For Job Seekers: Networking Welcome From Catholic Knights Catholic Knights: service for 124 years Members First Benefit: spiritual, educational and financial components The series of Webinars one piece of the educational component of this benefit Pleased to partner with MRA For more information: www.catholicknights.org or call 800-965-2547 Welcome From MRA Not for profit employers association since 1901. Serving 4,000+ employers throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa MRA helps organizations recruit, develop, and retain a powerful workforce 20+ years of outplacement George Blomgren Career Coach For more information on MRA www.mranet.org or call 800.488.4845
Introduction Informational interviews, networking events Tips for the shy Turn any encounter into networking Networking tools (e.g., elevator speeches) How to name drop Maintaining your network Introduction Introduction Informational Interviews Networking Events
Shy? An opportunity for personal development You aren t alone! (which means that this is a great way to differentiate yourself ) It Really Works Informational Interviews People like to give advice A little bit of flattery goes a long way Most people can spare 15 minutes
Hidden Jobs 75% of jobs are unadvertised Networking is the path to these jobs These jobs are not yet defined May turn into formal job opportunities when the right candidate appears Ground Rule #1 When asking for informational interviews, never ask about jobs Let s Listen In
The Ingredients The personal connection Prepared for objections Firm boundaries Flattery/reason for call An Alternative Approach Practice Interviews Don t Leave Without
Wrapping Up The Meeting Ask for additional leads And ask why him or why her? Wrapping Up The Meeting Benefits Of This Approach Two personal referrals, each with Relevant reasons to call them Powerful compliments to use (flattery)
Can This Be Right? Assuring people that you aren t asking for a job is that really a wise idea? Important Reminders Formalize your network Manage your network Express your gratitude It s All Networking Job fairs Seminars & workshops Church activities Sporting events Volunteer events
Job Fairs 1-2 dozen employers Hundreds of job seekers Job Fairs: Other Job Seekers Extraordinary networking opportunity Easy to talk to: you know why they are there INSIDE Don t miss your chance!! TIP Quantity Mentality Leads to superficial connections May set you up for disappointment
Job Fairs For The Shy Three strategies to overcome shyness & work the crowd 1.Help someone else 2.Be an ambassador 3.Make it all about them Strategy #1 Look for someone more scared & shy than you What brings you here? These events make me so nervous. What about you?
Strategy #2 Pretend you re on staff Work the crowd help fellow job seekers Volunteer greeter? Strategy #3 Avoid preconceived ideas about conversations Let the other person guide the dialog No expectations = no disappointment Beyond Job Fairs
The Strength Of Weak Ties Natural inclination to network with friends Sociology theory explains why this isn t a good idea Your good friends are not a good source of ideas/connections/opportunities that you don t already know about The Strength Of Weak Ties Worlds barely overlap Different people Different opportunities Work the edges Taking It On The Road Networking when the people we talk to Are strangers Aren t necessarily employers or job seekers
Elevator Speech You press your button What are you up to these days? 30 seconds to tell your story Elevator Speech 30-second summary of who you are & what you are looking for Concise Focused Memorable Elevator Speech Skills Experience Accomplishments What next?
Elevator Speech It s All About Them Conversations with strangers Create common ground first Don t launch into elevator speech Wait until timing is right Ask them leading questions INSIDE! TIP Don t Push Job seeking = sales Smart sales people don t push Focus on fact finding, making connections & practicing social skills
Business Cards Javier Jobseeker jjobseeker@hotmail.com 123 Main St. Plainesville, WI 12345 1.252.555.1234 Seasoned Facilities Manager Over 12 years managing a multi-location corporate office. Managed all contract negotiations, service contracts, utilities. In 2008, saved over 17% on renegotiated contracts. Spearheaded recent focus on green office enhancements. OSHA, lean & safety certifications. Name Dropping Typically Arrogant Misguided A great way to ruin an interview! Name Dropping Negative Example
Name Dropping Name Dropping Name Dropping Done Correctly Stresses how you use your network A different spin on who you know Contextually relevant
Name Dropping Positive Example Name Dropping Why it matters Leverage the network you have worked so hard to grow! How To Name Drop Done Correctly A different spin on who you know Now it emphasizes How you know them How you effectively leverage them Contextually relevant
Care & Feeding Of Networks Make sure you can keep in touch Make sure you do keep in touch In Conclusion Informational interviews, networking events Tips for the shy Turn any encounter into networking Networking tools (e.g., elevator speeches) How to name drop Maintaining your network Closing Thoughts Thanks for participating in the Members First Benefit Webinar Series We hope that you found the information helpful If you have a specific question on the information presented in this module, please e-mail: members.benefit@catholicknights.org Submitted questions will be answered in a follow-up Q&A posting