Networking. What is it and where do I begin? Your Guide to developing a DYNAMIC NETWORKING STRATEGY

Transcription

1 Networking What is it and where do I begin? Your Guide to developing a DYNAMIC NETWORKING STRATEGY EFFECTIVE SEARCH STRATEGIES TO BUILD YOUR NETWORK HELPFUL RESOURCES Gain valuable knowledge on where employers are finding their new employees Learn how to enlarge your network and make a positive and professional impact Find networking groups near you and websites to access hidden networking groups This Employment Ontario Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada

2 EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH YOUR JOB SEARCHING TECHNIQUES COMPARED TO EMPLOYER S RECRUITING PREFERENCES Job Seeker Employer Networking 10% Networking 50% Company Websites 20% Company Website 30% Recruiters 10% Recruiters 10% Newspapers 20% Newspapers 5% Job Boards, Career Sites 40% Job Boards, Career Sites 5% Another way to look at it is like this. So why don t job seekers seek jobs the way that employers seek to hire? Because it takes us out of our comfort zone when we feel most vulnerable. But if you want a job, then network quickly and effectively and you won t have to practice networking for very long. NETWORKING IS THE # 1 WAY TO GET A JOB! In countless formal and informal survey s people have consistently identified Networking as the #1 means to getting most of the employment positions that they have held. Employment Advisors will always tell you that "80% of the jobs available are NEVER advertised. Employer s seek new hires differently than the way job seekers search for work. Those who make the actual hiring decisions would much rather talk to someone who has been recommended by someone they already employ. This is your first reference check, which saves the hiring manager considerable effort sorting through all the resumes and phone calls an advertisement will generate. 1

3 According to referrals make up 26.7% of all external hires (new employees hired from outside the organization). This PDF describes where employers turn to fill a vacancy within their company. Your network is only limited by the company you keep, both on and off the job. You are networking when you... attend professional meetings, conferences, or conventions, visit with other parents during your child's sporting or music events, volunteer for your community, socialize with your clubs or religious groups, chat with neighbors or strike up a conversation with someone else waiting at the doctor s, dentist. In terms of a job search, netowrking is the best strategy. STRATEGIES to build your network TO NETWORK MEANS TO COLLECT AND SHARE VALUABLE INFORMATION WITH AND FROM OTHERS Think about 4 people you know, start small, such as co-workers, previous colleagues, family, friends etc. With each person, briefly state your professional pitch and request contact details of 3 of their contacts (preferably people who may be familiar with the kind of work you do). Those 3 contacts will have their own contacts and even if they are unable to help you they may know someone else who might. Just watch how quickly your network grows. 2

4 BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL PITCH A 20 second professional pitch is enough time for you to clearly articulate your expertise and let someone know what you are about. Write it out. Say it out loud. Time it. Practice it alone and in front of others; ask them if you are being clear and concise. Once you practice it, with the right energy and confidence you will be prepared to speak with the new contacts you will be making. One caution, don't be a generalist. Don't just say: I'm a Social Services Worker and I work for XYZ Company. Instead, be SPECIFIC, say: I'm a Social Services Worker and my expertise lies in providing support to individuals of poverty, abuse and chronic unemployment within the nonprofit sector. TIP YOU WILL COME ACROSS AS FAR MORE PERSONABLE IF YOU ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OTHER PERSON INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF. You can take a direct approach and ask for job leads, or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice, referred to as an Informational Interview. is a perfectly acceptable way to network as well. Keep your message brief and to the point and be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. GOOD QUESTIONS TO ASK ARE 1. How did you get involved in? 2. What advice would you offer me to be successful in this line of work? 3. What separates your organization/business from the competition??4. What do you see as upcoming trends for this Industry? 3

5 OTHER NETWORKING STRATEGIES Remember that people do business with those they perceive as friendly and those that show genuine interest in learning about the other person. By showing an interest in the other person, you will: 1. Find out what is important to your contact 2. Enhance your network with further contacts 3. Learn about your new contact s work or company's needs 4. Demonstrate you are personable with positive listening and speaking skills How many people do you see on a regular basis that may not even know your name, let alone what your qualifications and skills are? It s time to let others know and to identify what you are looking for. So, ask away, you will reap great benefits. CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE OPTIONS TO ENHANCE YOUR NETWORK Job Fairs and Career Fairs Boards of Trade Sports groups Your Doctor Former colleagues Fellow job seekers Grocery store clerks Family Chambers of Commerce Library groups Groups for the Arts Your Dentist Local business networking groups Business and social networking groups Other Interest groups Your Neighbours Former employers Resource & Information staff Banking staff Friends Employment Advisors Parks & Rec Centres Teachers, yours or your children s Regulatory Associations 4

6 BUSINESS CARDS In addition to keeping copies of your resume on hand, consider using a calling card. You may print off business cards from a Microsoft Word program or you may order FREE business cards from Have someone preview it before ordering to make sure you have key points about your qualifications clearly written. Carrying business cards is easy to do and handing them out will make you feel prepared and professional. NETWORKING RESOURCES SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES Social networking sites such as Facebook or Linkedin are also excellent opportunities to network. If you haven t already connected with these sites, what are you waiting for? Recruiters often use to connect with potential employees and they check facebook to see if you are the type of candidate they want working for them, so be very careful about what you post on the world wide web Join groups through LinkedIn. examples York Region Networkers Networking in the GTA Canada Jobs, Careers and Networking 5

7 REGULATORY ASSOCIATIONS If you belong to a regulatory association, such as Ontario Association for Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians OACETT, or the Professional Engineers of Ontario PEO, check out their websites for a list of local chapter networking groups and attend the events in your area to expand your network. VOLUNTEER Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community AND it helps you gain skills and meet new people. Check Out volunteertoronto.ca york.cioc.ca/volunteer charityvillage.com MENTORING If you are a skilled immigrant with NO Canadian work experience in your career then check out the mentoring programs in your area. Even if it requires a commitment of a few volunteer hours per month, it is well worth your investment to be connected to someone in your occupation who will be available to assist you. Mentoring Partnership Seneca Faculty of Workforce Skills Development, Scarborough

8 Website Business Blog