Networking at Pro.Dev - Your Way into Digital in Manchester

Networking is: -

Informal fact finding

Getting to know who’s who and what’s what

Your chance to demonstrate your attitude and interest to people who may be able to help unlock recruitment doors for you

When can/do you network?

CPD events like Pro.Dev

but also..... Conferences Exhibitions Guest lectures Employer presentations Business competitions Recruitment fairs Just about any social occasion......

Before you go to Pro.Dev

Research the companies you are going to target – e.g. current projects, what could they offer you?

Have a CV or resume, business card and a notebook and pen on you – you may well be asked to leave your details….

Dress appropriately – you are there to impress even though it may be very informal

CV’s for Digital

It’s a visual industry so many of the firms like to be able to access an electronic portfolio highlighting experiences and projects that are relevant to them.

For more information on making on-line applications see our handout at: -

www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/students-and-graduates/resources/guides/

NB Before you post anything on-line, ensure you have put suitable levels of protection around your ID and ideas/designs.

On Pro.Dev day

Get yourself into a positive mood and be confident that:

I am going to learn a lot that is new and make useful contacts

I do possess valuable knowledge and expertise

Everyone here wants to meet me as much as I want to meet them. (It is OK to be friendly; just be courteous and professional too!)

I have “people” skills – I am likeable and interesting!

Networking at Pro.Dev

Being offered a placement or a job interview isn’t just about the work you will do – it’s also about the attitude and approach you bring…and you will be demonstrating these when you start networking!

To name but a few……

People skills: - communicating, listening, problem solving, decision making, resolving conflict, planning, delegating, being a teamplayer,

Soft skills: - flexible, practical, resourceful, reliable, punctual, enthusiastic, self-motivated, eager, polite, helpful, sociable, positive, interested, focused

Networking at Pro.Dev

To bring a real SHEEN to your introduction:

Smile Handshake – if appropriate Eye contact Enthusiasm Natural – be yourself

Moving on from the Introduction

Ask sensible and interested questions e.g. current projects, future developments,

recruitment plans and requirements Talk with knowledge - honestly - and

enthusiasm Prepare your elevator pitch – a 1 or 2 minute

resume of what you could bring into the company

NB: Remember to say “thank you”

And after Pro.Dev day....

Make sure you record useful details for follow up later on. Check the best method (phone/email) and when too!

Keep on top of what is going on in that field Join relevant digital social networks that will

keep you in touch – there are now a number in Manchester...just ‘google’....

Join www.linkedin.com

Still have questions?

Contact:

MMU Careers & Employability Service

Ground Floor

All Saints

Manchester M15 6BH

Tel: 0161 247 3483

www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

Enjoy the day and good luck with your

networking!