Conducting a “Proactive” - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Conducting a “Proactive” Job Search in the Twin Cities

Darren KaltvedAssociate Director, Career ServicesSchool of Public HealthSlide2

WORKSHOP AGENDA

NETWORKINGWhat is Networking?

Resistance/Beliefs about Networking

Types of Networking (informational interviewing)

Steps of Networking & Practice

Bumper StickerHow to construct your stickerPERSONAL BRANDINGIs perception reality?SOCIAL MEDIALinkedIn, Facebook, TwitterApplicationsCustomization, Interpreting Job Postings, SkillsSlide3

NETWORKING

Establishing & maintaining lines of communication with othersWhat

is Networking:

Networking is about

relationships.

People connecting with peopleFinding some common interest between the people who are talking to each other: kids, dogs, book, golf, managers, ( like you did in the introductions) or a mutual friend/acquaintance Information exchangeInformation gained and contacts madeWe do this all the time – without even being aware that we are doing itSlide4

RESISTANCE & BELIEFS

FINISH THESE STATEMENTS: (individually and in small groups)

I don’t network because…

I would network if…

Which of these are under your control?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________BeliefsNetworking is phony or manipulativeNetworking is designed to convince someone to do something they don’t really want to doNetworking is selling myselfNetworking requires an extraverted styleNetworking is mostly done in large groups and requires spontaneitySlide5

THE TRUTH

Resistance is NormalNetworking is about

u

sing

social, personal and professional contacts to help you to learn more about a field of

interest, or organization.Networking is not only for ExtrovertsIt can be planned…and happens when you least expect it toNetworking is not about only selling yourself, it’s about learning and getting more information People enjoy talking about themselves and enjoy helping others…you are not a nuisance (note: if someone asked you, would you help?)_______________________________________________________________________________________________Break Challenge:Meet and networking with one other person from this workshop

Ask them: how did you find your last 2 jobs?

Write down strategies…share with large groupSlide6

WIIFM = What’s in it for me?

Networking allows you to:Tap into the hidden job market (side door approach)Have an edge on the competition due to the relationship you have established

To be informed

G

ain visibility for future opportunities

Gain referrals (recommendations by people industry trusts)Good people know other good people. Therefore, it’s easier and safer to recruit an employee who, by word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.Increase your work possibilities in the 21st centuryStrong networking = shorter job searchIt is all about who you know or need to get to know, and what you do with what you know.Slide7

NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS

Drop the word “networking”. Instead, refer to this process as “gathering information”, “having coffee with someone”, or “building a few in-depth relationships with someone”.Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.

Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the ball rolling.

Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family members, close friends, people close to them).

Join at least one professional association and attend related events – this strategy is uncommon, but the most beneficial.

Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well as blogs, discussion groups/listservs, etc.Slide8

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS

One of the best sources for gathering information about what's happening in an occupation or an industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process is called

informational

or

research interviewing

. An informational interview is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions. The purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job. Following are some good reasons to conduct informational interviews: to explore careers and clarify your career goal to discover employment opportunities that are not advertised to expand your professional network

to build confidence for your job interviews

to access the most up-to-date career information

to identify your professional strengths and weaknesses

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Types of Informational Interviews:

Information: change to find out more about the person’s field, department, company

Advice & Suggestions: suggestions for resume, experience building, education, connectionsSlide9

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW STEPS

Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about : Assess your own interests, abilities, values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify the best fields to research.

Prepare

for the

interview:

Read all you can about the field prior to the interview. Decide what information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to have answered. Identify people to interview: Start with lists of people you already know - friends, relatives, fellow students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, etc... Professional organizations, the yellow pages, organizational directories, and public speakers are also good resources. You may also call an organization and ask for the name of the person by job title. Arrange the interview:

Contact

the person to set up an interview: by telephone, by a letter followed by a telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you.

