Networking Skills for Everyone

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Networking Skills for Everyone

• Career Services
• http//students.georgiasouthern.edu/career
• 681-5197
• 1047/1058 Williams Center

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What is Networking?

• Its all about relationship building.
• The process of getting connected in order to
  advance your career.
• It does not mean asking everyone you run into if
  they know of a job.

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What is Networking?

• Finding a job is not the only reason to network.
  Networking also allows you to
• Learn more about the profession
• Gain insights into trends in the industry
• Grow professionally

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Developmental Networking

• Networking for further contacts and referrals.
• Begin constructing a network by compiling a list
  of contacts.
• Develop a strategy to connect with people.
• Expand your network by asking current contacts
  for advice and referrals.
• Follow up with your initial contacts and thank
  them for their assistance.

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Strategic Networking

• Lays the foundation for hiring.
• Arrange meetings and informational interviews
  with contacts.
• Solicit additional referrals.
• Maintain contact by thanking and updating
  contacts.
• Once employed, inform your contacts of the good
  news.

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Why is Networking So Important?

• The hidden job market75-95 of jobs are never
  advertised.
• Many of the best, highest paying, and upper-level
  jobs are rarely advertised.
• 75-80 of jobs are found through networking.

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Networking Quick Facts

• Expect it to take 31 to 100 days to build a
  results producing network from scratch.
• Networking vs. Direct Mail
• 2 personal contacts per week for 12 weeks
  1 offer
• 225 resumes sent 1 offer

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How To Make Contact

• In Person
• Mail
• E-mail
• Telephone

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What Kind of Contacts Make the Best Network?

• People who can
• Give advice, information, referrals.
• Inform you about job openings.
• Introduce you to people with hiring power.
• Hire you immediately or in the future.

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Best Contacts

• For New Graduates
• Classmates
• Alumni
• Parents
• Relatives
• Faculty/Staff
• Fraternity/Sorority Members
• Members of Professional Organizations
• Chamber of Commerce
• Former/Current Employers

• For Established Job Seekers
• Past or present co-workers
• Family
• Friends
• Religious community
• Neighbors
• Mentors
• Business associates
• Volunteers

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Top Networking Spots

• Professional and Volunteer Organizations
• Charity/Fundraising Events
• Civic and Community Groups
• Religious Community
• Golf Course
• Tennis/Racquetball/Basketball Court
• Health Club
• Political Campaigns
• Chamber of Commerce
• Nail salon/beauty shop
• Graduation Ceremonies

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Networking as a Student

• Junior Year
• Develop your resume
• Brainstorm a list of potential contacts
• Make a list of companies you would like to work
  for
• Sign up on professional listservs
• Conduct informational interviews
• Participate in an internship program
• Join professional organizations
• Senior Year
• Decide where you want to live after graduation
• Join professional associations within your
  targeted geographic region
• Continue to maintain contact with your networks
• Conduct additional informational interviews

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Networking for the Shy

• Begin in settings where you know others.
• Join on-line discussion groups.
• Make contact via email or letter before
• phoning.
• Plan what you will say before making the
• initial phone call.
• If someone gives you a referral, ask that
• person to call in advance for you.
• Smile and project enthusiasm and
• confidence.
• Set goals for yourself and celebrate your
• successes.

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Networking Etiquette

• Know the purpose of networking.
• Do your homework.
• Do not act desperate.
• Remember that networking is a two-way street.
• Listen and respect your contacts time.
• Get permission before using a contacts name to
  approach another contact.

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Selling Yourself

• Develop a commercial about yourself
• Use promotional tools
• Your resume
• A business card
• Networking card
• Resume highlights card
• Personal website (if content is professional)

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Networking Tips

• Semester breaks are good times to network.
• Continue networking after obtaining employment.
• Network within your company.
• Find a mentor.
• Learn how to read people.

• Speak the language
• Part-time and temporary employment make great
  networking opportunities.
• Speak and write in your area of expertise.
• Be a helpful network contact for others.

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Keep Track of Your Contacts

• Business cards
• Rolodex System
• Index Cards
• Computerized Systems
• Organizational Schemes

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In Summary

• Begin networking early to make the contacts
  needed to be successful.
• These contacts can assist you in graduate school
  planning, job search skills, and future career
  development needs.

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Any Questions?

• THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!