The last post tackled the subject of creating an elevator speech. We discussed its importance and we presented its special features. In this post, we will cover another important topic related to networking, informational interviews.
You hear many people talking about the benefits of informational interviews, but what exactly are they? The term informational interview refers to a 20-30 minute conversation that you have with somebody, in order to learn more about their professional experience, in an attempt to explore you own career possibilities. An informational interview differs from a job interview in that, the purpose of the informational interview is to ask for information, and to network and not to pursue a particular job offer. Also, in an informational interview you have the control, because you get to ask most of the questions and the focus is on the person whom you are interviewing and his/her expertise, rather than your job qualifications. And most importantly, you have much to gain and very little to lose in an informational interview, so the pressure is not nearly as high as with a job interview.
Now that we know what an informational interview is we can get into detail about the best way to conduct one. The first step is to build a potential contact list. You need to find those people that work in a setting you like, work in a company or career that is of interest to you. Once you narrow down the list you need to find a way to contact these people and set up a communication method preferred by them. You can approach them via email, by phone, or in person. Often it helps to first send an email and then follow up by phone. Once you arranged the informational interview then you can move to the next step which is to prepare for the interview. You need to do your homework about the contacts, including information about their career and company. Then, you will need to decide and plan ahead of time what you want to ask them. The questions need to be presented in a clear and organized manner. As the interview wraps up, ask if there is anything else that they would like to share about their work. And the most important part, ask your contact if they can think of other people it might be helpful for you to contact for additional information. By doing so, you will slowly start building your personal network. Finally, write every contact you interview a thank you letter within 24 hours.
Tip: A hand-written thank you note will help you stand out in the person’s mind.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How to Create Your Elevator Speech
In the last post, we discussed networking, and in particular, how to create a networking plan. We explained why it is important to have a networking plan and the steps to create one. In this post, we will discuss another important topic related to networking and which is your elevator speech.
An elevator speech is a sound bite that introduces you in a succinct and memorable way (usually 30 seconds). It is meant to highlight your uniqueness and the benefit of getting to know you. The key is, it needs to be delivered effortlessly. An elevator speech is as essential as a business card. At any given time, you need to be able to say who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing, and how you can help your listener. It usually comes in very handy when you attend an event, a conference, or some other type of networking opportunity.
Are you ready to start crafting your elevator speech? Here is what you need to know. Before writing any part of your elevator speech you need to know your audience and know yourself. You will be more likely to succeed if your elevator speech is clearly targeted at the individual with whom you are speaking.
Elevator speeches have certain essential features that you need to keep in mind. First of all, they are conversations, not infomercials, so don’t attempt to sound like one. Also, they are clear and concise, so you should try not to be too detailed. And most importantly, you need to practice, practice, and practice. If you practice, you are less likely to stumble and can focus on ending strong. At the end of your speech, or pitch, you need to insert your request. Do you want their business card, a job or to ask for a referral? Whatever it is, you need to make it sound memorable.
Want more networking information? Follow the next post as we will discuss: "How to Master an Informational Interview."
An elevator speech is a sound bite that introduces you in a succinct and memorable way (usually 30 seconds). It is meant to highlight your uniqueness and the benefit of getting to know you. The key is, it needs to be delivered effortlessly. An elevator speech is as essential as a business card. At any given time, you need to be able to say who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing, and how you can help your listener. It usually comes in very handy when you attend an event, a conference, or some other type of networking opportunity.
Are you ready to start crafting your elevator speech? Here is what you need to know. Before writing any part of your elevator speech you need to know your audience and know yourself. You will be more likely to succeed if your elevator speech is clearly targeted at the individual with whom you are speaking.
Elevator speeches have certain essential features that you need to keep in mind. First of all, they are conversations, not infomercials, so don’t attempt to sound like one. Also, they are clear and concise, so you should try not to be too detailed. And most importantly, you need to practice, practice, and practice. If you practice, you are less likely to stumble and can focus on ending strong. At the end of your speech, or pitch, you need to insert your request. Do you want their business card, a job or to ask for a referral? Whatever it is, you need to make it sound memorable.
Want more networking information? Follow the next post as we will discuss: "How to Master an Informational Interview."
