Building and Managing Your Connections · Building and Managing Your Connections MySECO.MilitaryOneSource.mil • 800-342-9647 Presenter: Keri Hill, SECO Career Coach September 25,

Building and Managing Your Connections

MySECO.MilitaryOneSource.mil • 800-342-9647

Presenter: Keri Hill, SECO Career CoachSeptember 25, 2019

Agenda

• Building and Managing Your Connections = Networking!• What Is Networking? • How Can Networking Help You?• Creating and Building Connections - Online & In-person Events• Networking Questions• Informational Interview• Elevator Pitch• Building Relationships• Maintaining Connections• Special Considerations• SECO Tools and Resources• Questions and Feedback

MySECO.MilitaryOneSource.mil • 800-342-9647 1


BUILDING AND MANAGING CONNECTIONS

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NETWORKING

What Is Networking?


• A mutually beneficial relationship to share information and develop professional contacts

• Focuses on making connections, helping each other and building a long-term relationship

• Everyone can do it—but it takes time• Unique to each person

How Can Networking Help You?


• Connect with others in your field

• Vouch for your skills and strengths

• Gain insight into a company and career field

• Learn from the experience of others

• Make you more visible

• Share ideas

Finding Connections


• Friends and family• Co-workers and

supervisors• Community

members• Professors and

instructors

Creating and Building Connections Online


• Blogs

• Social Mediao LinkedIno Facebooko Twittero Instagram

Tips for Connecting Online


• Look for commonalities• Follow and comment on posts• Consider how to help others• Be strategic• Be patient

Creating and Building Connections: In-Person Events


• Hiring and Networking Events

• Community Events• Conferences• Alumni Events• Volunteer and Social

Events• Professional

Organizations• Mentor Programs

Tips for Connecting at In-Person Events


• Consider Your Personality• Research the event • Make Meaningful Connections• Ask Thoughtful Questions and Listen• Informational Interview• Create and Use an Elevator Pitch• Prepare Goals• Bond Over Thoughts and Ideas• Be Mindful of Body Language

Networking Questions


• What brings you to this event?• What is your passion?• How did you get into this industry?• What advice would you give someone just starting

out?• How would you like to grow?• What do you enjoy doing outside of your work?

What Is an Informational Interview?


❑ A short one-on-one meeting with someone who works for a company or industry that you would like to join.

❑ Provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the position they hold, their career journey and the company for which they work.

Tips for a Successful Informational Interview


• Before the interviewo Research the person you will be interviewingo Dress professionallyo Prepare questionso Be on time

• During the interviewo Ask thoughtful questions and listeno Give a brief overview of your education and employmento Make it clear that you are not there to get a job but to ask

advice and learn

• After the interviewo Reflect on what you learned and consider writing it downo Send a professional thank you note

What Is an Elevator Pitch?


• A brief response (20-30 seconds) to the questions “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself.”

• Can be utilized at job fairs, networking events or when you meet someone new in a professional environment

• Can be tailored to your audience

• Focus on a few skills (at most three) that you want to highlight

• Practice until it feels natural, not robotic

Sample Elevator Pitch


My name is ____________. I recently completed a BSN program and obtained my nursing license in NY. The last semester I spent my clinicals in pediatrics. I really enjoyed the experience of helping children and their families. My goal is to always provide a calm and nurturing environment where I can give the best care possible. I am currently looking for a position in pediatrics in a hospital or private practice where I can continue to provide excellent care to children and their families.

Maintaining Connections


• Make the relationship a priority

• Focus on giving and helping others

• Consider introducing your new contacts to your other contacts

• Be patient

• Ask for advice, not a job

• Be positive and genuine

• Create a networking log or spreadsheet for contacts and their information

Special Considerations for Military Spouses


• Utilize military community and organizations dedicated to supporting spouses

• Attend hiring fairs and networking events on base

• Focus on online resources

• Be positive and strive to take risks

SECO Tools and Resources


• Career Coaching Packages: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/3898

• Networking Basics: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/1540

• LinkedIn Premium: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/8256

• MSEP LinkedIn Spouse Group: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/631

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/3898




SECO Tools and Resources (continued)


• Spouse Ambassador Network: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/1494

• Connect through Information Interviews: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/3839

• Creating Your Elevator Pitch: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/3850

• Volunteer.gov: https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/content/view/1463





Questions? Feedback?


We’d like to hear from you!

Connect with us:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DoDMilSpouse

Twitter – https://twitter.com/DoDMilSpouse

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4159976

SECO Career Center: 800-342-9647Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDTSaturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT

SECO Events Calendar:

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/Portal/Home/EventDetails

https://www.facebook.com/DoDMilSpouse

https://twitter.com/DoDMilSpouse

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4159976

https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/Portal/Home/EventDetails

Documents

Building and Managing Your Connections · Building and Managing Your Connections MySECO.MilitaryOneSource.mil • 800-342-9647 Presenter: Keri Hill, SECO Career Coach September 25,