Career Blog
Networking does not simply mean clicking on the “Connect” button on LinkedIn and trying to reach the highest number of connections possible: it means creating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Many candidates credit their success to the strong network they have built over time. Here are the top do’s and don'ts of networking.
Do’s
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Be proactive
If you decide to suddenly message someone and expect them to instantly help you out, it may not be as quick as you think. Remember that maintaining connections is a two-way street: to cultivate a relationship, try to offer help or favours. Also, follow up with your connections: a one-time message or meeting does not constitute a relationship!
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Make a plan
You don’t need to know exactly what you want all the time or what you expect from every networking opportunity. However, make sure you attend events and meet people with a specific goal in mind and see how you can accomplish your goals through these events and new people.
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Have patience
Networking is a daunting task, as it can be time consuming, awkward, and at times downright draining. However, you can’t deny that a strong professional network can be quite powerful in terms of launching your success. Patience is a virtue, so don’t expect to reap all the benefits immediately.
Don’ts
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Hesitate to ask questions
Many professionals truly enjoy sharing their knowledge and expertise, and there is no harm in asking questions. Learning from others’ experience will benefit you in the long run.
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Be timid
If you only talk to people you already know, you will never expand your horizons and find out about new opportunities. Networking isn’t just for extroverts: it’s for everyone!
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Overly self-promote
Don’t just dive in with your elevator pitch and make networking a “me me me” moment. Be genuinely interested in whomever you speak with and focus on building valuable relationships.
You don’t have to join every single professional network and attend every networking event. New networking opportunities show up all the time, and sometimes, they can even pop up by surprise.
Meaningful relationships built over time will prove valuable when you find yourself in need of referrals, insights into new job opportunities, and other valuable information. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you are now ready to start networking!
For expert, personalized advice on networking, book an appointment with a Relationship Manager at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch.
You finally did it! You completed your LinkedIn profile:
Experience? Check.
Education? Check.
Licenses and certifications? Check.
Volunteers experience? Check.
Skills and endorsements? Check.
Profile Summary? Ignored.
Let’s face it. Writing a LinkedIn summary can be incredibly difficult. However, it is one of the essential steps in completing your LinkedIn profile. If you include your LinkedIn address at the top of your resumé, your summary may even be THE first thing employers see, and as we all know, you don’t get a second chance to make a good, lasting impression on recruiters. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a professional writer to create an impactful LinkedIn summary.
Here are five easy steps to make your LinkedIn summary more impactful:
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Get noticed
What better place than your summary to “hook” your readers? Try to engage with them and grab their attention in the first three lines: this will compel them to click the “See more” button and explore your profile. You can do so by incorporating a personal hook such as a clever question, a strong statement, or an interesting fact about you.
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Stand out
A unique LinkedIn summary should make you stand out. However, an astonishing number of summaries start with a super-generic, borderline cliché profile that is neither relevant nor industry specific. A word of advice: avoid general sentences and overused phrases, as they dilute your message. Also, avoid overused buzzwords such as “experienced,” “motivated,” and “creative”, as they do not attract recruiters to your profile.
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Use “I”
LinkedIn being a social media platform, a personal touch is required. Using first-person pronouns in your LinkedIn summary (e.g., “I am resourceful”, not “Jessica is resourceful”) will make you seem more engaging and approachable.
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Organize your content
Just as every school paper (or resumé!) requires structure and organization, so does your LinkedIn summary. Make sure it is clear, focused, logical, and effective (a reflection of your mindset as a professional). Break up your information into clear and concise blocks while steering clear of long paragraphs. This will allow people to easily skim through your summary and obtain all the necessary information.
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Proofread like a pro
Lastly, learn to proofread. Make use of self-revision and spellchecking applications such as Antidote (free through uOttawa library services), Ginger (free) and Grammarly (free). Don’t let avoidable typos discourage employers from browsing your profile. Go the extra mile and consult your “peer-review committee” (a group of trusted classmates, colleagues, friends, or relatives with an eye for details), and kindly ask them for feedback. It’s always easier to spot mistakes in someone else’s text!
Need an extra hand? Book an appointment for a LinkedIn summary critique with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Telfer Career Centre through Career Launch, and get customized advice!
Good luck, and let’s see that summary magic!
“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Whether an employer wants to get to know you in an informal and more personable setting, or if you want to reach out to a professional you admire to acquire more information and advice, coffee chats are for you! They provide you with a setting where conversation can flow organically and each party can learn more about the other. Remember however that coffee chats still require you to prepare. Job opportunities are possible at any time, and you must be prepared to impress a prospective employer. Due to the current circumstances, virtual coffee chats are more and more common. Here are some tips and trick to help you master either your next virtual or in-person coffee chat:
Tip #1: LOOK PRESENTABLE
It is hard to find the motivation to look presentable when we are at home. Yes, coffee chats are meant to be casual. Yet, the dress code remains business casual. This will also allow you to put yourself in a professional mindset and of course will allow the other person to see you in a professional light.
Tip #2: DO YOUR BACKGROUND RESEARCH
No matter the circumstance, if a professional is giving you the time to speak with them, make sure you have done your research. Review their LinkedIn profile, or research their organization. You should familiarize yourself not only with their professional accomplishments but also with their personal side. This will allow you to be able to build a trusting connection and find common ground.
