How do I effectively network for jobs?
Networking is one of the two best ways to find your next job. Are you going to at least one to three networking events a week? How do you start and end conversations? How do you keep track of the people you meet? Here are 5 tips to help you network more effectively. 1. Separate your business cards from the ones you collect. Wear an outfit with at least two pockets in the shirt, or the jacket or sweater. Keep your business cards in the right pocket. Keep the ones you collect in the left pocket. There is nothing worse than pulling out your cards and handing someone another person’s card. 2. Wear your name tag on the right side if you are right handed. When you shake hands, people will see your name. It is distracting for someone to shake your hand and then look to their right (your left) for your name. It is easier to make eye contact, shake, and see your name. Bring your own printed name tag, if you can. 3. Get the conversation started – A compliment is a good way to get going but be careful. You can always compliment a man on his tie. Or, for a woman, I like your dress, or hair, or necklace. But if that does not feel appropriate, then you can simply ask why did you come to this event tonight? or, what do you hope to get out of the event? 4. Offer your assistance – Before you go into your pitch ask is there anyone I can introduce you to help you get your next information meeting? Or, who is your ideal referral? 5. Launch into your pitch or elevator speech. Make sure to cover the three basic keys to any elevator pitch. Who are you? What is one big accomplishment? What are you looking for? (Perfect job, ideal referral). To end the conversation, simply say it was nice meeting you, I think I will get another drink, or something to eat, or I want to mingle. Remember, 40% of job seekers get their next job through networking. www.geffencareers.com
5 Ways to Distinguish Yourself from Other Candidates
You’re going for a particular job title. All the other people with that same job title have done the same things as you have. Or have they? Maybe not. So how do you distinguish yourself from the other candidates? 1) Talk about your Accomplishments – Think of your top accomplishments. What have you done in the past, whether it’s from a paying job, in school, volunteer work, internships, projects, or consulting. Write them up in this format: What problem did you solve? What action did you take? What was the result? Create a short story that adds some detail and personal touch to the accomplishment and use that story during the interview. 2) Use metrics – Quantify as much as you can. Use numbers to answer these questions: Did you save money? Generate revenue/ save time? Improve a process? How much? How many? How long did it take? If you can’t remember, try a guesstimate or a percentage. 3) Go above and beyond – Provide samples of your work. Create a proposal suggesting how you would solve one of the company’s problems. Create a newsletter or blog for the company. Do something that separates you from the rest of the pack. 4) Ask good questions during the interview..What is their biggest challenge? What keeps the hiring manager up at night? What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months? And show them what you can do to make that happen. Never ask what is the salary, what are the benefits, what are the chances for promotion and raises. 5) Follow up – How many people actually write a follow-up letter that tries to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack? If you are just writing a “thank you for your time and I am very interested in the job” type of letter, you are missing an opportunity to distinguish yourself once again. Reiterate your accomplishments that are relevant. Respond to a problem the company is experiencing and how you would solve the problem. A couple of days later call the hiring manager to reinforce what you said and reiterate your interest in the position. (c) Amy Geffen All rights reserved 2017. — GEFFEN C A R E E R S