Networking is more about listening and asking good questions and balancing this with your responses Networking allows you to establish professional relationships and is considered a dialogue, over the long term. The goals of networking include creating connections, sharing information, following up are the keys to successful networking. Networking never stops, even if you get a job. It’s a life skill.
Reality of the Current Market
Personal Introduction (Verbal Commercial, Elevator Speech, 15 Second Pitch)
WHO YOU ARE (Name and Program)
My name is . . . and I am currently a (insert major) student at the University of Calgary.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING (Snapshot of what makes you unique)
I am very interested in . . .
WHAT DO YOU WANT (What are you asking for) I am at this event to . . . And I am interested in meeting some new people
and learning about networking.
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Once you decide who to contact, you will need to be prepared with what you will say When you introduce yourself you want to provide a snapshot of who you are and what you are interested in and then finally your reason for talking to them Make these unique to you and practice them What you say will adapt and change depending on who you are talking to This slide provides an example of a possible approach to introducing yourself and requesting an information interview
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Now it’s your turn
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5 minutes to practice. Practice your pitch with two different people.
THE HANDSHAKE
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Ask – How many of you introduced yourself with a handshake? Does anyone know the origin of the handshake? The handshake has been around since the 2nd. One tale is that medieval knights would show and grip each other’s’ hands to show that they were not concealing weapons and meant no harm to each other. Other cultures have explained it as an exchange of energy between two people. Why do we handshake today? Today, handshaking is used to greet another person, congratulate, or “seal” a deal. People even judge others based on their handshakes. A firm handshake implies power, strength, and knowhow. Whereas a weak handshake can imply weakness, uncertainty, and uninterested. Some say that you can really get a good read on someone’s character by shaking their hand. Always accept; except for injury / cold, religious beliefs, etc. Come from behind table/desk Smile, make eye contact Right hand, fingers together, thumb up, palm straight, elbow held close to body and bent 90 degrees Firm and short; 3 seconds, don’t pump Avoid grasping elbow or using 2 hands Avoid standing to close (more than 18 inches)
Are you one of these? The Gripper The Limp Fish The Clam The George W. The Lingerer The Double Gripper
ucalgary.ca/careers
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The Gripper (David) The Limp Fish (Carol) The Clam (David) The Lingerer (David) The George W. (Carol) The Double Gripper (David) Always accept Come from behind table/desk Smile, make eye contact Firm and short; 3 seconds
Let’s practice Hello, my name is… Shake hands with two people near you Notice the different types of handshakes. What
different impressions did they make on you?
ucalgary.ca/careers
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5 minutes
Additional Tips
Keep attentive
Approach groups of three, not groups of two; approach and stand quietly for 1 – 2 seconds …make eye contact and enter
Keep up-to-date on current events so you can “small talk”
Ask quality questions . . . . listen more than you speak AND Have fun!
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Exiting conversations: “I know that you also want to meet others” “Thank you for your time” “Please excuse me, I’ve enjoyed speaking with you”
Quality Questions
What do you do? What are you taking? What do you enjoy about
your job? What’s going on in the ____
field? How long have you been...? How did you get into that
field?
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Quality questions: 1. What are your job responsibilities? 2. What is a typical day like? 3. What are some of the challenges you face in your position? 4. What do you like about the job? 5. What do you dislike about the job? 6. How did you get the job you have? 7. What skills do you need to be successful in what you do? 8. What opportunities do you have for advancement? 9. What are the opportunities to find other jobs like yours? 10. What is the work environment like at your company? 11. How are lawyers regarded in your organization? 12. What resources are available to learn more about your position (websites, organizations, magazines, books)? 13. Are there any courses/workshops worth taking to learn more? 14. Is there anyone else you can suggest speaking with? Follow up any networking meeting with a brief note of thanks. Include
Food and drink etiquette
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Food Drinks
• Eat before the event if you’re hungry.
• Avoid messy foods. • Hold your food in your left hand & have a cocktail napkin
handy.
• Hold your drink in your left hand.
• If alcoholic drinks are what’s on the menu, know your
limit.
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FOOD: Meaghan Eat before the event if you’re hungry. Food at networking sessions are meant to be a snack, not a meal. Avoid messy foods. You never know what will be served but if you are able to keep one hand free, that is ideal. Don’t head for the food table with a large group of friends. Space it out. Try to avoid juggling food. Hold your food in your left hand & have a cocktail napkin handy. DRINKS: Tristan Hold your drink in your left hand. You want to have your right one available (and not wet or cold) to shake hands with. If alcoholic drinks are what’s on the menu, know your limit. Keep it to 1 or 2 drinks. Yes, open bars are nothing to put your nose up to but you’re here to network.
