NETWORKING

What is a Network? A network is a group of connected people

In the case of job searching, we want our network to be as big

as possible

We can have personal (family, friends, neighbours), social

(teams, school, volunteer), work (peers, supervisors,

customers), or contacts (lawyer, doctor)

Tips for Effective Networking

Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job

You never know who may know someone or be able to refer you

Maybe someone in your network knows of a certain position that is opening up that is not advertised – over 80% of the job market is HIDDEN

If they know you are looking, you will be the first person they think of

Tips for Effective Networking

Be Specific

Tell the people in your network exactly what type of work you are looking for

Tips for Effective Networking

Be professional and willing to accept advice

If someone in your network is offering you advice, take it, even if you don’t believe it

Tell them that you appreciate their help and guidance

Tips for Effective Networking

Gather information

Ask people about what they do and where they work

A lot of the times, there are positions out there that are similar to what we are looking for but that we have never heard of

This is a good way to discover other job opportunities or career paths

Tips for Effective Networking

Ask for referrals

The only way to get referrals from people is to ask them

Let people know that you are searching for employment and ask them if they would mind speaking on your behalf

Tips for Effective Networking

Don’t burn bridges

We always want to remain professional and polite

As much as we may not get along with someone, you never know who they know or what type of influence they might have over the job market

Perhaps they are good friends with the employer you are looking to be hired for. Perhaps their third cousin is going to be your boss

Tips for Effective Networking

Stay motivated

The more motivated you are in your job search, the more likely people are to hire you or refer you.

Employers are looking for people who are serious about working for them, which means putting in the time and dedication to obtain employment with them

NetworkingWhat is networking?

The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth.

That’s why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take

advantage of networking because they’re afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving.

But networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building

relationships.

How can networking help you in your career?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9VUqB7wQpY

Networking - GOOD

Jim worked in retail. He did not love his job, but he took pride in doing a great job, improving himself, and working hard. He was always excellent with customers and did his best to make customers very happy. One day, Jim had a job interview for a customer service representative – a job that paid significantly more than his current position. During his interview, the interviewer realized that Jim had once helped her at the store he worked at. She remembered his excellent customer service skills, and decided to hire him. Jim got the job, quickly moved up in the company, and is now a highly-paid district manager who loves his job.

Networking - BADSarah worked for a landscaping company one summer. She did the job because she needed money for school, but didn’t take it very seriously because in the long run, she wanted to be a social worker, and that was not even slightly related to landscaping. She slacked off during the whole summer, didn’t show up on time, took frequent sick days, and spoke rudely to her manager and co-workers. Two years later, Sarah had a job interview to become a social worker – the job she always dreamed of! What she didn’t realize was that a former co worker of hers from the landscaping company also worked there. When this co-worker saw that Sarah was one of the job applicants, he told the hiring manager about what kind of employee Sarah was. Sarah did not get the job as a result.

The Interview

Interview Types

There are 6 different types of interviews

1) One-on-one

2) Panel/Group Interview

3) Screening Interview

4) Multiple Interview

5) Phone Interview

6) Questionnaire Interview

One-to-one Interview

Most common in the past

One employer, one candidate

Tends to be more casual

Panel/Group Interview

A panel of interviewers and one candidate

Can be the most nerve-wracking

Helps employers to get a better opinion on candidate

Usually one or more of the interviewers will ask the questions and at least one person will record the responses

Try to direct answers to the person who asks the question

Panel/Group Interview

A group of candidates and one or more interviewers

Limited chances to speak so you must be prepared

Gaging to see if you can think on your feet

Watching to see if you are an active listener – are you paying attention to the other candidates

Are you showing respect, fidgeting, posture

Are you engaging in eye-contact with who asked the question

Screening Interview

Screens are done by HR departments which means a lot of the times they may not know the actual job requirements

They will be using the KEYWORDS to filter through all of the resumes they have received

Multiple Interviews

Can be up to EIGHT interviews before a decision is made

May also require testing before selection

This is often strategic to see who is serious about the position

Phone Interviews

Usually the first step in the interview process before they ask you in for a more formal interview

It is important to maintain good phone manners and to speak slowly and clearly

Ensure there is no background noise or distractions

If someone is answering your home phone, make sure they know you might be receiving a phone call for potential employment so that they are also professional

Questionnaire Interview

Employers may send an email with a questionnaire asking you to complete it

Watch your spelling and grammar, and double check your responses before submitting it

These could be personality tests

Also why it is important to always be checking your email

Interview Tips

Know your route

Go alone

Be professional

Listen Carefully

Follow their lead

Know the employer

Go on time (10 minutes)

Be friendly

• Speak carefully• Follow the rules• Maintain good eye contact• Know your resume• Go rested and ready• Answer carefully• Lead with your strengths• Never ask about wage

Body Language

Attentive and Interested

Smiling and Energetic

Open and Excited

YES!!!

• Closed or Crossed Arms• Sleepy or Bored• Hurried or Lazy

NO!!!

Dressing the Part

Simple make-up, natural

Neat, clean attire

One step up

• Bright colours or prints• Strong perfume/cologne• Tattoos/piercings

YES!!!

NO!!!

Handling Nerves

Remember to breathe

Find a common ground

Control your speech patterns

Focus on the positive

Smile

Sit still

Interview Structure

Getting Acquainted

Agenda Setting

Information Gathering

Information Giving

Close

Getting Acquainted

Tell me about yourself

What do you know about this company?

Agenda Setting

Expect to speak about 75% of the time

Listen carefully for the remaining 25%

Ease into your highlights – Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, and Attributes

Information Gathering

Questions about your skills, abilities, education, experience, and attributes

Knowledge of the company and its goals will help you offer relevant information

Provide only POSITIVE information

Information Giving

Employer may provide information about the company such as dress code, travel requirements, hours, start date

Ask pertinent questions such as job responsibilities, equipment used

Close

Ask the employer what the next steps are in the process

When can you expect to hear from them (you want to seem eager)

Tell me about yourself

Why should we hire you?

Why do you want to work here?

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

Do you have any questions for me?

Remember to…

Apply for the job in the manner they ask for

Include all information that they are asking for in the manner that they asked for it

Do your research on the company

Check your email and phone regularly

Make sure your messaging system has a professional greeting