Introduction to Networking
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The document provides guidance on networking effectively for job searching. It discusses keeping an open mind, being respectful of others, and staying engaged with your network through acknowledgements and sharing of information. Networking benefits include gathering job leads and referrals. The document recommends having a clear core message, conducting research before events, asking questions of others, and following up with new contacts.
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Introduction to Networking
- 2. 1. Keep an open mind – that’s how we learn! 2. Ask questions – someone else may be thinking the same thing. 3. Please be respectful and don’t interrupt when others are speaking. 4. Put phones on silent. If you absolutely must take a call, kindly and quietly leave the room. 5. Session will start and end on time. 6. Keep break to the allotted time. Ground Rules
- 3. Your Thoughts… What are your networking challenges?
- 4. Questions to be Answered How can networking benefit your job search? What networking tools and resources are available to you? Who should be included in your network? How to organize and track your networking activities? What to say when you’re networking?
- 5. Activity Getting to Know You 1. Get on your feet! 2. Meet 2 people 3. Ask them 3 questions: *Their name *Current or former occupation *A unique or interesting fact about them 4. You have 5 minutes…GO!
- 6. • You have to be a schmoozer • You must know a lot of people • Only for professionals • Requires a lot of time Myths Facts VS. What is Networking? • Be yourself! • Numbers don’t matter, how you use network does • For everyone • Network anytime
- 7. Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships with those around you and leveraging those relationships to meet personal and professional goals.
- 8. Increase presence Get information Job leads & referrals Benefits of Networking
- 9. Types of Networks Personal Professional Clients Co-Workers Professional Peers Job Search Work Team Family Friends Service Providers Faith Group Interest Group
- 10. Networking In Person Conferences Professional Associations Job Fairs Community Events Church/Mosque Synagogue/Temple Education Training
- 11. Networking Online Social Media Sites Blogs Interest Forums
- 12. Activity 1. Think about your current networks. 2. Use worksheet provided to list them according to type: Personal or Professional. 3. If you know the names of people associated with each of your networks, list that too. 4. Think of organizations, associations, or forums that interest you. List up to 3 that you will join.
- 13. Your Thoughts… How many of today’s jobs are landed through networking? of7 10
- 14. Networking is the most important part of job hunting…it’s also the place where most job hunters get stuck. Orville Pierson – Job Search Expert
- 15. Effective Networking for Jobs Get the word out The Four Goals of Networking Gather information Meet insiders at targeted companies Get in touch with decision makers
- 16. Core Message Statement Tell Me About Yourself. Who You Are Name and Occupation What You Do Well Skills What You’re Looking For Request How You Offer Something Better Uniqueness
- 17. Core Message Statement Example “Hi my name is Grace Wilson. I’m interested in a Paralegal position because I have extensive knowledge of the legal process. I’m currently a Legal Secretary at Kirkland and Ellis, where for the last 7 years I’ve become an expert in conducting pretrial searches and retrieving information using Lexus-Nexus. I’ve participated in the Discovery process for over 100 cases ensuring that attorneys received accurate and relevant information reducing the need for additional court dates. I’m proficient in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Clio, and DiscoveryIQ and would be a great fit for a Paralegal position because of my ability to interact effectively with attorneys, prioritize tasks, and sensitivity to confidential information. Right now, I’m looking for an opportunity with a firm that specializes in family law.”
- 18. Use Social Media to Grow Your Network Facebook LinkedIn Twitter RedditYou Tube Instagram
- 19. 1. Choose a 2nd degree connection that you want to be introduced to Todd Goodman HR Manager | Top People Finder 2d LinkedIn Use Social Media to Grow Your Network Danni R. Jobseeker Client Services Rock Star 1d 2. Select a mutual connection that can connect you and send a message asking for an introduction Stephanie Jackson Supervisor | Program Coordinator 1d
- 20. Use Social Media to Grow Your Network Danni R. Jobseeker Client Services Rock Star 1d Stephanie Jackson Supervisor | Program Coordinator 1d Hi Stephanie, how are you? Hope all is well at Comcast. I noticed that Todd Goodman at XYZ Corp. is a member of your LinkedIn network. Would you mind introducing me? XYZ Corp. is a company on my targeted list. I’d really appreciate your help. Hey Danni, I’m great, thanks for asking! Todd and I go way back to when I worked for Dish Network. I know him well and would be happy to introduce you.