Thursday, July 1, 2010
How to Create a Networking Plan
In the past post, we discussed networking, what it is and why it is so important in your job search. In this post, we will go more in-depth than that and discuss the topic of creating a networking plan.
Knowing how to build your network can be a challenge. Below I will discuss a few steps a to creating your Networking Plan.
The first step is to determine the reason for building your network. Why are you trying to build a network? What are the short-term and long-term reasons for your network?
After determining your reason for building your network, you need to set your goals. If you are building your network, you need to state in your goals specifically what kind of people you want as part of your network. You should write those tangible goals down because these are the target people you want to build your plan around to achieve your goals.
The next step in building your networking plan is to establish how you are going to network with those targeted people. You will need to research these people and find out what events they go to and how you are going to meet them.
And before you meet them, you need to do some research on their business to ascertain the right questions to ask them. You need to make the targeted person feel important and ask them about their work. Also, never push your business, but rather let them naturally ask you about it.
It is also imperative to keep in mind is that networking is valuable not only when you are looking for a job. It is important to keep up with and cultivate your network. You never know who may present you with your next great professional or personal opportunity - be proactive and make regular attempts to build your network.
Once you have developed your plan, the final step is to implement it and to get out and start meeting the people you want to make a part of your network.
Want to know more? Follow us as we will discuss: "How to Create Your Elevator Speech."
Knowing how to build your network can be a challenge. Below I will discuss a few steps a to creating your Networking Plan.
The first step is to determine the reason for building your network. Why are you trying to build a network? What are the short-term and long-term reasons for your network?
After determining your reason for building your network, you need to set your goals. If you are building your network, you need to state in your goals specifically what kind of people you want as part of your network. You should write those tangible goals down because these are the target people you want to build your plan around to achieve your goals.
The next step in building your networking plan is to establish how you are going to network with those targeted people. You will need to research these people and find out what events they go to and how you are going to meet them.
And before you meet them, you need to do some research on their business to ascertain the right questions to ask them. You need to make the targeted person feel important and ask them about their work. Also, never push your business, but rather let them naturally ask you about it.
It is also imperative to keep in mind is that networking is valuable not only when you are looking for a job. It is important to keep up with and cultivate your network. You never know who may present you with your next great professional or personal opportunity - be proactive and make regular attempts to build your network.
Once you have developed your plan, the final step is to implement it and to get out and start meeting the people you want to make a part of your network.
Want to know more? Follow us as we will discuss: "How to Create Your Elevator Speech."
Networking
In the past posts, you have been provided with some great tips on resume-writing, interviewing and how to follow-up with interviewers. In this post, we will focus on another important aspect of the job search - networking.
Typically, most job opportunities come from word-of-mouth. If you are interested in a particular job or company, try to see if you can find someone within that organization who can recommend you for the job. Having someone forward your resume to the hiring manager can keep you from getting lost within a company's online recruiting system.
Why are so many people afraid of networking? Probably, because the idea of approaching someone you don't know very well can be intimidating. Here are a few tips:
•Create a networking plan
•Develop a list of people to network with (don't forget social media)
•Make sure you have your elevator speech
•Attend networking events
•Schedule informational interviews
It is also imperative to keep in mind is that networking is valuable not only when you are looking for a job. It is important to keep up with and cultivate your network. You never know who may present you with your next great professional or personal opportunity - be proactive and make regular attempts to build your network.
Want to know more? Follow the next posts as we will go more in-depth on each of these great ideas, starting with: "How to Create a Networking Plan."
Typically, most job opportunities come from word-of-mouth. If you are interested in a particular job or company, try to see if you can find someone within that organization who can recommend you for the job. Having someone forward your resume to the hiring manager can keep you from getting lost within a company's online recruiting system.
Why are so many people afraid of networking? Probably, because the idea of approaching someone you don't know very well can be intimidating. Here are a few tips:
•Create a networking plan
•Develop a list of people to network with (don't forget social media)
•Make sure you have your elevator speech
•Attend networking events
•Schedule informational interviews
It is also imperative to keep in mind is that networking is valuable not only when you are looking for a job. It is important to keep up with and cultivate your network. You never know who may present you with your next great professional or personal opportunity - be proactive and make regular attempts to build your network.
Want to know more? Follow the next posts as we will go more in-depth on each of these great ideas, starting with: "How to Create a Networking Plan."
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