Alumni networks  Class speakers  Information sessions  Career services events  Volunteer endeavors  Religious organizations  Past professors/advisors  Former bosses or internship supervisors  Professional mentors  Informational Interviews  Social networking sites (LinkedIn)  Remember----networking contacts don’t have to be people you’re close with

Networking Strategies  Build networking into your daily and weekly schedule.  Make developing a relationship your primary goal.  Approach networking in a flexible manner.  Tactics:  Business Cards  Social Networking  Infomercial  Informational Interviews  In-person Meetings

Business Cards  Create a business card with and telephone  Options: include LinkedIn profile or online portfolio Full Name Name of College Name of University Home Address Address 1 City, State, Zip (cell) (home) address

Social Networking  Employers and other potential networking contacts are looking at social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter).  Use this as an opportunity to create a professional, polished image for yourself that will be of benefit, not a liability.  Internet postings are never deleted – avoid things that will come back to haunt you.

Your Infomercial  Introduction statement: 30 – 60 seconds long.  Highlight 2-3 key ‘sell points’ that make you unique/qualified, like major and experience.  Must be relevant to the position you seek.

Infomercial Example “My name is John Smith and I am graduating this May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. This past summer I completed an internship at Siemens where I was able to put the skills I have learned in the classroom to practical use. I am currently seeking a full-time position in my field with a company that will provide me with the experience and professional development tools I will need to succeed in my career.”

Informational Interviews  Meetings with people who can provide industry information and contacts.  Usually minutes.  Non-threatening way to speak with people who are working in your field of interest.  Allow you to develop contacts, gain industry knowledge, meet potential mentors or possibly get a job.  Easiest to obtain if you get a referral from someone, but ‘cold calls’ can work too.

Networking Events: Prepare  Approach networking with a good attitude  Know the purpose of the networking function  Have a sense of who will attend the event  Find out what is the appropriate attire  Have business cards  Prepare your infomercial / elevator speech

Beginning Practicalities  Name Tags  Purses/Backpacks  Business cards  Managing plate and/or drink

Networking in Social Settings  Develop simple conversational skills by:  Listening for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements  Identifying commonalities  Asking open-ended questions  Sharing common experiences or feelings  Introducing others, bringing them into topic

Finding Commonalities  Family or place of origin  Where are you from? How do you like Orlando?  Recreation  What do you like to do with your free time? You say you’re a basketball fan, did you catch the Magic game last Tuesday?  Event or Occurrence  What did you think of the keynote speaker? What other breakout sessions are you going to attend?  Environment  What do you think of the music/play/game? What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy? Where have you traveled?

 Jellyfish  Finger squeeze  Knuckle breaker  Covered hand  Proper handshake Handshakes  Spineless/faint-hearted  Don’t get too close  Power play/power trip  Power play or warmth  Firm, lasts a few seconds, keep eye contact Type of HandshakeMessage Conveyed

Entering and Exiting Groups  Introducing yourself to one person can be less intimidating  Introduce yourself to people who are alone  Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself and meet other people  If someone gives you their business card, look at the card before you put it away. This might be a good time to ask questions about employer or position.

Networking with Groups  Observe groups, make eye contact with someone in the group and see if there is space for you to enter the circle.  Once you enter the circle – extend your hand to the person across from you and then to the other members of the group.  Firmly shake hands and say your name. Make sure that you listen to the names of the people in the group.

Follow Up and Stay in Touch  When meeting someone you’d like to connect with again, simply say:  “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, and I’d like to keep in touch. What’s the best method to reach you?”  Your goal is to keep your relationships active  Preferred Methods:  Thank you notes (send within 24 hours after first meeting)  Send them a copy of your resume for advice, if appropriate  Provide them with status updates  Send them information of interest

Important Reminders  It’s not just what you know or who you know, but really it’s WHO KNOWS YOU  Don’t make people feel used  Networking is about giving not getting  Make time to socialize. Networking doesn’t only occur within professional organizations  Contacts are not relationships  Take time to build relationships However, don’t be afraid to let others know your needs. If they don’t know your needs they can’t help.

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