Transcript The University of Sydney

Networking
(Benefits for your career)
24th & 25th September 2011
(Workshop)
Lisa Happell – Career Consultant – O428 609 568 – Email: [email protected]
www.career4connect.com.au
Afraid of Networking
For many people networking is not an easy skill.
Networking
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What is networking
Benefits of networking
Establishing networks
Making contact
Preparing for network meetings
What is Networking
To some people networking might appear to be a process
where you are exploiting the situation to get yourself ahead.
However networking does not need to be looked at in this way.
It can be a mutual process involving an exchange of ideas,
information, experience, support and help.
It is about meeting and interacting with people who can be of
help to you and who you can help in return.
What is Networking
• Networking can help you tap into the hidden job market.
• Research shows that the hidden job market accounts for
between 60-80% of actual job opportunities.
• Networking can help increase your exposure to those job
opportunities.
• Can be used to explore possible career options.
Benefits of Networking
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Identify new job opportunities.
May lead to a job or provide career information.
Help you decide yes/no about a career.
Build knowledge.
Extend contacts.
Help you make informed career decisions.
Benefits of Networking
• Clarify confusion.
• Identify your skill gaps.
• Identify how to build career capabilities.
Afraid of Networking
• Might come across as pushy
• Afraid person might say no
• Don’t like to ask for advice
• Not sure how to approach the situation
Make Networking Easy
The following steps will help you to:
• Build confidence
• Identify how to contact people
• How to approach meetings
* Generally people are happy to help especially if approached correctly.
Establishing Networks
You already have a vast number of people, or "contacts", in your network.
Your Networks
Exercise One
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Family
Friends
Friends of Friends
Neighbours
Work colleagues – current and past
School/University/Tafe – colleagues
Sport or social clubs
Local networking groups
Internet sites Signup to Linkedin - www.linkedin.com
Professional Associations
Take 5 minutes to Write down people in the different categories.
From this list mark with an asterisk any contact you believe could have an
Influence on helping you decided on your next role. Decide how they can help.
Making Contact
Steps to follow:
• Identify how you will make the first contact and what information you
would like to gather. (email, phone, friend).
• Use a scripts to help you make contact and gather information when you
meet with that network.
• Before you meet with the person research the organisation/role.
• Don’t be afraid.
Making Contact
(Exercise Two)
Sample Script :
T
Task: Take 5mins and use the script to practice with the person beside you.
Give each other feedback.
Network Interview Template
Exercise 3
• Thanks/How much time
• Aim to understand more about: (Role, Industry, link to my background)
• Background of dieticians
• Skills used in this process/what is critical
• What need to have/what learnt on the job
• Biggest challenges
Given background fit for me/how can I improve my chances.
Network Interview Template
• My background would there be a fit /how can I improve my chances/ie:
volunteer, further training
• Is there any one else I should talk to? If yes what is the best approach.
• Thank you for time, summary of discussion.
• Send an email or a card of learning’s and steps you have taken.
* Keep a journal to record discussion summaries, feelings,
next steps, contacts. A job analysis can also help.
Job Analysis
Don’t waste this valuable opportunity
to make an impression
Prepare for Networking
Research
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Company
Role
Interviewers
Labour market information
Know Yourself
(Self Assessment)
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Resume
Strengths
Weaknesses
Job Fit
Map skills against job
Concrete examples for job requirements
Anticipate Interview
Questions
• Write out types of questions that might be asked
based on the job. (STAR technique)
• Prepare questions to ask.
Appearance
• Clothes (women/men)
• Breath, scent
Logistics
• Time, Location, transport, interviewers details
Top Tips
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Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Research, Research, Research
Be Confident
Act natural/but professional
Practice with a friend/family member
Professional phone message
Professional email address
Learn from the experience