Conduct

the

Interview:

Dress

appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and professional. Refer to your list of prepared questions; stay on track, but allow for spontaneous discussion. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's name when contacting these new contacts.

Follow Up:

Immediately

following the interview, record the information gathered. Be sure to send a thank-you note to your contact within one week of the interview. Slide10

WHERE TO START…WHO TO TALK TOStart with people whom you feel comfortable talking with.

Graduate assistantships, internships, work connectionsFamily, friends, colleagues – anyone they recommend

Mentors

Next, talk to people you know in a less personal, yet professional way.

Co-workers, former co-workers, professors – anyone they recommend;

mentorsSpouse’s colleaguesFinally, get in touch with NEW people (like today!)Join professional associations, societies; mentorship programs; attend conferences, seminars, career fairs; and ask for referralsUtilize electronic social networking and blog sites (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________To Do: Brainstorm a List of ContactsPrioritize listMay require some research firstSlide11

CONTACTSSlide12

“OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW”Slide13

INFOMERCIAL or ELEVATOR PITCH

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s why you need to be able to introduce yourself and answer the question “tell me about yourself” clearly and concisely. You may use your “infomercial” when you are networking prior to your actual job search; or to articulate your answer “tell me about yourself” during the job interview.

Say your name slowly and clearly

Clear, crisp,

concise (2

minutes or less) Mini-bio (who are you, what is your specialty, why you are unique, and what are your aspirations (short-term) End with an open-ended question for the recipient …But here’s the down sideSlide14

EXAMPLE

YOU: Hi, I’m Jane – and you?HIM: I’m Carl. It’s nice to meet you, Jane. What brought you here tonight?

YOU:

Oh, my friend Maggie is one of the organizers. I’ve never been to a

meet-up

before. How about you?CARL: I come to this group occasionally, and always have fun when I do. So, are you a marketing person?YOU: I’m an Events Planner. I work for High Point Events, a national event-planning firm, and I’m the local person here in Springfield. I plan and execute events from bar mitzvahs to corporate sales off-sites, everything from choosing the venue to arranging the content, audio visuals and budget to create an unforgettable emotional experience for the participants. I work with most of the big hotels in town and many of our largest employers, from XYZ Labs to Charisma Confections and many others. I’ve been in the business for eight years, and I love what I do.CARL: Wow….that’s outstanding. Gosh, you know what, I just spotted my old boss coming in – I’ve got to go say hello. Nice to meet you Angela — er, Paula? Sorry — have a great evening!

BORING…Slide15

BETTER EXAMPLE

A typical networking conversation tends to flow more like this:YOU:

Hi, I’m Jane – and you?

HIM:

I’m Carl. Nice to meet you, Jane. What brought you here tonight?

YOU: Oh, my friend Maggie is one of the organizers. I’ve never been to a meet-up before. How about you?CARL: I come to this group occasionally, and always have fun when I do. So, are you a marketing person?YOU: I’m an event planner, so I’m in the same vein. I didn’t see any event planning meet-ups so I tagged along with Jane at this marketing one.CARL: So, what sorts of events do you work on? Do you work for yourself?Slide16

BUMPER STICKERS

Easier to memorize and more conversational Short, benefit-focused statement

What you do or how you help in 5-10 seconds

Example

“I speak for organizations that want to help their people have better, more profitable conversations”

OR“I help people chit-chat their way to success”WHAT WOULD YOU PUT ON YOURS! Slide17

WHY BUMPER STICKERS?

It lets the listener, rather than the speaker, decide how much information is enough and how much is too much.It keeps the focus on the two people in the conversation (or three, or more) rather than on anyone’s job description (which may well be the least interesting thing about you, in any case).

It doesn’t hijack the conversation and turn it into a sales pitch, or run the risk of appearing to do so.

It gives the new acquaintance just enough information to remember “Oh yes, Jane, the event planner.”

