JOBSHOP
Networking Introduction Sometimes it can be hard to know whether a job or career is right for you. Talking to people who work in your areas of interest can help you clarify your ideas and give you tips as to where to find opportunities. Networking is not about asking for a job, it is about gathering information, discussing ideas and raising your profile within a professional setting. By doing this you may make useful contacts, increase your confidence levels, and find out about opportunities that have not been advertised. Why network? Networking is a two way connection, it usually benefits both parties.
Graduates/students get to talk to employers about possible careers and job opportunities.
Employers get to identify possible recruits for their job or industry.
Types of Networking Networking comes in a variety of formats including:
Online networking such as social media, LinkedIn, blogs forums
Face to face networking often via careers fairs, industry events and social gatherings
Both type of networking involve similar tactics with the outcome of creating a positive impression and building relationships with people you are making contact with.
Top Tips on how to Network Don’t get hung up on the title! It’s just listening and finding out about other people. Before the event
Find out about the event: Will refreshments be served, or should you eat beforehand? dress code?
Create business cards with your contact details, your course of study. These don’t have to be fancy, they can be made from A4 paper/card and cut to size.
Set yourself a challenge for the evening. i.e. By the time I go home tonight I will have given two people my contact details, found out about opportunities with a certain company, found out what three people do in their job…
Openers - what to say:It can be difficult to make conversation with people you have never met before and with those that you may not have anything in common with. Try a simple opener such as:What organisation do you work for? What job do you do?
At the event
Make a good impression. Remember your manners, be polite and don’t interrupt. Smile.
Take the initiative. Ask if you can join someone/a group. Introduce yourself, without interrupting anyone.
Approach smaller groups. It may be tempting to join larger louder groups, but by joining smaller groups of three or four people will give you a better chance of entering into the conversation and making contacts.
Use positive body language. If you stand with your arms folded, you are giving a signal that is defensive and says ‘stay away’. Try to give positive body language. Remember to smile.
Listen more than you talk. Remember to listen to what others are saying and be engaged in the conversation. Give the person you are talking to your full attention, make eye contact.
Don’t’ behave too casually. Don’t lose concentration because of what is going on around you or that you find yourself getting on well with those you are talking to. This is a professional environment, not a social gathering.
Practice your pitch. Most people will want to know a little bit about you. Practice what you will say, Keep your pitch concise. It is often called an elevator pitch as you should be able tell someone about yourself in the time it takes the elevator to travel a couple of floors. You need to say who you are, what you do and what you have to offer.
Don’t talk to the same people all night – “Work the room”. Make sure that you chat to a number of different people. Don’t take up too much of one person’s time. If you think it is time to move on, just say politely say ‘excuse me I just want to talk to so and so…’ Everyone is aware it is a networking event and so should not be offended. Sometimes it is appropriate for you to invite the person you are with to go with you.
Making a contact. Take a notepad/pen or note on your phone the contacts you have made. Note who the contact is and what your connection with them is. i.e. have job opportunities, email them in three months to find out about opportunities, get them the contact name of someone who can help them…etc. After the event Follow up the contacts you have made using the notes you made at the event. Networking Club Join the BG Networking Club to practice networking with employers. The club will comprise of both students and employers and promote a supportive and friendly atmosphere. It will meet approximately three times per year, usually in the early evening. Find out more from bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk