Networking

Career Management Services

Prese

nted

by

Delici

a Lewis

TOPICS COVERED0 Defining Networking

0 Benefits of Networking

0 Who, What, Where is my Network?

0 How to Network

0 Building a Network

0 Keys to Successful Networking

0 Things to Keep in Mind

NETWORKING DEFINED

0 Merriam-Webster defines networking as …

0 The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions

0 Specifically the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

BENEFITS OF NETWORKING

0Being Active

0Openness

0 Information

0Knowledge

0New Leads

0Contacts

0Skills

0Reputation

0Support

0Self Esteem

WHO, WHAT, WHERE IS MY NETWORK?

0 Who?0 Write down the names of people you know and where

they work if you know.0 Include relatives, past or current coworkers, friends etc.

0 What?0 What job are you looking for?0 Consider industry or company.

0 Where?0 Does someone else in the room have a contact at that

particular company?0 Does someone else know someone who works in that

industry?

HOW TO NETWORK

0 What industries are you targeting?

0 What positions interest you the most?

0 What are your specific career goals?

0 What skills are you marketing to potential employers?

Know what you want!

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you effectively communicate your career direction to your contacts.

HOW TO NETWORK

0Prepare0 Spend time preparing brief introduction about

your background, experience, skills and goals0 Practice the introduction so you can deliver it

with confidence0 Complete a list of potential contacts

0Keep in mind that “It’s not WHAT your know, it’s WHO you know.”

MAKING THE CONNECTION

0 You can communicate with a networking contact by:0 Phone

0 Letter

0 E-mail

0 Social Networking Sites

0 In Person

MAKING THE CONNECTION

0 When calling a contact, be clear and concise in your message

0 Prepare a list of questions prior to talking with the contact

0 Know what advice or information you are seeking

0 Gather contact information

0 Ask contact if you can keep in touch periodically

0 Expand your network by asking the contact to refer you

HOW TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK

0 Join social networks online

0 Get a personal business card

0 Brand yourself

0 Become an information sponge

0 Join virtual communities where your target market is

0 Attend gatherings

0 Meet 5 new people

0 Globalize your network

0 Take control of your virtual presence

0 Take a leadership role in your industry

http://specht.com.au/michael/2008/08/28/10-tips-to-build-your-network

The best time to build your network is before you need something; and the best time to keep that network

strong is always.

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING

0 Always send a thank-you letter after someone has helped you

0 Organize your efforts by tracking who you’ve contacted, the date of contact and the outcome or action step which resulted

0 Notify your contacts when you have found a position

0 Be helpful to others when they ask to network with you

KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL NETWORKING

0 Consider everyone you meet a potential networking contact

0 Seek out new networking contacts by a asking for business cards of potential contacts

0 Join a professional organization related to your career interest

0 Be enthusiastic and positive when talking to your networking contacts

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

DO DO NOT

0 Be genuine to gain credibility and long-term relations

0 Feed the network to pass on useful information and show you are engaged

0 Offer to help using humor and tact

0 Focus on getting something from a new contact immediately

0 Hide behind technology and avoid face-to-face networking

0 Forget to read your audience and provide a personal approach

OUR SERVICES0 Experience: Part-time and Full-time job postings

0 Resume & Cover Letter Critiques

0 Internships & Co-op

0 ProTrack

0 Federal Work-Study

0 Florida Work-Experience

0 Career Workshops

0 Career Fair and Employer Day

0 Mock Interviews

0 And much, much more!

QUESTIONS?

Connect to Career Management Services Today!

www.fit.experience.com

Florida Institute of Technology- Career Management Services

@panthercareer

Florida Tech Career Management Services