- 21. Nurture Your Network Acknowledge Achievements Share Information Wish Happy Birthday Give a Referral Meet One-on-OneOffer a Solution Offer Congratulations
- 22. Establish a Networking Action Plan • Decide what works best for you • Focus/plan your activities • Keep a log of your connections, their contact information, and details of your conversation • Update regularly • Commit and hold yourself accountable
- 23. Activity 1. Use template provided to create a Core Message statement to use when networking 2. Use worksheet provided to begin a networking action plan
- 24. Networking at events requires that you plan in advance to ensure that you make the right impression and get the most out of the experience.
- 25. Networking in Action • Network with a goal • Use Core Message to summarize your skills and experience • Be prepared to ask questions • Turn off your device! • Do advance research • Show initiative • Get your bearings • Bring your smile and a “can do” attitude • Ask for business cards Get the Most Out of Networking Events
- 26. Effective Questions to Ask • What is the typical trajectory for someone in this position? • What is the most challenging aspect of your current job? • What do you like most about working at your company? • What entry level positions are available? • Does your company offer additional training or professional development? • May I contact you if I have additional questions? May I have your business card? How do you prefer to be contacted?
- 27. Networking in Action • Asking for a job/favors • Monopolizing the conversation • Telling your life’s story/sharing personal issues • Using inappropriate or unprofessional language Stay Clear of Negative Behavior • Being critical/condescending • Not asking people questions about themselves • Appearing unapproachable
- 28. Use Personal Business Cards • Include name and professional branding statement, contact information, LinkedIn URL or QR code to personal website • Expertise, skills/strengths, certifications • Opt for clean, simple design
- 29. Networking Emails Keep it short and simple Recall meeting circumstances Make your request Go with first name Make an observance
- 30. Summary • There are many benefits to networking • Networking activities should be the foundation of your job search • Prepare and use a Core Message Statement when networking • Listen as much as you talk in order to spot opportunities • Establish and commit to an action plan when networking for jobs
- 31. Activity Speed Networking 1. Each participant will interact with every other participant until everyone has had an opportunity to network 2. Participants will network in five minute rounds before rotating to the next round 3. Use your Core Message to introduce yourself 4. Be prepared to ask questions
- 32. THANK YOU!
Editor's Notes
- Facilitator: Good afternoon! Welcome to Introduction to Networking! My name is _______________ and I am delighted to be facilitating today’s session on this very important job readiness topic. (Share your background and expertise in job readiness training). Motivation: Job search experts agree that networking is the best way to find jobs, but many job seekers fail to take advantage of it. Many people are uncertain about the most effective way to go about it. Mastering the ability to utilize the power of your networks is the most important job search skill that you can have. The more effective you are at networking, the greater your chance of reaching your job goal. Today’s session is about empowering you with information, tips, and techniques designed to help you to network smart and with confidence! Before we start our session, let’s cover some ground rules.
- Facilitator: Read ground rules. Transition: Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s start the session with a question…
- Facilitator: What are some of your networking challenges? (Allow 2 minutes for responses.)
- Facilitator: Here are the questions that will be answered in today’s session: How can networking benefit your job search? What networking tools and resources are available to you? How to organize and track your networking activities? What to say when you are networking? Who should be included in your network? Transition: Before going further, let’s take a few minutes to get to know each other a little better.
- Facilitator: Proceed with icebreaker activity. Read instructions so participants have a clear understanding of what they are to do. Clarify and answer questions. After the activity ask for a few volunteers to introduce who they met and what they learned. Then advise participants that they have just engaged in a networking activity. Probe participants on their thoughts/emotions as they engaged in the activity. (Allow 5-10 minutes for responses.)
- FACILITATOR: Ask the question before revealing graphic.
- Facilitator: Networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships with those around you and leveraging those relationships to meet personal and professional goals. We use networking all the time – usually without thinking about – to get information and solve problems in our lives. As more people become engaged in your “problem”, you have a greater chance of reaching your goal. Transition: Now that we have a clear understanding of what networking really is, let’s discuss how it can benefit us.
- Facilitator: Ways that we benefit from networking: Get information: Occupations Companies Industries Trends Job leads referrals Increase your professional presence among your peers What are other benefits?
- Facilitator: We all belong to at least one network, many of us belong to multiple ones. Can you think of some networks? Our networks fall into primarily two categories: Personal and Professional. Here are some common networks that we currently belong to. Other networks: Alumni network Facebook groups LinkedIn groups Political groups Social groups Charitable organizations Transition: We just discussed the variety of networks that we belong to, now let’s discuss where we network.
