Career Blog

On the Shy Side? Five Tips on How to Network Naturally

“Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity and time” – Alan Collins

Today, we cannot ignore the importance of networking when it comes to job hunting. The more you put into it, the more you will get from it. Your level of dedication to networking will determine the strength of your connections. That does not mean that you should not be authentic or natural. In fact, the more genuine you are, the more meaningful your connections will be. Here are 5 tips on how network naturally.

  1. Set a goal

When you can’t see the tangible results of your work, it’s easy to get discouraged. So, start by setting a goal for each event. It can be something as simple as meeting four new people. This will allow you to fully engage in each conversation and distract you from feeling anxious. It will also give you something to celebrate and measure your growth upon.

  1. Start with people you know

It can be very intimidating to walk up to someone you don’t know. Start with familiar faces. This will boost your confidence and make the conversation feel more natural. Why not bring a networking buddy: together, you can build each other’s credibility and give each other you a warm introduction, like a live testimony about you, which naturally puts you in a great light. That way, you won’t feel as pressured to make the next move or to ask questions.

  1. Prepare questions or ice breaker topics

This will help you make a long-lasting impression. Try to come up with genuine questions that are likely to interest your new contacts. For example, if you are a sport enthusiast, you can talk about a sports team the company sponsors. This approach will lead to a more natural dialogue. Thoughtful questions allow you to build trust and rapport, which supports your personal connection and expands your potential opportunities.

  1. Smile and use positive body language

About 93 percent of our communication is non-verbal. Therefore, maintaining a positive body language can send a powerful message. When we are extremely focused and/or a little bit anxious, it’s easy to forget a friendly gesture: smiling. There is nothing more natural and welcoming than a smile. Smiling makes it easier for people to connect with you because you seem more open; it also helps them remember you.

  1. Listen to and leverage follow‑up questions

The key to any successful connection is active listening. Many students get so caught up thinking what the next question should be that they become too distracted to listen to what is being said. If you are attentive to what the other person is saying, you can leverage follow-up questions. This shows the other person that you are keenly interested, which creates a memorable impression and a deeper connection.

Networking Events: Why Preparation is Key

One of the many opportunities for students at the Telfer School of Management is networking events.

To put it in the words of Herminia Ibarra, a professor of Organizational Behaviour at the London School of Business, "Networking is a lot like nutrition and fitness: we know what to do, the hard part is making it a top priority.” Part of what needs to be done is preparation. Like networking, pursuing nutrition and fitness require some form of preparation: without it the final goal cannot be achieved.

Here are a few reasons to further emphasize why preparation is important for networking events specifically.

  1. Preparation Relieves Stress

Presently, as a first‑time networking event attendee you may be wondering: How would I prepare for a networking event? The first step would be to consult the schedule to see which companies will be in attendance and at what time. Then you can do some research on the companies that interest you. Attending my first networking event was a step outside of my comfort zone, but by preparing myself in this way I felt excited to take that step. Knowing your audience will not only help ease your nerves, but it will also get your foot in the door.

  1. Preparation Helps Create Relationships

Moreover, being aware of what to expect at the event will also give you the chance to prepare tailored questions to help you to further engage and connect with the representatives. Relationships can develop at networking events through these engaging interactions. Referring back to my first networking event, I ended up staying an hour longer than anticipated because I was absorbed in the event. Going into a networking event prepared allows you to participate assuredly, therefore making the event an enjoyable experience.

  1. Preparation Leads to Unanticipated Opportunities

In addition, many distinct opportunities can present themselves through networking, which can help you progress in your career. According to the Ottawa Business Journal’s “Five reasons why networking is important,” networking encourages the sharing of information that you would not get from regular forms of research. For example, job positions that could be opening up in the future or programs that a company may be offering. The biggest opportunity that will result from preparation will be pitching yourself to potential employers and creating connections for your future.

Overall, it is important to be prepared so that you can network successfully and achieve your goal of getting a job or making some meaningful connections. Like with pursuing nutrition and fitness, your preparation is just the beginning of what needs to be done. Make it a priority! If you are interested in networking, get started by looking over the Calendar of Events on Career Launch.

Make sure to take advantage of the additional resources, help and advise the Career Centre has to offer.

