Career Directions 2016 PDF

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Networking: Cultivating Your Contacts Why Networking? And, why do I have to interview other individuals to find a job? C A R E E R SERVIC E S Bus iness Building • O ffice #128 215.951.1075 • email: careers@lasalle.edu One of the most effective ways to land a great job is by tapping the Hidden Job Market. This is a market of jobs that are not posted or advertised but ones that your network may know about. About 80% of jobs are not advertised; they are filled through networking, inside contacts, and word-of-mouth. Most students just go to Internet job posting sites and think that their job-searching is complete. Based on statistics, you need to rely on additional job seeking strategies. The key point is to grow your network. Your network is a group of individuals that can help with your job search and may know when opportunities in your field of interest become available. Top Tactics for Expanding Your Network and Successfully Penetrating the Hidden Job Market Join industry related groups such as professional organizations, Meet-Ups, Chamber of Commerce, etc. Consider taking on a leadership role, join a committee or give a presentation Pay attention to the news: Stay on top of what is happening with companies on your target list, and who you may know who already works there Search Company “Careers” pages. Research and target companies you are interested in—a lot of companies will post on their own website and not go to external job boards or recruiters. Build and maintain relationships with job recruiters. Update your resume every few months and send them the latest version Place yourself in an online resume bank. If contacted you are not obligated to accept an interview. However. It is a good way to stay on top of your professional game. Use LinkedIn. Keep your profile fresh and up to date. Join LinkedIn groups, and participate in relevant LinkedIn discussions in your major. Personally invite individuals who you have recently met and /or who are in your desired field to connect. So now you are meeting new people through the tactics listed above. You are curious about their background, how they secured their job, and want to see if they know of any openings in your field, or if they can introduce you to others in your field. NEVER ASK ANYONE FOR A JOB! Here is a format you can use to conduct a successful informational interview - Call them on the phone, if they do not answer, leave a message, then follow- up by sending an email. - Introduce Yourself: (This is where your 30 second speech really comes in handy) Hello, my name is _____and I am a ____major at La Salle University. I will be graduating ________ and am looking to start a career in________. (_______has suggested that I contact you OR, I met you at________ OR, I found your profile when I was looking up Alumni who work in this _________ (field). Example: “I would like to set up an informational interview with you that should take no longer than 30 minutes. I appreciate your time and any insights you could provide. We could speak over the phone, in person in your office or meet for coffee. What day and time within the next few weeks are you available?” Copyright © 2016 La Salle University. All Rights Reserved.
Networking: Informational Interview C A R E E R SERVIC E S Bus iness Building • O ffice #128 215.951.1075 • email: careers@lasalle.edu 1. Attend and Start the meeting Repeat your phone intros, and/or use a version of your 30 second-commercial 2. Begin by making small talk Here are several conversation starters: How was your weekend? What are your plans for this week? Provide commentary on the weather. If you are in person’s office, you may notice pictures, hobbies, etc. Ask them about what you noticed. 3. Explain the purpose of the meeting I am interested in your profession, I would like to know more about your background, how you entered this profession, and about your current role. I would like to share my job search strategies (Elements of Your Career Plan) with you and get your feedback and suggestions on my next steps. 4. Explain why you are looking for a job Provide a concise description of what you want to do, e.g. I am looking to enter the accounting field 5. Explain why you are qualified Describe your top 3 strengths related to your field, e.g. I am Treasurer for 2 Campus Groups and have had accounting internships for the past 3 summers. I have learned to prepare individual income tax returns and fiduciary tax returns for estates and trusts, balance budgets, analyze and control inventory and prepare financial reports. 6. Explain what results you have achieved that sets you apart from others What is unique about you? How do you differentiate yourself? E.g. I was the first in three years who balanced the budget and increased revenue for my fraternity. E.g. Saved 30% of my tax clients’ money on their returns. 7. Informational Interview Questions you can ask (These are suggestions. You do not need to ask all these questions at once. Assess the pace of the interview and ask the relevant questions at the appropriate times) How did you get into this field…obtain your job? What is a typical day like in the job your presently hold? What are your responsibilities? What types of training do companies give to people entering the field? What aspects of a career in this field do you consider good….bad? What professional associations in this field can I join or visit? What is the market demand for people in this field? I would like to conduct more informational interviews, would you mind referring me to a few other people with who you think it would be interesting for me to talk? 8. Show them your Career Plan and ask for guidance Are you aware of opportunities in my field? Especially the companies I am targeting. Can you provide me feedback on my resume and job search strategy. Could you introduce me to others who may know? 9. Ask what you could do to help them During your small talk session listen to what are their needs, refer back to that and see if you could help. OR, just ask the question, “How can I be of help to you?” 10. Close the session Thank you for your time and suggestions. Can I check back with you next week or so to see if you have other suggestions for me? 11. PS: Do not leave session without at least contact information of another person that can potentially help you. Copyright © 2016 La Salle University. All Rights Reserved.
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