- Facilitator: Networking can take place just about anywhere. Social events, professional events, at work, the gym, school. Even when you’re sitting and waiting to see your doctor! Ask for other places to network in-person: Grocery store Kids athletic or other school event Hair salon/barber shop Funeral! Transition: We’ve discussed where we network in-person, let’s talk about networking online.
- Facilitator: Networking online has added not only an element of convenience to the process, but also a way to reach people that you otherwise might not be able to connect with. Networking online through social media, blogs, and interest forums can work very well – if you know how to use. Keep in mind that networking online does not replace networking in-person. Transition: Now that we have a better understanding of what is networking, the variety of networks that people belong to, and where we network, let’s brainstorm and identify our current networks.
- Activity: 25 minutes Facilitator: Instruct participants to turn to the appropriate page for this activity. Read the instructions; clarify and answer participants questions. Think about your current networks. Use the worksheet provided to list as many as you can think of according to type: either Personal or Professional Writes the names of the people associated with each of your networks and list that too. Think of an association, organization, or forum of interest to you and list up to 3 that you will join. (Have some organizations to suggest in case participants get stuck.) At the end of the activity, ask for a few volunteers to share which organizations, associations, or forums they will join in order to get a sense of the variety and how unique some networks can be. Transition: Now that you have identified some of your current networks and organizations that you will join, let’s start our next lesson: Effective Networking for Jobs.
- Facilitator: How many of today’s jobs are landed through networking? (Allow 2 minutes for responses.) According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of today’s jobs are landed through networking! That is why networking is referred to as the Hidden Job Market - many jobs are never listed on job boards or in the classifieds. Transition: Let’s take a look at how you can tap into that hidden job market and network effectively for jobs!
- Facilitator: Effectively networking for jobs requires a structured approach. You must understand your networking goals, have a clear message to share and establish an action plan that keeps you on task. Transition: Let’s start by discussing the goals.
- Facilitator: Get the word out – start with your personal network of friends and family if that’s more comfortable. Don’t approach by asking for favors or help finding a job. Think more in terms of gathering information – you want to know what they know and who they know. Gather information – on your occupation – what’s changed, what knowledge/skills are employers expecting for that occupation. It could be different now than it was years ago. Gather information on your industry. Meet insiders – who work at companies where your want to work. Your ultimate goal is to get in touch with decision makers – talk to someone who could actually hire you! Transition: Now that we understand the four goals of networking, let’s discuss having a clear core message to share when you meet a prospective connection.
- Facilitator: A core message is an effective way to give a quick synopsis of yourself. It’s a great way to answer the questions like: “What do you do?” Or “Tell me a little about yourself.” You must have a clear occupational goal so that your message is clear. Focus on what you can provide as it relates to your occupational goal. Emphasis your skills, knowledge and experience. What makes you unique. Always finish with a request. For example: “I’d like to speak with you more…” or “Who would you suggest that I speak to?” Transition: Listen as I read an example of a core message statement for the answers to: Who I am? What I do well? What I’m looking for?
- Read core message example. Facilitator: Now that we’ve established the importance of having a core message, let’s talk about ways to grow your networks using Social Media.
- Ask participants if they are familiar social media. Be prepared to explain those that are not readily familiar. Facilitator: The Internet, most specifically social media has made it faster to network. You may find it easier to get to company insiders or even decision makers through sites like LinkedIn. Transition: Let’s take a closer look at LinkedIn and how you can use it to get introductions.
- Ask participants if they are familiar with LinkedIn including the concepts of 1st and 2nd degree connections. Be prepared to explain if necessary. Facilitator: LinkedIn is the best way to find and potentially connect with company insiders and decision makers. Start by doing a little research to identify a 2nd degree connection that you want to be introduced to, then check the “highlights” section of the LinkedIn profile to find a mutual connection that can introduce you. Take the time to compose a thoughtfully written message to send to your mutual connection asking for an introduction. State why you want to connect with that person, remember to be courteous and thank your mutual connection. It’s also a good idea to follow-up later on to let him or her know the outcome. Transition: As you grow your network, you also need to nurture it as well. Let’s talk about ways that you can nurture your network.
- Ask participants if they are familiar with LinkedIn including the concepts of 1st and 2nd degree connections. Be prepared to explain if necessary. Facilitator: LinkedIn is the best way to find and potentially connect with company insiders and decision makers. Start by doing a little research to identify a 2nd degree connection that you want to be introduced to, then check the “highlights” section of the LinkedIn profile to find a mutual connection that can introduce you. Take the time to compose a thoughtfully written message to send to your mutual connection asking for an introduction. State why you want to connect with that person, remember to be courteous and thank your mutual connection. It’s also a good idea to follow-up later on to let him or her know the outcome. Transition: As you grow your network, you also need to nurture it as well. Let’s talk about ways that you can nurture your network.