 

Resources
Herminia Ibarra
Five reasons why networking is important

 

Five Virtual Networking Goals to Set for Yourself this Fall Term… and tips to achieve them

After several months of confinement (and a very, VERY slow de-confinement), we are finally approaching our very first all-virtual back‑to‑school season. And just as virtual networking events and workshops have been a prominent feature of the Career Centre’s programming this summer, building relationships virtually is becoming a crucial strategy for just about any job-seeking student.

As you are about to take on a new challenge this fall, we thought we could inspire you with a set of five SMART virtual networking goals to achieve over the next term.

Goal no 1: Get a LinkedIn profile critique with a Career Centre staff

First things first. If you have created a LinkedIn profile, but have not taken the time to perfect it with the help of a career development professional, it’s time to bring this precious marketing tool to the next level. Get tips and strategies that will enhance your professional brand, increase your visibility, and optimize your job‑search efforts.

For a personalized LinkedIn profile critique, book an appointment with our Professional Development Coordinator at the Career Centre through Career Launch.

REMEMBER: Recruiters may jump to your LinkdeIn profile before they’re even done reading your resumé.

Goal no 2: Perfect and fine-tune your LinkedIn summary and your elevator pitch

Did you know?

  • The About section on your profile is one of the components that generates the most views.
  • Your elevator pitch is one of the most powerful networking tools you could have in your arsenal.
  • You can hit two birds with one stone by working on both simultaneously.

To create a strong LinkedIn summary and an impactful elevator pitch, you need to ask yourself insightful questions:

  • What do I do, and how to I excel at it?
  • What am I passionate about?
  • What kind of challenges am I looking for?
  • What value do I bring to a team?

To convince others of your passion, fit and value quickly, you need to convince yourself first. Finding the answers to these questions and putting them into words may take time but trust us: it will make a huge impact on your confidence level and on your ability to attract job offers.

To receive guidance on how to know yourself better or on how improve your LinkedIn summary, book an appointment with our Professional Development Coordinator at the Career Centre on Career Launch.

Goal no 3: Figure out your top 10 employers… for NOW.

To hit your target soon, you need to focus now. By doing some research and figuring out where you would like to work, let’s say, in three, six, or 12 months, you will narrow your job search enough as to not waste precious time and energy on countless applications that don’t align with your current professional intentions.

To receive individual tips on how to tailor your job search, book an appointment with a Career Centre staff through Career Launch.

Goal no 4: Identify the right professionals in your industry

Now that you have a solid LinkedIn profile, an engaging summary, a powerful elevator pitch, and a curated list of potential employers, it is time to reach out to gather relevant information. First, research your top 10 organizations’ websites and LinkedIn to identify the key individuals (recruiters and others) from whom you could learn about the corporate culture, the recruitment process, the qualities needed to succeed in a specific career path, and so much more.

Goal no 5: Reach out and set coffee chats

When you have identified several key professionals to network with, it is time to reach out. For real. This means: 1) inviting them to join your LinkedIn network (don’t forget to provide them with some context); 2) asking them for specific information; 3) and communicating your value. Why not ask them for a 20‑minute coffee chat? The important thing is to be clear about your expectations.

To receive specific advice on how to prepare adequately for coffee chats, book an appointment with one of the Relationship Managers at the Career Centre through Career Launch.

Don’t forget to make your virtual networking goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound!

How to Best Prepare for Telfer Networks

Telfer Networks is coming soon. For many students, it’s the perfect opportunity to make one’s entrance in the business world. For others, it’s a way to meet again with potential employers.

But what is Telfer Networks? Telfer Networks is a networking event where various employers gather to promote their businesses and to fill certain positions. Career Centre staff will also be there to chat with you, critique your resumé quickly and present you Career Centre services.

Whether it’s your first time or not at the event, here are a few tips on how to prepare for it:

  1. Set Specific Goals

Before you get there, decide what you want to accomplish. Maybe you simply want to present yourself to employers and to become familiar with networking events. Maybe it’s the perfect opportunity for you to fine-tune your job-search skills. All participating students can benefit differently from the event. Telfer Networks can force you to get out of your comfort zone and overcome your timidity, allow you to meet employers and even find a job.

