Lecture 3
- 1. Networking/ Informational Interviews Critical tips to making valuable connections based on authenticity and focus COMM 202 – Please take out your Namecards
- 2. ① Review of your networking experience ② How to follow up with connections and manage your professional network ③ How to leverage the opportunity to build momentum in your job-search ④ How to prepare for and conduct a successful information interview Objectives: what we will learn today learn today
- 4. what is networking? Interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts, especially to further one’s career. “Real networking is about finding ways to make other people more successful.” -Keith Ferrazzi, Never Eat Alone
- 6. Major Selection Volunteer work Work Experience Networking Job Opportunities Mentors Academic Courses reality
- 7. Internal candidates Networking HR postings Agencies Ads How Employers Hire How Job Seekers Look Employer Calls Networking Target Companies Online Databases (Monster, Workopolis, COOL) Company Ads and Job Postings
- 8. Take the pressure off… OR FULL TIME WORK This is a numbers game
- 9. Relationship Building 101 Networking is doing exactly what your mother told you never to do … talking to strangers. It’s about: • Finding commonalities • Learning about and from other people • Building connections • Expanding your professional network It’s NOT just about finding a job!
- 10. The Mind Set To build great relationships you need to lead with: • Generosity –abundance vs. scarcity • Authenticity – not contrived behaviour; be yourself • Audacity – risk taking; courage • Purposeful – planned, clear, aligned to your goals
- 11. After the event • The follow-up: – Did you take good notes? Good. – Research. – Can you email that evening? – Mention what you talked about or refer to your brand (they will possibly meet 100’s of students in one day) • Always keep in mind, “How am I adding value to this contact?” • No response…don’t take it personally. • Make sure they can find YOU! LinkedIn
- 12. Following Up with your connections Email those you felt you connected with! Say Thank you Mention something you talked about If you want to speak to them more, ask for an information interview
- 14. Maintaining Your Connections • Pinging – creating a cadence of outreach with everyone on your list. • A’s: have the greatest impact on your goals • B’s: an individual you can be of service to, but is not a top priority • C’s: someone you know but may not be influential, but could be an acquaintance to bounce ideas off of.
- 15. Maintaining your Connections Goal: to stay in touch and on their radar • Align your outreach against your priorities. • Make goals around building your network, schedule time • Be disciplined in your follow-up • Let them know if you are applying for roles in their organization before you apply • Mind your manners; Keep your promises • Contacts are not your friends • Walking out of meetings/calls/class – circle/write down action items – FOLLOW THROUGH
- 16. Maintaining your Connections • Share an article • Update them on Life Changes • Spread Holiday Cheer • Introduce a connection • Simply say Hello • Share upcoming events of interest • Use Google Alerts – topics for articles
- 18. “The best way to predict your future is to CREATE it.” ~Peter Drucker Take Control of Your Career Path
- 20. During an informational interview should you ask for a job? A) Yes B) No iClicker Question
- 21. • Job postings are down • Job openings are UP – (The Hidden Job Market) • Referral potential • Shortened hiring process • Reduce your competition • Build your circle of influence • Helps you stay employed long term Why Does This Work?
- 22. Know Your Contact Do your Research Know their major skill sets Work history Accomplishments Associations How to find it: Internet search LinkedIn Twitter Ask mutual contacts! Find 5-6 points of commonality and connection
- 23. Show Your Professionalism What to do Dress the part Pay attention to body language! Respect their time Who pays??? How to do it Don’t be casual! Eye contact, smile, hand shake, thank you Take notes Offer your expertise/opinions Look and Act in Charge. You called this meeting.
- 24. Setting the Stage Be Gracious Thank them for their time Let them know you have prepared questions 15 mins in ask if they are ok to continue Start by layering your questions, let them tell you what’s most important to them. Respect their time.
- 25. Plan Out Your Conversation What to find out (in their words) Professional history Expertise Beliefs Missing Pieces How to ask it How did you get into the industry? What is your specialty? What do you believe is most important to consider in this profession? What challenges do you see and how should they be resolved? Give to Get
- 26. Generic vs. Great Questions Add more focused questions to these general ones based on your background research: • Can you describe a typical day or week? • What do you like most about your job and/or your field? • How did you learn how to do your work? If you were starting out now, would you train in the same way? • What makes someone successful in your field? • How would you describe the culture at your organization? • As you look back, is there anything you wish you’d known or that you would do differently? • What are your field’s key professional associations? • How do you keep current in your field? What should I be reading? • What advice do you have for someone starting out? • Do you have any job or internship search strategies to share with me?
- 27. Tell Your Story Well What to say What you think you would LOVE to do for companies What problem have you identified that you want to work on in the industry Why you feel it is important to talk with experts in the field How to say it I love to… I believe… I think experts are important sources to me because… Keep it short, positive and focused
- 28. Impressions Count • Staff • Faculty • Corporate Decision Makers • Influencers • Alumni • Fellow FT/PT Students “Do you know anyone I can connect with for advice about _____________?” Just Some Advice
- 29. Show Your Professionalism What to do Offer your expertise Ask for a referral Request networking protocol How to do it “How can I help you?” “Based on my goal to learn more, who do you think would be an exceptional person for me to interview?” “How would you prefer I touch base with you to keep you posted on my progress and share occasional info I come across?” The Magic IOU
- 30. Following Up with your Interviewer Email those you connected with! Thank them for their time Mention something you talked about Get it in your calendar when you will follow up with them next
- 31. Informational Interview Assignment Due Thursday , April 14th @ 2:00pm – 10% of final grade • Face to face informational interview • No students, UBC faculty/staff or family members • 1 to 2 page, single spaced summary including: • Contact details • List of questions asked • Major insights gained • Did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections? • Follow up action – Thank You must be included • What are your next steps having conducted this information interview? More details on the blog / Submit on Turnitin.
- 34. Email Invite Things to include: • You are are student • How you heard about them (know them) – Commonalities • What you are (generally) looking to learn • 20 minutes • Choice between 2 positives