- Facilitator: Here are seven simple ways to nurture your network. Wish some a happy birthday Offer up a congratulations Acknowledge achievements Give a referral Share information Offer a solution Meet one-on-one Transition: Now that you have some ideas on how to nurture your network, let’s talk about establishing an effective networking action plan.
- Facilitator: The best jobseekers focus their networking activities in order to find job leads. They use a mixture of in-person and online resources that work best for them. Then they organize, prioritize and plan their activities and they record who they met and they follow-up. Transition: We’ve just discussed effective networking for jobs requires that you know your goals, have a clear core message to introduce yourself, and establish a networking action plan. Now, let’s work on the following activities: Creating a Core Message and establishing a networking action plan.
- Activity: 30 minutes. Facilitator: Instruct participants to turn to the appropriate activity page. Read the instructions; clarify and answer participants questions. Use the template provided to create a Core Message statement to use when networking. Use the worksheet provided to list networking activities that you will focus on to find job leads. At the end of the activity, ask for a few volunteers to read their Core Message Statement. Facilitator: 10 minutes break.
- Facilitator: Welcome back! Let’s start our final lesson which covers networking at events. You will often have opportunities to attend events like association meetings, business events where you will meet potential connections. This requires that you plan in advance to ensure that you make the right impression and get the most out of the experience. Transition: Let’s talk about the things that you definitely want to do when you attend networking events.
- Facilitator: In order to get the most out of networking events: Go with a goal! Be ready to say your Core Message to introduce yourself Be prepared to ask questions Listen as much as you talk Ask for a one-on-one at a later date, confirm what’s the best way to contact and or to meet (phone or email) Be open-minded, approachable, friendly and smile! Overall show interest in the person that you are speaking with! Transition: Let’s discuss some effective questions to ask.
- Facilitator: One of the ways that you can show interest in the person that you are speaking with is by asking questions. Here are some effective questions to ask when you are networking for jobs. Pick a few questions from the slide to read. Transition: We just discussed how to network at events and some effective questions to ask, now let’s talk about negative behavior that can hurt you when you’re networking.
- Facilitator: Steer clear of this type of negative behavior when networking at an event: Asking for a job/favors Monopolizing the conversation Telling your life’s story/sharing personal information/issues Using inappropriate or unprofessional language Being critical/condescending Not asking people questions about themselves Appearing unapproachable Transition: Now that you know what not to do at a networking event, let’s talk about using personal business cards to help you when you are networking.
- Facilitator: Personal business cards are often exchanged at networking events. Using a card is a great way to ask for a one-on-one at a later date.
- Facilitator: Email can be an effective way to follow-up with someone that you met at an event in order to maintain that connection. Go through the example email on the slide. Transition: That concludes our lesson on how to network at events in order to get the most out of the experience. Now we are going to complete a brief knowledge check that covers everything we’ve discussed about networking to determine what you’ve learned. After that, we will engage in our final activity for today’s session. Knowledge check: 10 minutes Instruct participants to turn to the appropriate for the knowledge check and answer the questions.
- Facilitator: Summarize the entire session. Allow participants to share what they got out of the experience. Complete evaluation.
- Activity: up to 40 minutes depending upon number of participants. Facilitator: Instruct participants to turn to the appropriate activity page. Describe the Speed Networking activity and read the instructions; clarify and answer participants questions. Have participants stand during this activity when possible. Each participant will interact with every other participant until everyone has had an opportunity to network. Participants will network in five minute rounds before rotating to the next round. Use your core message statement to introduce yourself. Be prepared to ask questions. At the end of the activity, engage participants in reflection. Ask them to compare this last activity to the first one done earlier.
- Facilitator: Good afternoon! Welcome to Introduction to Networking! My name is _______________ and I am delighted to be facilitating today’s session on this very important job readiness topic. (Share your background and expertise in job readiness training). Motivation: Job search experts agree that networking is the best way to find jobs, but many job seekers fail to take advantage of it. Many people are uncertain about the most effective way to go about it. Mastering the ability to utilize the power of your networks is the most important job search skill that you can have. The more effective you are at networking, the greater your chance of reaching your job goal. Today’s session is about empowering you with information, tips, and techniques designed to help you to network smart and with confidence! Before we start our session, let’s cover some ground rules.