You can check out the list of participating employers on Career Launch in order to identify the ones you are most interested in.

  1. Review your Resumé

It may seem trite, but updating one’s resumé and reviewing one’s professional experience as well as other commitments can be very useful when preparing to answer the daunting, “Tell me about yourself.” question. Telfer Networks is not a job interview, but an opportunity to stand out among employees. Self-knowledge can prove useful in that regard.

  1. Recruit a Friend

If you are not sure of how to start a conversation with an employer, or if you feel uneasy at the idea of attending the event alone, bring a friend! Il will be easier and less intimidating to approach strangers. Furthermore, it’s always fun to be accompanied by someone you know, and you will feel less self-conscious, especially if you are a networking-event rookie.

  1. Attend a Workshop

Finally, the Career Centre has created a workshop especially to help you prepare well for the event. You will receive tips on how to put your best foot forward, expand your network and target your job search. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to ask all your questions regarding Telfer Networks.

 

Looking forward to seeing you at Telfer Networks on Thursday, January 23, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in DMS 4101.

Tips for Attending your First Networking Event Alone

Late Monday, I finally decided to attend a school‑hosted networking event on my own.

Just like a lot of students, I am looking to land a job in my field. One way to make yourself stand out is by networking. Unfortunately for me, when I wanted to attend a certain event hosted by a certain accounting firm I was interested in, all my friends ended up busy or uninterested. Without my friends by my side, it can be hard for me to navigate a room full of strangers or to start a conversation with recruiters. Nevertheless, I decided to push myself to attend this event anyway… and I learnt some things that I thought would be useful to other students who are going to be in the same position as me.

Here are three tips that I strongly recommend for navigating a networking event solo.

  1. Do your research.

If you have a few questions in mind heading into the event then it will make things a little easier when you are striking up a conversation with a potential recruiter. Moreover, if you know a specific company or person that will be there, be sure to research the company so you can demonstrate your interest to them. Taking initiative to do some research will ensure that you are putting your best foot forward. And if you are having a one-on-one conversation then having done the research prior will give you a larger variety of subjects to talk about since you may not have a friend beside you to add their thoughts.

  1. Approach someone who is alone.

An amazing way to become more comfortable in your surroundings at an event is to find someone who is in the same position as you. They are looking to make connections, so don’t hesitate to go up to them and introduce yourself: give them your name, your current field of study and your purpose for being at this event. After that, they will introduce themselves and from there, you can ask them a follow-up question. You can listen for little things that you have in common with them and they might even share extra knowledge about the companies at this event that you didn’t know before. If you go into an event where you are alone, talking to a fellow student that you don’t already know will help you warm up to the idea about walking up to the professionals at this event.

  1. Don’t stress.

Just remember to be yourself. Though these events can be intimidating if you are not surrounded with familiar faces, they present an opportunity to branch out and meet people you probably wouldn’t have met if you weren’t there alone. Speak with confidence, and be authentic.

Remember to relax: odds are there are many people at this event in your position and they are looking to make meaningful connections too. When it comes down to it, we are all unique students with diverse skill sets looking to find a job to flourish in, and networking events are a useful tool even if you are attending alone.

My Experience at Telfer Connects

Last Thursday, I had the chance to attend Telfer Connects, an annual networking event organized by the Career Centre for third- and fourth-year students. This year, there were more than 30 companies and around 300 students in attendance.

As a fourth-year student attending this event for the second time, here are my takeaways:

1) Come Prepared

Networking events can sometimes be overwhelming, especially the first couple of ones you attend. Make sure to know which companies will be present and make a list of the ones you are interested in. Also, take the time to briefly research those companies to make it easier to talk to the employers from that company.

2) Talk to Everyone

If you are walking around and you see an employer that is not busy with another student, talk to them. Even if they are not from a company you are interested in, there is always something to gain from others.

3) Do not Just Network

The Career Centre offers multiple other services during Telfer Connects, take advantage of them. You can chat with a career counsellor, have your resumé looked over by an advisor and lastly you can get a professional headshot taken for your LinkedIn.

Telfer Connects was a fantastic event. The employers were friendly and the Telfer students came prepared which allowed for positive discussions. I look forward to Telfer Networks in January, open to all undergraduate Telfer students!