Tip #3: PREPARE QUESTIONS
It is completely normal to be nervous for coffee chats as it is often your first time meeting this person. This will not be like a typical interview. Think of a coffee chat as an exchange of information. They will ask you questions, while giving you answers to your questions and vice-versa. Try maintaining an organic flow. It is extremely important to have a few questions or topics listed to mention during your coffee chat.
Tip #4: DON’T FORGET YOUR COFFEE
You may not be at your local Starbucks, but nonetheless, it is still a coffee chat. So don’t be afraid to bring your favourite coffee or beverage in your favourite mug. Remember, employers do want to see your personable and fun side as well!
Tip #5: FOLLOW UP AFTER YOUR MEETUP
In order to maintain a professional relationship with the employer or professional you spoke to, follow up with an email, or LinkedIn message as a thank you for taking the time to meet through the coffee chat. Show them that you are either interested in a certain position or in maintaining a professional mentor‑mentee relationship. Keep the message short, simple, and to the point!
Hopefully these tips have eased you a little for your upcoming virtual coffee chat, or have given you some insight into a different means of networking! Good luck :)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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!
Reading week is upon us! For some of you, this will mean a well‑deserved rest after the midterms frenzy. For others, it will surely be an uninterrupted blitz of study. However you intend to spend this week, one thing for sure: you probably have no intention to spend it perfecting your professional image. You’ll surely be at home with your family and friends, or bing-watching your favourite show on Netflix. “Networking during Reading Week? Now way!” But if I told you that there are numerous, simple and interesting ways to network during this highly anticipated break, would take my advice?
Networking is not the only way to make your way in the professional world, and here is the proof. Below are three ways to strengthen your career development.
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Use YouTube for educational purposes
Did you know that we spend on average more than two hours a day on our various digital platforms? Why not use this time to watch informative capsules such as TED talks? There are thousands focusing on different topics, such as networking and the business world. Think about it next time you try to make a good impression at a networking event or during an interview.
Click here to see Isaac Serwanga’s talk on networking.
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Become best friends with Eventbrite
Eventbrite allows its users to see, create and promote local events. Thanks to research parameters, you can find business-related events on days that suit you. You wish to apply the tips you learned in a TED talk? Eventbrite is full of networking events and workshops focused on various skills (communications, leadership, IT, etc.)
Click here to discover what Eventbrite has to offer in Ottawa from February 17 to 24, 2020.
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Take care of your image
For any Telfer student, a LinkedIn profile is of the outmost importance: it is a way to get in touch with professionals and to stay informed. If you don’t have one already, create one immediately! Take advantage of Reading week to create a profile photo. Even better: get your own business cards! It’s an effective way to leave a good impression after a conversation with a professional.
Interested? Start exploring the various models offered by Vistaprint.
In all honesty, your professional image depends on the efforts you invest in them. Naturally, you will be busy during your reading week. Nevertheless, I invite you to take some time to pursue your career development. Good luck!
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Spring break is over, and you’ve spent most of it studying for your upcoming exams. You’re sleep deprived and have only one thing in mind: assignments and midterms. You’ll rebuild your energy (and sleep reserves) once it’s all over. University life, am I right?
While you’re recovering from this stressful period, why not take a moment to reflect on your future? Whether you are just starting your studies or approaching graduation, you’re probably asking yourself what you want out of this. And the most obvious answer is always this one: A JOB. Yes, you should want to start your career, but what is exactly that you want?
Maybe what you need to do is to build a plan with concrete steps. Have you ever thought of writing a Personal Development Plan (PDP)? It adds structure and focus to your learning, and can help you define your goals and make the most out of all opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your development, a PDP is a great way to outline your progress.
Now, formulating this plan requires a lot of self-awareness and it should be an iterative process, because any decision you take will affect it. Here are the three steps to follow to create a stellar, high impact PDP.
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Define your current situation
Think not only of your current capabilities, but about everything you have done so far to further your development. Have you completed any workshop with the Career Centre, or any special course? These should appear on your PDP along with your initial objectives. Ask yourself if you are where you thought you’d be at this stage of your life. You should also evaluate your current skills and abilities. Are you tech‑savvy, a natural leader or a presentation wizard? Write down your current strengths and weaknesses.
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Determine where you want to go
Now is the time to write down your short- and long-term goals following a SMART approach: they should be S (specific), M (measurable), A (achievable), R (realistic), and T (timely). This step will help you track your progress and redefine your plan accordingly. You should also gather data on the various options open to you; identify the skills you need to reach your goals; and find how to assess those skills. Remember that the Career Centre can help you with a wide variety of activities.
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Execute your PDP and revisit it periodically
Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time get cracking. Keep the responsibilities of your current position: looking to the future shouldn’t mean neglecting the present. Keep working hard now to achieve your future aspirations. You should also keep a record of the progress you’ve made, and revise or adjust your goals occasionally. Working closely with a Career Centre advisor is a great way to hit those goals in your plan.
With a well-developed PDP in hand, you can now start working toward your long-term career goals. Regardless of where you find yourself in your professional life, formulating this plan can be a productive exercise. You can take control of your future by establishing clear goals and breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. Remember: fail to plan, and you plan to fail!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.