Putting it all together
ucalgary.ca/careers
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CAROL W. Practice your introduction pitch, handshake and quality questions. 10-15 minute networking break. Help yourself to food. After-10 minute debrief-Anything unusual happen? Were there certain networkers that stood out to you?
Dressing for the occasion Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
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Dressing for the occasion Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
ucalgary.ca/careers
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BUSINESS; Pant or skirt suit (neutral colours) Coordinated blouse in a neutral colour Natural makeup Leather belt Hosiery is a MUST Closed toe dress shoes (no platform shoes or sandals) Conservative and simple jewelry Neat, professional hairstyle Limit the amount of perfume/fragrance worn BUSINESS CASUAL; Khaki, dark or grey pants Neatly pressed blouse with buttons done up and tucked in Leather belt and closed toe shoes; flat or moderate heel Conservative and simple jewelry (don’t be afraid of a touch of colour) Avoid sleeveless tops and flip flops in the summer CASUAL FRIDAY; This is not the same as weekend casual; no sweat pants, hoodies or strappy tank tops! Jeans are ok…but must not be ripped, faded or too slim What to avoid: Sandals, ripped pants, shorts, hats, flip flops, exposed tank tops, anything dirty or wrinkled, anything too revealing Examples of Male & Female attire; career services staff; Carol-Business (conservative), Business casual is less conservative and Meaghan-Casual Friday (pressed blouse, cardigan, dark jeans and dress shoes) David-Business, Tristan-Business Casual and Jeff (volunteer)-casual friday
Dressing for the occasion Semi-Formal - Women
- Conservative & classy - Avoid short hems - Mid level neckline (avoid low neck line) - Strapless tops or dresses should be avoided for
business functions - Heeled shoes (no platform)
Semi-Formal – Men
- Leave the tux at home - Keep it simple and with suit - If we are to get technical, day semi-formal calls for a
grey or lighter suit and an evening semi-formal calls for a darker suit
- Combine the suit with a pressed dress shirt and a tie. - Do not underdress.
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Semi-formal applies for corporate Christmas parties, galas, cocktail events. It is not necessarily as swanky and dressy as the celebs from yesterday evening’s Academy Awards but dressier than business. Dress or skirt is appropriate
Closing the deal Every interaction is an opportunity Be direct! Ask for a card … and use it
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Now you have learned how to network, you need to know how to leverage the work that you have done. Correct that handshake if needed, be confident.
Be prepared to follow up
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The impact of networking is dependent on the follow up Are you on Linked In? Create a profile (show Heywood’s profile and tell the story about meeting him). The possibilities on Linked In are endless, a great place to ask questions and join professional groups. Create a personal business card with your name, program, year of study, phone number and email address. This way when you ask for a business card you can exchange cards.
Ways to follow up Connect on Linked In Send an email Make an appearance Make a call
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Select an action item based on your interaction. If an event was suggested try to go, if they asked about your resume send it, if they said to give them a call to chat more about something do so within 1-2 business days.
Follow-up e-mail (reminder) Good Morning David, It was a pleasure to meet you at last night’s Networking Gala. I was inspired by your story of working your way up from a Communications Assistant to the Director of HR at Telus. I hope that we have the opportunity to cross paths again in the future. Sincerely, Colleen Bangs 3rd year, BA – English Literature student University of Calgary
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Address the person in the way that they introduced themselves (Mr. Cataford, David, Dave). You have the business card, this is an invitation to make contact. Don’t be afraid to remind your new contact that you met.
Follow-up e-mail (action item) Good Morning David, It was really good to meet you at last night’s Networking Gala. You mentioned that there might be some summer opportunities in your department that I might be interested in so I have attached my resume for your reference and will keep my eye on your HR site. I hope you enjoy the Stamps game this weekend! Sincerely, Colleen Bangs 3rd year, BA – English Literature student University of Calgary
ucalgary.ca/careers
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if there was a connection made during your conversation - leverage it, if an action was requested of you – follow through
Moving on … What’s the worst that can happen?
Be patient Follow through on your word Keep a mental inventory for next time
ucalgary.ca/careers
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If you are tentative about some of the more direct follow up items just ask yourself, “what’s the worst that can happen?” If the answer is that nothing will change then take the risk. Tip: after you leave an event take a moment to scribble down any points that you want to remember about a new contact on their business card. You never know when you will run into someone again.
ucalgary.ca/careers
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An example of a strong student Linkedin profile-our Ambassador Heywood Mok
THANK YOU! And that’s a wrap ….
ucalgary.ca/careers
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Watch for an e-vite to Networking Gala in your inbox by end of this week. March 13, dining centre. 50 employers, 100 students. David to wrap with networking until the “end” story.
