NETWORKING 101

Presented by:OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES

The Truth vs. The Ugly TruthThe Truth

In the current market, supply and demand factors have enabled employers to be very selective. It is easier for students when they are seeking employment within an industry in which they already have experience.

The Ugly Truth Gaining a degree should help, but as with everything in life, a little effort and creativity can go a long way. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know…”

The SolutionThe ability to establish a network of contacts, create your own opportunities and impress at an interview is more important than ever.

1. Develop clear career direction.2. Know the importance of networking and accomplish it effectively. 3. Communicate well, and know how to "sell" your competitive advantage to potential employers.

8 Basic Networking Tips1. Brainstorm the companies attending the career fair

Research companies and associations of interest; lists can usually be provided by hosting organization2. Be prepared Know who you’re talking to, do some research on the companies and associations you network with3. Networking knows no boundaries Talk to everyone! You never know what surprising opportunities you may find with different companies4. Follow-up Get contact information, educate self on email etiquette5. Make it easy for your contacts Have a business card always on hand, resume even better!6. Stay organized Remember who you talked to, when you talked to them, and what company or position they are helping you with as not to confuse yourself. Get a planner. 7. Dress Professional! First appearances mean everything. Be sure you’re dressed for successs!

First Appearances - MenBusiness Professional Two-piece suit Solid colors Ties-simple pattern is best for first impressionsBusiness Casual Slacks (dark gray, navy, black, khaki) Polo shirt, button up long sleeve Tie (if button up shirt selected)Black socksWear polished shoesFacial hair must be neat and trimCologne is not advisedNo tattoos – cover up!

First Appearances - WomenProfessional - Suits For a suit with a skirt: Make sure skirt is knee length For a suit with pants: Make sure pants fit correctlyBusiness Casual Slacks, button up shirt, cardigan Knee length skirt, sleeved shirt (no sleeveless shirts unless worn with jacket)Hair should be pulled away from faceBasic pumpsModest jewelry Conservative make-upNo perfume

Do You Have What Employers Want?Employer seek people who can: Manage time wisely Provide good feedback Work in teams and have leadership skills Possess a strong work ethic Able to take directives as well as initiative Experience and eagerness to learn more Long term commitment

The Effective Handshake What Does Your Handshake Say about You?A bad handshake can set the tone for the rest of an important conversation, particularly a job interview.  Do you have any idea what your handshake says about you? 

The Different Kinds of HandshakesThe Politician: A double fisted shake that attempts to convey the message of  “sincerity”.  Unless you are familiar with the other person and already have a relationship established, skip this handshake and leave it to the politician’s campaigning for your vote.  Also used with close family, friends and at funerals

The School Yard Bully: Ouch!  The person that is offering this grip is similar to the school yard bully.  Be careful when doing business with this person. Also known as “the vice grip”.

The Lobster: This handshake is similar to the “Cold Fish” except the grip is strong.  This signals that you are disengaged in the conversation and difficult to communicate with.

What does your Handshake Say About You?The Pointer : This is a handshake that can be easily remedied by simply pulling the index finger back to curve the shape of the hand.

The Professional: A firm, but not too firm grip, that engages the entire hand.  The connection should be between the fold of skin between the index finger and thumb.  A few shakes from the elbow, a smile and good eye contact deliver a confident handshake.

Hello, my name is…The 15 Second Speech Tells who you are Provides a way to engage conversation Great ice breaker – makes for a more comfortable settingSentence StructureSentence 1 –Introduce yourself with your FIRST & LAST nameSentence 2 – Where you go to school, your major, where you are taking your careerSentence 3 – Why the other person should be interested/what you wantExample:“Hi, my name is Araceli Perez. I am currently a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American. I am currently majoring in Communications, specifically in the area of journalism. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in internships with Texas Monthly in Austin and Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press in Washington, DC. I also like to help my community by volunteering with The RGV Food Bank and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I’m currently a member of various organizations on campus as well as an editor for the university newspaper. I am eager to gain further experience on writing about foreign and domestic policies concerning the United States. What to do in Networking (:38): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDClPRFycFI

“Smart Talk”Now that you’ve introduced yourself, can you build up on the conversation from there? Listen attentively Focus on the conversation Actively participate Ask good questions Know what you enjoy talking about Be curious Learn to ask, “What do you do?” with sincerity and interest

PRACTICE YOUR NETWORKING!

Business Card & Resume Etiquette Hand Out Business Cards & Resumes with Discretion – Refrain from handing out business cards and resumes in the same manner you would offer free movie theatre tickets. Concentrate on making a favorable impression and rely on a business card/resume for reinforcement.Follow-up With New Contacts A brief, handwritten note letting your new contact know how much you enjoyed meeting him or her is a gesture that will be appreciated and remembered well into the future. It is also a good opportunity to suggest a follow up meeting. An email is fine but a handwritten note is much more memorable. Why not do both?

Sample Questions to Ask at a Career Fair

Do you have openings right now that are appropriate for someone with my skill set? What would be the day-to-day activities required of someone in this position? What does a typical career path look like at your company? What training do you provide to new employees? What sets your organization apart from others in the industry? What is it like to work for your company? How do you decide to choose one candidate over another? How can I make myself a stronger candidate? What does your hiring process typically look like? What sorts of changes do you expect to occur in the company in the next year or so? What changes have occurred over the last year?

Thoughts to Ponder Recruiters are looking for people with a passion for a professional challenge - a challenge they should be completely committed to. Companies the world over are looking for long-term commitment, not short-term hotshots.

Who’s hiring in your field? Is relocation an option for you? If not, what opportunities are available to you where you are?

Think Long-Term Research Your Options

Informational Interviews The purpose of an informational interview is to get information about a field of work from someone who has some firsthand knowledge. When you are on an informational interview you should not ask for a job. This is not to say that an informational interview cannot lead to a job. In addition to helping you learn about a particular career, the informational interview is a way to start building a network. The person who is the subject of your informational interview today, may be the first person in your network many tomorrows from now.

Information Interviews – Questions to ask1. What are other commonly used titles for this or similar positions? 2. What type of work is performed daily? Weekly? Monthly? Annually? 3. Is the work typically routine or does it vary significantly on a daily basis? 4. What degree or certification do employers seek? Are you familiar with any of these programs? 5. What type of experience do employers seek? 6. Are there ways to obtain this experience prior to working in the field?7. What are the typical settings people in this type of work can expect? 8. What are the key personal characteristics for success in this field?9. Can you describe the salary ranges of typical jobs within the company or field? 10. Does your organization offer internships or do you know other organizations that offer internships in the field?11. Would you offer any advice or suggestions for someone considering going into the field given what you know now? 12. What are the satisfying and/or rewarding aspects of working in this field? 13. What are the greatest pressures, strains or anxieties in this field? Major job responsibilities? Toughest problems and decisions? Dissatisfying aspects of this work and is this typical of the field? 14. Can the advisor suggest others who may be valuable sources of information?

Consider your reactions to the interview…. Are you comfortable with the daily, monthly, annual hours and schedule? Are there things you need to do to make yourself a viable candidate? Do you think you would be satisfied or dissatisfied with what the advisor described? What is your reaction to the stresses and anxieties of the job? What new information do you think you obtained from your interview? Does that affect your view of the job? What are the entry level positions in the field and what skills would one need to advance?

Five Best Practices for Networking1. Give before you get.

Become a useful network member to other students and professionals. 2. Start networking long before you start searching for new opportunities.

Begin networking with family, friends and associates informing them of your goals. 3. Seek advice, not help.

Being asked for advice tends to make people feel important and they realize they can nurture your career or refer you to colleagues or supervisors. Don’t directly ask for a job but rather focus on information on opportunities available.4. Be Prepared.

Identify networking opportunities with alumni, associations, etc. Have your materials ready: pitch cards and resumes Have a system for notes, follow ups, and maintenance of relationships developed

5. Get Going! Your skills will develop and your opportunities will improve. There is limited benefit to conceptualizing without experience. You won’t learn how to network until you practice!

Last minute thoughts… Make sure to dress professional Write legibly on your name badge: Full Name & Major Keep in touch with your networking contacts Remember: A bad reputation will follow you around Take a speech class to improve/enhance your communication skills You make your education, it does not make you! It is not enough to have a great pedigree, come from a very recognizable school and simply show up on time. Be confident! Be proactive – apathy will get you nowhere. Utilize www.LinkedIn.com If you feel shy, use the buddy system, but don’t use it as a crutch forever. Practice your fabulous smile! It will help put people at ease. What Not to do When Networking (3:07): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDClPRFycFI

Save the Date!HOW THEY DID IT: SEU ALUMNI PANEL Date: Thursday, April 4Location: Fleck 305Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Resume TUNE-UP DayDate: Thursday, April 4Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Location: Career Services

JOB & INTERNSHIP FAIRDate: Thursday, April 11Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Location: Mabee Ballrooms A & BEMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSION: DELOITTEDate: Monday, April 8Time: 5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Questions?

Araceli Pérez-Ramos, Internship Coordinatoraracelip@stedwards.edu Office of Career Services, Moody Hall 134, 512-448-8530