It is polite!Slide18

FOLLOW-UP IS KEY

Follow-up is often the most overlooked part of networking. Remember, any contact you have with a professional (info interview, interview, event, etc.) – you should always follow-up.

Nurture Connections (value-added networking) – look for opportunities to help them

Potential Mentor/Sponsor

Career Opportunity might arise

Future questions? – this is a new resourceFollow-up with your status on additional contacts they helped you makeDemonstrate your integrity and follow-through skillsKeep track of contacts (jibberjobber.com)Handwritten thank you or e-mail (widely accepted)Should be called “Great to meet you because…” letterSlide19

RESOURCESAssociations/Professional Networks (

www.weddles.com) Volunteer Opportunities (www.servicelearning.umn.edu

)

Social Events & Networking Groups

Book of Lists, Twin Cities Business Journal

Academic Job Search Resourceswww.minnesotanonprofits.org www.iseek.org/ or www.indeed.com www.linkedin.com Career Development GuideSlide20

NETWORKING BOOKS

Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, by Harvey MacKay

How to Work a Room

,

by Susan Roane

Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected, by Devora ZackNetworking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections, by Ivan Misner, David Alexander and Brian HilliardThe 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies, by Ivan Misner and Michelle R. DonovanSocial Networking for Career Success: Using Online Tools to Create a Personal Brand, by Miriam SalpeterSlide21

NETWORKING RECAP

Be prepared: any time, any whereStart with contacts that are safe to build confidence

Not a quick fix to your next job – make it part of your life/work to build relationships (make it a priority…be committed)

Use thought, sensitivity and preparation

Manage your energy wisely

Rehearse…Reach out…Get referralsBe Brief, Be Sincere, Be ThankfulTake advantage of online social networksGet Involved! Slide22

ARE JOB BOARDS EXTINCT?

According to the Wall Street Journal (January 2011) “Recruiters Rethink Online Playbook”,

"Many plan to scale back their use of online job boards, which they say generate mostly unqualified leads, and hunt for candidates with a particular expertise on places like LinkedIn before they post an opening. As the market gets more competitive again, they are hiring recruiters with expertise in headhunting and networking, rather than those with experience processing paperwork

.“

SO WHAT DO YOU DO…Slide23

LINKEDIN

WORLD’S LARGEST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ON THE INTERNETHelps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionalsOver

450

MILLION members from over 200 countries/territories

(49

% in U.S.; 61% outside U.S.)Members include executives from ALL FORTUNE 500 CompaniesOver 2 MILLION company profilesProfessionals are joining LinkedIn at a rate that is faster than two new members per second.46% of employers use LinkedIn to research new hires (Careerbuilder.com)85% use LinkedIn or Google to search candidates (NACE)82% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn for their Corporate Hiring SolutionsAccording to the Harvard Business Review, 80% of jobs are obtained through networkingIn 2008, social networking sites, including blogs and LinkedIn were used more than email (Nielson Online)LINKEDIN – It is not a matter of using it, but more importantly how you use it! Slide24

LINKEDIN PROFILE

Profile PictureProfessional HeadlineSummary

Experience

Skills (50/50)

Connections

ProjectsEducationVolunteering…Other sectionsDarren’s ProfileSlide25

LINKEDIN FEATURES

Key Features:People (keyword based)Groups (shared interest; quality vs. quantity)

Companies (the inside scoop – side door approach)

Skills & Areas of Expertise (MORE)

Jobs

Lets check them outSlide26

TWITTER

What is Twitter: Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you with the latest information that you find the most interesting.

Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations (

http://twitter.com/about

)

300 Million accounts on Twitter (300,000 new users every day); 3 Billion tweets per day60% of Twitter users abandon their accounts within the first month of useWhy Participate:Make and maintain connections; Good learning tool; and can be used to promote eventsFollow industry leadersShare knowledge; interact with others and get adviceCreating and marketing your brand – demonstrate your expertise

To learn about occupations, employers, recruiters and

job

opportunitiesSlide27

PERSONAL BRANDINGSlide28

PERCEPTION VS. REALITY

Do you think perception is reality?Robin Williams

Steve

MartinSlide29

BRANDING

When you see brands somewhere, you associate them with a set of expectations or perceptions that are connected with a product or service. You associate these concepts, thoughts, and images with the particular companies because of the brand each company has established.

