Networking 101

Thadra Vrubel

Networking

Definition: 1) Connect as, or operate, as a network2) Interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EePcWVFtRCU

Why is this important?

Almost 60% of Americans say they feel shy and unsure about what to say in a variety of business and social settings

(The Shyness Institute, Stanford University) About 80% of all jobs are found thru networking (The New York Times, CareerBuilder.com and Contacts Count Research)

What’s in it for me?

People gain three things through networking:

1) Private Information that is not found elsewhere2) Access to diverse skill sets to help them get things done3) Influence in wider arenas

Who are you?

It takes about 6 conversations with someone before he or she knows who you are and has some idea of your character and competence

97% of people say they have trouble remembering names.

…but I’m an Introvert

Introverts get their energy from being alone and feel drained in a crowd

Be prepared to talk about who you are, what you are looking for, and the kind of help you are seeking. Have questions ready and consider writing them ahead of time

Rehearse small talk or conversation starters Understand when you are your best

– Recognize when you have more energy, because it takes more energy to be “on”

Rate the likelihood of connecting (Return On Investment)

How

Recognize it doesn’t have to be perfect Create your own events: May not prefer crowded bars so

create your own event and invite others who may prefer the same

Develop common ground with your connections Calibrate your schedule, Plan for some down time before and

after Our excitement about our work comes across different, so it’s

helpful to steer conversation towards our work and what we have accomplished

Use thank you notes to clarify points

Ways to Find a Good Job

Ways to find a good job

What’s good about this

What’s bad about this way

Newspapers

Internet

Job Fairs

Walk-In places

Career Counselor

Mailing Resumes

Yellow Pages

Informational Interviews

What Is it? 30 minute conversation with a person who is in a career you

want to be in about what they do. You are the one asking questions and gathering information from them

It is not you asking for a job, but it is a way to become familiar with those in this career field

Story about Jose

What’s scary about Informational Interviews?

How and where to find someone to meet? Having a conversation with someone I may not have met

before? What you may find out/learn about this career?

How can I find people to contact?

Family friends Friends/Co-Workers of parents Professors and Staff on Campus Jobs4Cats (demo) LinkedIn (demo/share LinkedIn Tool)

Sample dialogue asking for the Informational Interview

Sample Questions

What do you like about this position? What do you NOT like about this position? Where do you think this career will be in 5 years? What are some important skills for this type of position? What is the average level of education for this position? What are the rewards for you in this career?

Job Shadowing

What is it? How is it different from Informational Interview? How is it different from Internship? What is the benefit of it? Does it go on the resume?

Etiquette

Be on time Respect the allotted time Offer to pay for the other person’s coffee Have a list of questions Do your homework so you don’t waste time on basic questions

Goals

Research: learn about the organization, possible opportunities, career advise and ways you can be helpful to the other person

Referrals: Ask for introductions to people at other organizations or resources to explore

Resume feedback: Ask for them to review your resume to make sure it fits your target field, without asking for a job

Be Remembered

Dreams, what’s your dream?

Imagine that it’s 10 years from now. What would you like to be doing?

Where will you live? What will you be known for? What will your life be like? Tell your partner and listen to their description of their life 10

years from now.

Follow Up Afterwards

Send email saying thank you for your time and wisdom Keep in touch throughout your education and see how they

are doing Ask to connect via LinkedIn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56fngopihOo

PACE Spring 2016 Events

Resume Building Workshop Location: LBJSC 3-9.1 Date: April 7, 2016 Time: 3:30-4:30

Budgeting for Bobcats Location: LBJSC 3-9.1 Date: March 1, 2016 Time: 2:00-3:30 PM 

3rd Annual Bobcat Etiquette Brunch Location: TBD Date: TBD Time: 9:30-11:00AM