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Networking at Conferences

By Dr. Angela Williams

Career Development Center

AU 607

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What Is Job Search Networking?

The process of developing relationships with people who can help with your job search

Asking for job leads/suggestions

Asking for referrals

3Sources of Job Leads

35% All Other

65% Networking

Networking: #1 Job Lead Source

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Benefits of Networking

Networking Today = Job Opportunities

Tomorrow

Focusing your target job or career

Tapping into jobs you may not have access to otherwise

Gaining insider information about an industry or employer

Getting the chance to promote yourself

Practicing communication and interviewing

Obtaining referrals to other contacts

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Networking Goals

Make as many people as possible aware of your job search.

Make a good impression.

Seek job leads and referrals.

Seek career and networking suggestions.

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Support System Members

People who motivate you

People who provide emotional support

People who help you with written communications

People who provide job leads and job search advice

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Conference Networking Tips

Before you go give careful consideration to your mission– What do you want to accomplish?– Who do you want to meet?– Which sessions do you want to attend?

Bring several copies of your resume Take a good stack of business cards

– Make sure easily accessible– Plan where to stash cards you receive

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Conference Networking Tips

Arrive early to conference sessions– Conference speakers, organizers, and association leaders

have knowledge and network Be friendly and introduce yourself to others

– Smile and be open to others– Ask the person an open question– Focus on the person– Respond to visual clues such as name badges

Then offer a little information about yourself– Give your 30 second commercial

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30 Second Commercial

Is essentially a 30 second monologue describing the benefits of buying a particular product or service-YOU!

Your commercial enables the listener to become aware-quickly of specific, unique, and impressive attributes you bring to the position

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Benefits of 30 Second Commercial

You come across– More poised– More confident

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Elements of a Good 30 Second Commercial

Uses crisp, concise and memorable language States position you are seeking Sells your professional abilities and

experience Emphasizes your individual strengths and

links them to needs of the employer Uses descriptive statements of your acquired

skills and abilities

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Samples of Sentences for 30 Second Commercial

I am an experienced security guard with detailed knowledge of security systems.

I also have a solid background in… I have extensive knowledge in… I have made presentations to… I am exceptionally good at… I do several things well… My strongest skills are… I have _______ years of experience in…

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Introductions

Introduce yourself to speakers or panelists Sit with strangers Introduce people to each other

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Conference Networking Tips

Volunteer to help– Participation leads to relationships.

Participate in the sessions– Ask questions and become visible to others– Stand and be heard– Introduce yourself – Tell where you are from– And from what organization you are with

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Conference Networking Tips

Follow-up– Take time to take notes about the people you

meet– Find how you can be help to them– Drop each new contact a note that reminds them

of their meeting with you