A brand is a unique promise of value.Slide30

PEOPLE BRANDSSlide31

LETS CHAT

What brand do you associate with the most? (product or person)Why do you like it (her or him)?

From a brand perspective, what is its (her or his) “

unique promise of value

”?Slide32

WHY BUILD A BRAND?

Puts you in charge of leaving a footprint.Establishes credibility and visibility.

Provides a competitive edge – differentiate

yourself.

To find people who compliment your strengths.Slide33

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FORSlide34

HERE IS WHAT THEY WANT…

Knowledge / Skills / AbilitiesSelf-AwarenessHigh Emotional

Intelligence

Self-Esteem/Confidence

Passion

Awareness of strengths/weaknessesTop 10 Skills (NACE):Communication, Integrity, Interpersonal, Technical, Analytical, Initiative, Adaptability, Work Ethic, Team-work, Detail-oriented How can you help out bottom line…Slide35

JOB SEARCH PROCESS

Conducting a job search takes time, commitment, and organization. Here are a few tips to help you through the process:Assess yourself:

Be certain you know your own values, skills, strengths, and work

criteria.

Create your own

marketing materials: Develop a portfolio, write a resume and cover letter, have an online presence, and script an elevator pitch.Gather information: Network in professional associations, conduct informational interviews, or “try on” a position through volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.Apply for positions that match your qualifications: Apply for positions for which you possess most of the required qualifications - even if you don't possess all of the skills listed in the job description. (

60% rule

)

Interview preparation:

Even

before you are invited to interview, begin preparing. Think about and practice your responses to the most commonly asked questions.

Stay on task:

by persistent, prioritize and organization search information (deck of cards rule)Slide36

APPLICATIONS

When applying for job opportunities (or inquiring about opportunities), here are a few tips to help you out:Customize all application materials to the position and/or organizationFocus on the keywords

Government applications (federal) are a nightmare…RUN!

The format for all materials should be the same

It is not about what the company can do for you…it is what you can do for the

companyRemember – you are one-in-a-million…not one-of-a-million! Steps:Go through the position description and highlight all keywords that represent your Skills, Knowledge, and/or Experience.Incorporate these keywords into your resume (use their lingo)Select the 3-5 that are your strongest…this becomes the Summary section of your resume and is what will be narrated in your cover letterSlide37

SIDE DOOR APPROACH

Online Application Process

Who do you know on the inside?Slide38

WHAT IS A HEALTHY CAREER

Heart - Occupational expertiseCirculatory

System

-

A wide, deep network of

contactsMuscle Groups - Versatility in contributing your expertiseFlexibility & Range of Motion  - Willingness to adaptWork With Winners -  Successful organizations and coworkers aid and abet your ability to accomplish your career goals, enabling you to grow on the job and developing useful professional/lifetime connectionsStretch Your Soul - A healthy career not only serves you, it serves others, your community, and your country as well. It regenerates your pride in what you do and your enthusiasm for doing it.

Pace

Yourself

  - Discipline yourself and your boss to set aside time to recharge your passion and capacity for work.

Adapted

from Peter Weddle’s “Career Fitness”Slide39

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY CAREER

Keeps you up-to-date on relevant information in your field Expand

your networking contacts and meaningful

connections

Provide

opportunities for you to serve othersCan help you be more efficientEnhance your brand and online presenceSlide40

ANYONE…ANYONE…ANYONE…BUELLER

Darren Kaltved

Associate Director, Career Services

dkaltved@umn.edu

www.linkedin.com/in/darrenkaltved

Thanks for coming!