1www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

Networking :Preparing for today’s event

Sept 2012

The Careers and Employability Service

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Networking

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• What is it and why it’s important to network• Where to network• Preparing to Network• How to network• Using your network

What is networking• Informal fact finding• Getting to know who’s who and what’s what• A chance to demonstrate your attitude/

aptitude/enthusiasm and interest to people who may be able to open/unlock recruitment doors for you….

It could help you to: explore your career ideas, arrange work shadowing, obtain an informational interview, gain work experience, target your CV, secure a job

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Why?

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Job hunting is competitive• If have personal referral

more likely to get an interview

• Essential for some areas• Some jobs are never

advertised • Some jobs are created for

the individual• Can be particularly

important for MMU graduates!

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You already have networks!

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Family, friends, family of friends, friends of family

• Colleagues, previous employers and tutors

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Expanding your network

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Careers fairs/employer presentations• Trade exhibitions• Open days• On-line• Conferences• Guest lectures• Competitions• Professional organisations connected

to your career interest• Career Mentor – get one through

MentorMatch www.mentormatch.mmu.ac.uk

Plus….

Talk to everyone you can think of about your career goals

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Working the Ignite Event

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Switch off your phone!• Get yourself in a

positive mood and be confident

• Think about what you want to get out of this event

• Look at the person you are meeting

• Listen attentively

Think:

Everyone here wants to meet me as much as I want to meet them!

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Questions you could ask

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• What do you do during a typical day in your job? • What are the most/least interesting parts of your job? • What skills, qualifications and qualities are vital for getting

into the field and for getting promoted? • How is the profession changing? • What kind of work culture exists in your organisation? What

kind of people seem to thrive there? • What sort of person is suited to a career in your field? • What entry level jobs are best for learning about the job

and for getting ahead? How would these be filled normally?   

Quick exercise: use the post-its provided to note several questions you’d like to use with employers today

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Working the room

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

S smileH handshakeI eye contactN nameE enthusiasm

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Working the room

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Approach from the front so the person can see you

• Avoid tapping shoulders or clearing your throat

• Put out your hand ‘hello I am’ and then outline the reasons for presenting yourself

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Starting the conversation

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Look at the person• Avoid folding your arms -it appears you

are not an open person• Avoid slouching or standing to attention• Keep your hands away from your hair

and face• Stand in an open position – it

encourages others to join you

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Building the conversation

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Have a pitch prepared • Be prepared with questions and conversational

topics in mind

• Top tips:

• Ask open ended questions that are not answered by a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’

• Be curious – it is always pleasant to meet somebody who appears interested in who you are and what you have to say

• Ask relevant questions and really listen to the answers

• Build up to your ‘killer’ question

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Ending the conversation

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Watch out for the boredom signals and if spotted change tack quickly

• Learn how to move away with panache

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Hospitality etiquette

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Chance to mingle and make small talk• Circulate and talk to people – don’t hang out by the buffet• Your main aim is not to eat

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Conclusion

Sept 2012 www.mmu.ac.uk/careers

• Always ask initially for help and advice, not for a job

• Always ensure you say thank you to people for giving you their time

• Make a record of your contacts, what they do and what they might be able to offer

• Follow up any leads promptly • Keep your network contacts warm – utilise social

media

Ask us if you need more advice and good luck