These slides will give you some advice on how to network effectively on ProDevDay. Thanks to MMU Careers and Employability Team for the slides.

1. Networking at Pro.Dev - Your Way into Digital in Manchester Networking is: - Informal fact finding Getting to know who’s who and what’s what Your chance to demonstrate your attitude and interest to people who may be able to help unlock recruitment doors for you

2. When can/do you network? CPD events like Pro.Dev but also..... Conferences Exhibitions Guest lectures Employer presentations Business competitions Recruitment fairs Just about any social occasion......

3. Before you go to Pro.Dev Research the companies you are going to target – e.g. current projects, what could they offer you? Have a CV or resume, business card and a notebook and pen on you – you may well be asked to leave your details…. Dress appropriately – you are there to impress even though it may be very informal

4. CV’s for Digital It’s a visual industry so many of the firms like to be able to access an electronic portfolio highlighting experiences and projects that are relevant to them. For more information on making on-line applications see our handout at: - www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/students-and-graduates/resources/guides/ NB Before you post anything on-line, ensure you have put suitable levels of protection around your ID and ideas/designs.

5. On Pro.Dev day Get yourself into a positive mood and be confident that: I am going to learn a lot that is new and make useful contacts I do possess valuable knowledge and expertise Everyone here wants to meet me as much as I want to meet them. (It is OK to be friendly; just be courteous and professional too!) I have “people” skills – I am likeable and interesting!

6. Networking at Pro.Dev Being offered a placement or a job interview isn’t just about the work you will do – it’s also about the attitude and approach you bring…and you will be demonstrating these when you start networking! To name but a few…… People skills: - communicating, listening, problem solving, decision making, resolving conflict, planning, delegating, being a teamplayer, Soft skills: - flexible, practical, resourceful, reliable, punctual, enthusiastic, self-motivated, eager, polite, helpful, sociable, positive, interested, focused

7. Networking at Pro.Dev To bring a real SHEEN to your introduction: Smile Handshake – if appropriate Eye contact Enthusiasm Natural – be yourself

8. Moving on from the Introduction Ask sensible and interested questions e.g. current projects, future developments, recruitment plans and requirements Talk with knowledge - honestly - and enthusiasm Prepare your elevator pitch – a 1 or 2 minute resume of what you could bring into the company NB: Remember to say “thank you”

9. And after Pro.Dev day.... Make sure you record useful details for follow up later on. Check the best method (phone/email) and when too! Keep on top of what is going on in that field Join relevant digital social networks that will keep you in touch – there are now a number in Manchester...just ‘google’.... Join www.linkedin.com

10. Still have questions? Contact: MMU Careers & Employability Service Ground Floor All Saints Manchester M15 6BH Tel: 0161 247 3483 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

11. Enjoy the day and good luck with your networking!