Networking

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Engineering Career Center

NetworkingThe Key to a Successful Career

Networking Definition

Practice of gathering of contacts: the processor practice of building up or maintaininginformal relationships, especially with peoplewhose friendship could bring advantagessuch as job or business opportunities.

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What is a Professional Network?

• Fancy way of saying getting to know people.• Building enduring relationships that are mutually

beneficial.• Important part of developing your career.• All the successful people are doing it. • Excellent tool for finding and landing your next great

job opportunity.• Great source of information and ideas about events,

trends, opportunities and industry news.

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Networking

A lot of people avoid networking because they think of it as difficult, distasteful, or even a little dishonest based on misconceptions:•I’m too busy to network.•I don’t like being so fake.•I know plenty of people already.•Why would anyone be interested in helping someone they don’t even know?

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Networking

Networking can happen with anyone

family friends neighbors classmatesco-workers faculty advisors

student club members alumniinformal acquaintances classroom speakers

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Networking

Networking can happen anywhere

class ball game bus ride in line mixer drs. office golf partyonline LinkedIn conference volunteering line dancing seminars religious events dinner lunch coffee

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Types of Networking Events

• Career / Job Fairs

• Mixers

• College Alumni Programs

• Job Club / Employment Networking

• College Career Networking events

• Professional Conferences

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Career / Job Fair Etiquette

• Turn your electronic devices off.

• Wait your turn, patiently.

o Eavesdrop – learn from others.

o Network with other job seekers.

• Introduce yourself.

• Don’t be a swag hog.

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Professional Conference Networking Tips

• Research speakers and attendees ahead of time - and reach out.

• Use social media to connect with and compliment the speakers.

• Skip a panel or two and hang out in the break room.

• Collect business cards. • Ask meaningful questions of the people you meet.

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Come Prepared

• Company research. • Develop Plans A & Plan B.• Know the dress code.• Carry basic supplies. • Arrive early. • Attend with friend/colleague/classmate. • Watch your manners and mannerisms.

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Name Tags

• Wear a name tag.• Create a name tag.• Placement of name tag.• Periodically check your name tag.

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Networking for Introverts

• Networking is an investment, not a nuisance. • Go regularly to things you like. • At first you have to kiss a lot of frogs. • Take a “time out”.• Don’t spend too much time on it. • Do cool things. • Don’t network just for the sake of networking. • Analyze your results.

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Cultural Differences

American Business•Assertiveness•Company First•Everyone is equal•Punctual•Bottom Line•Eye Contact •Rules, policies, laws

Other Cultures•Humility•Family First•Patriarchal•Time is relative•Relationships•Showing respect•Getting things done

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Know Your Desired Outcome

• “Why am I going?” • Be specific in defining your goal.• Whenever possible, gather additional

information about the other person.• If possible, conduct research in advance.• Offer value.

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Make the most of your first impression

• You never have a second chance to make a first impression.

• Put your game face on – smile. • Offer a firm handshake.• Establish and maintain good eye contact to

demonstrate your interest.• Be enthusiastic and confident.• Demonstrate good posture.

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Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is more important than the words itself.• Eye contact• Facial expressions• Body movements and posture• Gestures• Touch• Space• Voice

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Small Talk / Introductions

• The purpose of small talk is to break the ice and build rapport.

• Start with an introduction and a handshake. • Keep your body language relaxed and confident.• Spend 80% of your time listening and 20%

talking. • Follow with positive observations and questions

about your immediate surroundings.

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What do you do?

• 30-second elevator speech - identifies who you are by providing highlights of your skills, interests and/or abilities, passions and your unique value.

• Want to leave a lasting impression.• Develop and practice your 30-second elevator

speech ahead of time.• Customize your speech to meet the situation.

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30-Second Elevator Speech

• First and last name. • Major and when you are graduating.• Highlight your skills, qualifications and career

interests as they relate to target company.• Relevant work experience (e.g. internship,

volunteer, part-time work, class projects).• Identify your interests and goals.

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Sample 30-Second Elevator Speech

“Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I’m a Computer Science Engineering student with a concentration in Information Assurance and will be graduating in May 2015. I became interested in computers in high school by building and restoring old computers and donating them to needy families. I have a passion for working with internet security and am a member of the ASU Information Security Club since December 2012. We recently competed in the 5th annual Pwn2Own competition, which demonstrated Google Chrome's vulnerabilities and our group placed 2nd out of 70 teams. When I graduate, I would like to pursue my interest in internet security. ”

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Create a two-way Dialogue

• Develop a dialogue. • Come prepared with questions you would like to ask:

Where are they from originally?What do they do for fun and work?Where do they work?How did they get into their career? What networking events do they find beneficial?• Mention your interests and accomplishments.

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Networking Etiquette

• Enter group conversations sensitively.

• “Work” the Event.

• Exit conversations politely.

• Not all connections happen.

• Ask for a business card.

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Networking Etiquette Don’ts

In order to conduct a proactive and effective career search, it is critical to practice good networking etiquette. Your actions are a direct reflection of who you are. They are your brand. •Don’t let bad breath stand in the way of networking. •Do not chew gum or talk with your mouth full.•Do not interrupt someone while they are speaking.•Do not answer your phone, check texts or emails.

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After the Event

No matter where you meet someone, the only real way to bring them into your network is by keeping in contact with them.•Follow-up with new acquaintances via email or phone call.•Seek out recruiters and managers on Twitter and LinkedIn and follow them. •Maintain contact with them.

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Refreshment Etiquette

• Light refreshments means finger food. • Eat before or after the meet and greet.• Select food with minimal mess and that will fit

on one plate.• Non-alcoholic beverages.• Keep your right hand free, clean and dry. • You’re mother doesn’t work here.

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After the Event

• Create social networking lists or Excel spreadsheets.

• If you attend a group on a regular basis, “give back to the group”.

• Follow-up with requested information.• Reach out when you have something to share.

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Networking on LinkedIn

• Develop your connections.• Personalize your LinkedIn invitation.• No response – it’s OK. • Make connections outside your network. • Requesting the introduction. • Follow-up.

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Leverage Your Network

• It’s OK to ask for help.• Be mindful of other people’s time.• Master the “art of the ask”:

What to ask for? Be specific and ask for something easy to give.Who to ask? Everyone in your network.How to ask? Include a pressure-release valve.• Follow-up with your lead and connection.

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Simple Network Request

• Remember the KISS principle. • Ask everyone in your network.• Network request made simple:

“I’m interested in employment opportunities with the XYZ company. I was wondering if you, or anyoneyou know, would be able to help me identify hiring

managers or contacts within the organization. I appreciate your help. I realize you’re very busy, so

if you’re not able to do this, I completely understand.”

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Let’s Practice

Develop Your 30-second Elevator Speech•Hi, my name is _____________________________________•My degree/major is _________________________________•I will be graduating in (when) __________________________•I chose this major because ____________________________•My passions include _________________________________ •Recent activities/accomplishments _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________•Goal after graduation ________________________________

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Let’s Practice

• Write down 4 questions that you would like to know about people in the room:Why did you pick your major?What research have you done?What have you most liked/disliked in your studies?What student clubs or professional organizations have

they joined? • Introduce yourself and start creating your network.

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For More Information

Connect with Fulton Engineering Career Center

Phone: (480) 965-2966 Email: engineering.careers@asu.eduWebsite: http://engineering.asu.edu/career Sun Devil CareerLink: MyASU>Campus Services>Jobs & Careers>Sun Devil CareerLinkFacebook: Engineering Career Center Arizona State University

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