Career Fair Preparation Week 4 - George Mason University · How do I start a conversation? •Pay attention to body language for inviting/open group conversations •Look for people

Career Fair Preparation Week 4

How do you feel about networking?

or

Overwhelmed

Stressed

Confused

Anxious Prepared Confident

Excited Ready

Agenda

1. Define networking 2. Identify opportunities to network online

and in person3. Discover networking resources

Busting the Networking Myths

Myth: Networking is about power

Reality: Networking is about

relationship building

Myth: Networking means I will be

annoying/bothering people

Reality: Networking is about

asking thoughtful questions

Myth: You have to be charismatic or

outgoing to network effectively

Reality: Networking is for everyone,

and anyone can network!

What is Networking?

The development and maintenance of mutually

beneficial relationships

The creation of an ever‐expanding web of

contacts in a particular career field or industry

The art of developing alliances and informal

interpersonal contacts and relationships

What does networking look like?

• Conversation with a panelist at an industry week event

• Informational interview with an employer in Mason Career Link

• Volunteering for a cause your are passionate about and connecting with other volunteers

• Staying after class to speak with the guest speaker

Preparing to Network

Create Your Job Target

Know Your Job Target Washington DC

Non-ProfitMarketing Director

Location

Job Function/Title Industry

Create Your Personal Pitch

Who are you?

What are you interested in?

What have you done to pursue

those interests??How can I help

you pursue your stated interest?

Sample Introduction

Hello, I’m __________ and I am pursuing my Masters in Public Administration at George Mason University. I have strong research and writing skills, and I have a special interest in contract management.

I understand you work for the Department of Energy. I saw on your web site that your organization has contract manager positions available. What qualities are you seeking in a candidate for a contract management position?

You’re Turn

Set a Networking Goal

• Meet 5 new people related to your job target

• Learn about your industry

• Learn about a company’s culture

• Learn tips for navigating the interview process

Set Up Informational Interviews

1. Never ask for a job

2. When requesting an interview,

provide the contact with possible

dates

3. Research the contact before your

interview

4. Have questions prepared before the

interview

5. Make sure your resume is up to date

in case they ask to see it

6. Ask the contact if there is anything

you can do to help them

7. Always follow up with a Thank You

note

Consider Creating a Business Card

What should I include?

• Name• Contact information• Degree information • Relevant skills

Resources– Print Services – VistaPrint.com– MS Publisher – Avery

Where can I Network?

At Mason

Resume Clinic10/2, 10/3

Career Fair10/4, 10/5

Industry WeeksGovernment Week: 9/18

Guest Lectures

Employer Presentations

Practice Interview Day9/12

Off Campus

Happy Hours

Meet Up Groups

Professional Associations

Volunteering/Sports

How do I start a conversation?

• Pay attention to body language for inviting/open group conversations

• Look for people standing by themselves

• If you are walking into a conversation, listen to what people are saying before you start speaking (active listening)

Exiting the Conversation

• Be polite and positive when exiting a group

• Good moments for you to exit are when others enter a conversation or when you introduce someone else into the conversation

• Don’t forget to give out your business card to or collect business cards from others

• Can be helpful to wear a watch in order to discretely look at the time

Meet with a Industry Advisor

JC Penney Suit Up- October 1, 7-10 p.m., Fair Oaks Mall

How Can We Help You?

Online ResourcesCareer Counseling

Appointments

Events, Workshops and Career Courses

Job and Internship Search Preparation

University Career Services

Careers.gmu.edu

SUB 1, Room 3400

703.993.2370

Questions