Networking Skills academy may 2014 networking

Networking Skills

Louise Bamford

Careers ConsultantCareer Development Centre

www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

Objectives

This session will help you to:

• Understand the benefits of networking• Develop your networking skills / strategies• Approach contacts / employers in a

professional manner• Re-assess your job search strategy

Networking Ice Breaker

•Name•Subject•How you spent the Bank Holiday

Then move on…

What is networking?

…….?

What has networking ever done for you?

…………Or how do you hope it can help you in the future?

Why is networking important?When you are starting out…

• Gain / learn about new opportunities for shadowing, work experience or employment

• Advice on career choice / vacancy sources / applications / interviews

• Industry trends and latest news• Develop a motivating support network

Why is networking important?Throughout your career…

•Help you get things done (through strong partnerships / team work)•Raise your profile (and hopefully the rewards)•Keep abreast of new ideas, information…•Learn about new opportunities•For advice, support and maybe fun….

Networking opportunities (are everywhere….)

• Family, friends, fellow students• Extra-curricular clubs and associations• Tutors, careers consultants• Current / previous employment• Professional associations / events• Alumni association• Social media

Six degrees of separation theory…why you can network your way to meeting anyone (including Kevin Bacon)

Yahoo!news – just explain it

Networking Exercise

• On the back of your action plan – write “ME” in the middle of the page

• Pick a area you’d like to learn more about. Who do you know who might be able to help you with finding information about career paths, opportunities, skills and key advice?

Networking exercise – for an HR role

Runs own building firm and does own HR Tony

(Uncle)

Theresa(Neighbour) Works in a recruitment

agency

Jenny (Zumba)

Welfare officer in a bank

Matthew(Brother)

Julie(Friend)

H&S trainer

Sumi(Colleague)

Nigel(ex colleague)

TU Officer

Mark(Her husband)

Plays squash with NHS HR manager

As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. You can also add contacts through groups (alumni association, professional bodies), online (linkedin) or ‘warm’ leads such HR at work / at university.

ME

Networking Advice • Most people find networking scary – US survey

said dying was only the third worst thing that can happen to you

• It’s about building relationships (quality) and how you leverage your networking, not the number (quantity) of business cards you collect

• Being interested Vs interesting

• Use your network to expand your network

Preparation for meetings / conversations

• Make the most of networking opportunities by preparing beforehando Learn about the contact / event attendeeso Learn about the organisation(s)o Learn about the topic

• Plan your objectives for the sessionoHow can you help yourself?oHow can you help others?

Approaching an individual or group

• Don’t assume they won’t be interested in you

• Arrive early and people will speak with you, less competition for their attention

• If people are standing on their own, approach them; likely are also nervous

• Introduce people who join your group. Ensure you highlight their talents

Introducing yourself to strangers!

• Smile and offer a hand to shake

• Always offer your name first. Try to introduce yourself in a relevant way (interest in the event, recent achievements etc.) rather than ‘student’

• If you think you have met before, state your name clearly – they may not remember

Remembering people’s names• If you can’t remember their name be honest …..“didn’t we meet at.... I’m desperately trying to remember your name, please help me out”

• Listen ….Ask for it to be repeated if you didn’t catch it. Better now than never! This will show the person you are interested in them

• Use them. It will help you (and others) to remember them.….Imagine that you will have to introduce them to someone else in a few minutes

• Look….you need to put a name to a face so need to remember what they look like

• If you are given a badge wear it.

Concisely communicate your name,skills, experience and current career objective(s)

30 Second Elevator Pitch

Content of conversations

• Don’t know what to say? Good. • People appreciate good listeners.

Encourage others to talk by asking sensible, intelligent questions. And then listen to the response (really listen – don’t plan the next question).

Content of conversationsOffer an open question (who, what, why, how), don’t interrogate them:

• How did you get started in your business?• What do you enjoy most about your

profession?• What advice would you give to someone just

starting out in the industry?• What do you see as the coming trends in your

business?• What’s the best thing about your work?

The networking pyramid

Networking strategy – who, why, what?

Working the room – small talk, etiquette

Permission to explore / follow up

Follow up

One to one

Keep in touch

Positive outcome

Career Player

Tips and advice => Networking skills

Iceberg principle

The open job market

Advertisedposts

The hiddenJob market

Direct approachesNetworking

Networking For A Job!• Make it known that you are looking for work and

what it is that you can do• Ask what they do and if they know anyone in the

industry who can help• Use a broad spectrum of communication methods: face-to-face, phone calls, emails, social networking sites, online discussion forums

• By utilising your network, you are utilising the network of everyone within that network too

Informational interviewing

• Find someone who knows about a field or occupation

• Ask for a short interview• This is not JOB SEARCH – it is RESEARCH• Helps you to find out about roles and fields • Can reveal the hidden jobs• Widens your network• Who else do they know who can help?

Social NetworkingLinkedin, twitter, (facebook?)

• Google yourself!• Establish relevant online presence (also blog,

website?) – what’s your message??• Link to your CV and portfolio• Use to research companies and people• Join and contribute to relevant online groups• Establish contact with professionals you have

recently met

Aimee Bateman – Career Cake

How to connect with people you don’t know on linkedin

Before you start…..you need a plan!

What do you want to achieve from networking?

Your action plan

• What are you aiming for?(Your career goals)

• What is your current situation? (Job hunting activities underway, what / who

else do you need to know?) • How can networking help you progress? (Specific networking steps with dates)

Evaluation – how was it for you?

Career Development Centre Services

1-to-1Guidance

E-Advice

Vacancies& Events

InformationResources

Volunteering

EmployerEvents

Talent Bank

AssociatesIn Schools

Mentoring

Follow us on

facebook.com/uowcareers

twitter.com/uw_careers

blog.westminster.ac.uk/careers

Slides are available

www.slideshare.net/cdcwestminster 

Contact usHarrow

Harrow CampusRoom EG.16Maria Hewlett BuildingNearest tube: Northwick Park

Central London

Cavendish House1st Floor101 New Cavendish StreetNearest tube: Warren St/ Goodge St/Gt Portland St

Tel: 020 7911 5184E-mail: [email protected]

www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

In summary• Give and take……• Know what you have to offer / you want• Set yourself networking targets and review regularly• Always look for your next contact• Step out of your comfort zone (away from people

you already know!)• Seize all opportunities

……..and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance