NETWORKING FOR

CAREER VITALITY
Post mid lecture-II
Networking Isn’t

 Immediately asking about a job

 Trying to get something from every encounter.

 Maintenance free.
Basic Misconceptions:

 you do it when you are looking for a job

 It requires contacting a lot of people

 It involves asking for help

 There is a hushed “undercover” feel to it

Career Networking:

 Specific focus:

 Researching a career choice or change

 Advancing a job search campaign

 Actively managing your career while you are working

Why Network?

 You can’t do without it

 If you are cynical about the power of networking, consider these facts:

 A personal referral can generate as much as 80% more results than an unsolicited cold
call
 In business circles, more than 7 of every new 10 jobs are filled via a process of referral
 Most individuals are in a position to identify 200 0r more personal contacts
 Receiving just two referrals from every contact can double the size of your network
Putting Yourself Out To Others

 Fears and barriers

 Introverts vs. extroverts

 Think of more constructive perspectives

 Donna Fisher’s “Power Networking” – power that translates into a spirit of giving
and sharing
Network Divisions

 Personal network
 Organizational network
 Professional network

 They often overlap and intersect.

Things That Draw People In

 A great sense of humor  Respect for cultural

 Confidence differences
 Being approachable--a  Sharing knowledge (but
non-threatening not being a know-it-all)
appearance  Not taking yourself too
 Smiling and eye contact seriously
 Starting a conversation  Knowing how to end a
instead of waiting conversation appropriately
 Good manners  Genuinely listening to
others
Tell us something about yourself that
draws people in?
How To Start A Conversation

• Open with any shared reality. (i.e., the weather, this

workshop, being a student at BUIC)

• Comment or ask about a prop (i.e. a picture, food, event, etc.)

• Use the introduction/question opening (i.e. “I’m a new member

of this organization. What do you like best about…?”)
How to make a career connection:

 Be prepared with a plan.

 What’s your objective for the conversation?
 What the other person expects from the interaction?

 Know who you are talking to – do some preliminary research.

 Craft a 30 second personal pitch with a purpose.

 Be genuine, confident, and most of all, YOU!

Pitching Points To Sell Yourself At A Job Fair:

• Skills. “I’m fluent in Spanish and English…” I have strong research and
writing skills…”

• Personal qualities. “I’m the kind of person who…” “My past employers
have valued my …”

• Accomplishments. “I’ve been preparing myself for a career in science by

…” “I served as president of Student Professional Association for two years
and learned…”

• Expertise/Knowledge. “As an interdisciplinary major in Social Science, I’ve

learned how to…”
Tell us a little about yourself.
What’s Your Purpose?

 To find out more about a career field or position?

 To create opportunities for employment?

 To develop a strategy to advance your career?

 To connect with other professionals in your field to share best

practices or gain referrals?
Create your personal pitch
10 Tips For Successful Networking

 Dress appropriately and arrive early

 Always have plenty of business cards

 Make goals to meet 3 new people each week.

 Never start a conversation talking about yourself

 Keep your conversations short and focused.

Cont’d

 Listen and ask sincere questions

 Good manners are everything

 Thank people

 Make a point to sit with new people at a meeting or conference

 Create opportunities for continued contact

Networking Resources

 Alumni Career Advisory Network on Alumni Services

 Toastmasters organizations etc.

 Mosque
 Professional Associations in your field
 Community organizations and clubs
 Racial-ethnic and gender based organizations in the community or workplace
 Organization websites & e-
recruiting

 Charity Events