1. The Careers and Employability Service Networking : Preparing for today’s event www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

2. Networking • What is it and why it’s important to network • Where to network • Preparing to Network • How to network • Using your network www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

3. What is networking • Informal fact finding • Getting to know who’s who and what’s what • A chance to demonstrate your attitude/ aptitude/enthusiasm and interest to people who may be able to open/unlock recruitment doors for you…. It could help you to: explore your career ideas, arrange work shadowing, obtain an informational interview, gain work experience, target your CV, secure a job

4. Why? • Job hunting is competitive • If have personal referral more likely to get an interview • Essential for some areas • Some jobs are never advertised • Some jobs are created for the individual • Can be particularly important for MMU graduates! www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

5. You already have networks! • Family, friends, family of friends, friends of family • Colleagues, previous employers and tutors www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

6. Expanding your network • Careers fairs/employer presentations • Trade exhibitions • Open days • On-line • Conferences • Guest lectures • Competitions • Professional organisations connected to your career interest • Career Mentor – get one through MentorMatch www.mentormatch.mmu.ac.uk Plus…. • Talk to everyone you can think of about your career goals www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

7. Working the Ignite Event • Switch off your phone! • Get yourself in a positive mood and be confident • Think about what you want to get out of this event • Look at the person you are meeting • Listen attentively Think: Everyone here wants to meet me as much as I want to meet them! www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

8. Questions you could ask • What do you do during a typical day in your job? • What are the most/least interesting parts of your job? • What skills, qualifications and qualities are vital for getting into the field and for getting promoted? • How is the profession changing? • What kind of work culture exists in your organisation? What kind of people seem to thrive there? • What sort of person is suited to a career in your field? • What entry level jobs are best for learning about the job and for getting ahead? How would these be filled normally?    Quick exercise: use the post-its provided to note several questions you’d like to use with employers today www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

9. Working the room S smile Hhandshake I eye contact N name E enthusiasm www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

10. Working the room • Approach from the front so the person can see you • Avoid tapping shoulders or clearing your throat • Put out your hand ‘hello I am’ and then outline the reasons for presenting yourself www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

11. Starting the conversation • Look at the person • Avoid folding your arms -it appears you are not an open person • Avoid slouching or standing to attention • Keep your hands away from your hair and face • Stand in an open position – it encourages others to join you www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

12. Building the conversation • Have a pitch prepared • Be prepared with questions and conversational topics in mind • Top tips: • Ask open ended questions that are not answered by a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ • Be curious – it is always pleasant to meet somebody who appears interested in who you are and what you have to say • Ask relevant questions and really listen to the answers • Build up to your ‘killer’ question www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

13. Ending the conversation • Watch out for the boredom signals and if spotted change tack quickly • Learn how to move away with panache www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

14. Hospitality etiquette • Chance to mingle and make small talk • Circulate and talk to people – don’t hang out by the buffet • Your main aim is not to eat www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

15. Conclusion • Always ask initially for help and advice, not for a job • Always ensure you say thank you to people for giving you their time • Make a record of your contacts, what they do and what they might be able to offer • Follow up any leads promptly • Keep your network contacts warm – utilise social media Ask us if you need more advice and good luck www.mmu.ac.uk/careers