Networking… & Other Ways to Job Search

Networking… & Other Ways to Job Search • College Career Services offices & Internship Programs • Job Fairs • Employment & Temp Agencies • Newspaper Ads • Employment Service • Internet- NJPIN, MonsterTrak, CareerBuilder, CollegeGrad.com • Pounding the Pavement, Direct C ontacting • Networking - Uncovering the Hidden Job Market

NETWORKING The best route to and through the “Hidden Job Market”

What is Networking? Cultivating & expanding your contact base to enlist their help & support in your job search

How do I start? Begin with the people you know well: • Relatives • Friends and neighbors • Your pastor, priest or rabbi • Current & former teachers • Current & former employers & co-workers • People you meet in your every day activities • Hair Stylist, Dentist, Doctor • Your College’s alumni

What do I say? • First begin with an introduction: who you are and what kind of job you are looking for • Continue with a short description of your skills and what you can do for the company you would be working for Carrie Rafanello-Bazar, MS, LPC • 13 years counseling, student development & human services experience • Administration of college-wide career awareness and exploration programs • Conducting career related workshops and seminars in small and large group formats • Producing outreach initiatives designed for student recruitment and retention and outcomes assessment • Marketing/events coordination and Virtual Career Center (creating all promotional materials and co-creating department web site, program video, and E-mentoring program).

90 second self-marketing ad • Intro: who you are & what you want from your target • Your training & skills • Your hook • How you will follow up • The closing • PRACTICE!!

Ask Open Ended, Specific Questions Such As… • How did you get started in your career? • Based on my current skills and education, what kind of jobs in this field should I be applying for? • What are the most important skills needed for the jobs in this field ? • What do you like most and least about your job?

And then... • Let your target know you are not asking them for a job; instead, you are asking for information, advice and support • Make it clear that you are a resource person and will add value to any company you will work for • Who else do you know in this field who might be willing to talk to me? • Can I mention your name when I contact them?

AND… • What do you see happening in this industry in the next 3 - 5 years? • Would you like to see a copy of my resume? If you have any suggestions, I would like to hear them. “The Close.”

Tips for networking success • Tell your target you will take only 20-30 minutes of his/her time… and stick to your schedule • Begin with your Self-Marketing AD • Research companies and be familiar with your industry in advance • Be sincere but positive when discussing your strengths and weaknesses - don’t mislead anyone • Thank your target for his/her time and information. Send an email and snail mail thank-you within 48 hours of your meeting.

Also, • Keep in touch with your contacts… a short note, call or e-mail will work wonders • You can find good networking contacts by joining a professional organization in your field and/or by volunteering or obtaining an internship in your field

Professional Associations • Join NOW! • National Trade and Professional Associations published by Columbia Books or a web search (name of the career field + professional associations) • Publications and Journals as part of membership • Conferences, networking meetings, chat groups • Access to member information • Put it on your Resume!

Don’t get discouraged when you encounter rude people; most of your contacts will be polite!

Take personal responsibility for maintaining the positive energy in your networking relationships

Networking… & Other Ways to Job Search