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IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW
Networking for the Job Search
Alyson WeissYoung Professional Outreach Coordinator & Social Media SpecialistCareer Moves—a division of [email protected]/in/alysonweiss
First, let’s know each other!
Name Professional place in life (student at x
university majoring in y, x job title at y company, really good dancer, etc)
Professional goals/why you’re here Your favorite ice breaker question (the
person after you will answer your favorite icebreaker before asking theirs to the next person)
We’ve all heard that networking is the most magical tool since the Shamwow
But what does networking really mean?!
What IS networking anyways?
The #1 way jobs are found
Two-way A chance to learn A chance to hear
about opportunities A chance to build
connections A chance to market
yourself
The time/place to ask for a job
One-way Soul sucking
Networking Is Networking Is NOT
(we’ll get to the informational interviews in a moment)
Two Main Types: Events & Informational Interviews
How do I find networking events? Your OWN network: family, friends, professors,
coworkers, LinkedIn connections/groups Listservs such as Young Nonprofit Network
Boston (YNPN) and Mission-Based Massachussets
Meetup.com—search by interest (Socializing for Justice is a great one)
Alumni associations Online calendars—Idealist, Boston.com,
cityofboston.com, etc Career Moves’ Careers & Beers! April 11
Networking Cheat Sheet
Do your homework Know your audience Set specific goals for yourself Ask questions!
“People will forget what you say but they will never forget how you made them feel” –Maya Angelou
Be ready to nail your pitch Honor yourself
Know and own your networking style Know and honor your networking threshold
Quick Tip: Have a Business Card Moo.com or Vistaprint Pertinent static
information: name, email address, cell phone, linkedin URL. Optional: a headline with skills
consider an unusual shape or size or printing it vertically to stand out
When receive a business card, write your relationship to that person on the back of the card so you don’t forget!!
Here Comes the (Elevator) Pitch!Imagine you’re taking an elevator with an important person
and you only have 20-30 seconds to make a good impression…
Who you are Give a quick summary of your experience
Key strengths What do you have to offer? What unique contributions can you make?
Why you are special How are you different than other people with similar backgrounds?
Call to action How the listener can help you achieve your goals
Practice Makes Perfect
Take the next 5 minutes to fill out “Build Your Pitch” handout
Then, practice your elevator pitch with a neighbor you do not know yet
Follow Up
1-2 days after the event (preferably next morning)
Refer to particular conversation point Connect on LinkedIn (add connection
note so you won’t forget who they are) Ask for a 1:1 meeting if applicable
(informational interview) Occasionally check in/send industry-
related articles
Informational Interviews
What is an informational interview? What it sounds like!
An opportunity for job seekers to set up an interview and get more information about a job
A chance to connect 1:1—better for introverts
A chance to ask for application advice, network referrals, resource lists, but NOT jobs
Where can I find informational interviews?
Your own network—family, friends, professors, coworkers, internship managers, etc
Your university/alma mater’s career advisory network
Career Moves’ career advisory network LinkedIn
2nd degrees Groups Advanced search results
Informational Interview Cheat Sheet Do your homework Ask for 15-20 minutes of their time for
coffee Scope out the place in advance to make
sure it is quiet enough for an interview Dress to impress Breathe. Prepare questions in advance
How do I ask for an informational interview?
What do I ask at an informational interview?
What is your average workday like? How would you describe the culture of your
organization and industry? What’s the best place to find out about jobs in
your field? How do you stay on top of industry trends?
Which websites, publications, professional associations or industry experts do you follow?
Is there anyone else in your field I should I speak with? Could you put me in contact with that person?
Follow-Up
Thank you note the SAME DAY as the interview
Update them on any other contacts/leads they gave you
Same as follow up for networking event
Practice Makes Perfect!
Spend the next 10-15 minutes doing a mock informational interview of a different person than the one you practiced your elevator pitch with. I will tell you when to switch.
QUESTIONS?
