Conducting a Job Search in the Twin Cities

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Conducting a Job Search in the Twin Cities

• Organizational EffectivenessOffice of Human
  ResourcesDonna Bennett, Consultant

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Todays workshop

• What is Networking?
• Resistance/Beliefs about networking
• Networking benefits
• Types of networking (informational interviewing)
• Steps of networking practice

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Networking
Establishing maintaining lines of communication
with people
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Resistance

• I dont network because
• I would network if

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Networking beliefs?

• Networking is phony or manipulative
• Networking is designed to convince someone to do
  something they dont really want to do
• Networking is selling myself
• Networking requires an extraverted style
• Networking is mostly done in large groups and
  requires spontaneity

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WIIFM Whats in it for me?

• Networking allows you to
• tap into the hidden job market
• have an edge on the competition due to the
  relationship you have established
• be informed
• gain visibility for future opportunities
• increase your work possibilities in the 21st
  century

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Types of Networking(Informational Interviewing)

• Information only
• Advice and suggestions
• Job prospecting

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The steps of networking

• Determine your goal
• Decide who to talk to
• Figure out what the person knows
• Practice the approach request a meeting
• Prepare have the meeting
• Follow-up Thank-yous, nurture connections and
  keep track of contacts

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Whats your goal?

• Be clear about what do you want to learn
• Plan some questions to get to that information
• Planning will help you focus the conversation
  and achieve the results you want

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Who to talk to?

• Brainstorm a list of contacts
• Prioritize list
• May require some research first

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What does the person know?

• What do I want to learn from this person?
• How much can I ask?
• How much insider information do I want? Can I
  get?
• Who does this person know?

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Practice the approach and request the meeting

• Create your introduction (infomercial)
• Practice, practice, practice
• State your purpose
• Ask for 20-30 minutes, face-to-face
• Define location

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Infomercial
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Describe yourself and ask questions

• Education/Training (formal, informal)
• Experience (paid, unpaid)
• Knowledge/Skills/Competencies
• Interests/Style
• Career goals
• List of questions you have

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Follow-up Thank-yous, nurture connections and
keep track of contacts

• Handwritten thank you or e-mail
• Nurture connections, value-added networking (look
  for opportunities to help them)
• Potential mentor/sponsor
• Career opportunity might arise
• Future questions a new resource
• Demonstrate your integrity and follow-through
  skills
• Keep a system to track our contacts

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Networking Resources

• Associations/Professional Networks
• Volunteer opportunities
• www.servicelearning.umn.edu
• Social events
• Book of Lists, Twin Cities Business Journal
• Job Search Networking groups

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Networking books

• Dig Your Well Before Youre Thirsty, by Harvey
  MacKay
• How to Work a Room, by Susan Roane
• How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale
  Carnegie

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Bottom line of networking

• Be prepared any time, any where
• Start with contacts that are safe to build
  confidence
• Not a quick fix to your next job make it part
  of your life/work to build relationships
• Use thought, sensitivity and preparation