Networking Your Way to Success Webinar

Transcription

1 Networking Your Way to Success Webinar Questions and answers by topic: Networking Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI) Webinar resources: Watch webinar recording Access PowerPoint slides Page 1 of 6

2 Networking If there aren t any upcoming events, how can you start networking online? One of the best ways to start networking online, is to develop a strong LinkedIn profile and then start joining some of the professional groups that exist on LinkedIn. If you are an ICT professional, you can find groups on LinkedIn for that, or as an engineer you can find groups that connect engineers. There are professional groups on LinkedIn for almost every type of career you can imagine. You can also connect on LinkedIn with the Alumni Group of your university and start making connections that way. How can you recognize people s true intentions while networking? One of the best ways to approach networking, is to think about the value that other people can add to your career, as well as the value that you can add to their career. Sometimes you can see people s true motivation by the types of questions they ask, or the requests they make. As we mentioned earlier in the webinar, you want to avoid asking for things right away, especially job offers. If someone at a networking event asks you for a job, or only talks about themselves without asking you any questions, this might not be the right relationship to focus on building. What are some unique networking techniques and opportunities that would work and get us a job? As we discussed throughout the webinar, the point of networking is not just about getting a job. It is about building meaningful, lasting, mutually beneficial relationships one person at a time. It is natural as a job-seeker that the focus of your networking would relate to finding a job, but it can t be your only motivation. Set smaller goals for each networking event that can help build your career over the long-term and potentially lead to career opportunities. Your goal can be as simple as talking to ten new people, collecting three business cards to follow-up with, or learning about a company you haven t heard of before. Page 2 of 6

3 What is the best way to prepare for networking? A lot of the tips we discussed over the course of the webinar are important, like dressing for success and maintaining a professional image both in person and online. In terms of a larger strategy around networking as a job seeker, we suggest finding a few specific inperson networking opportunities that you can attend each month. You don t have to attend every event you hear about, pick three or four that you think are the most relevant to your goals. Then, prepare yourself in some of the ways we discussed in the webinar. Set goals, do your research, and think about who you want to connect with and how you will follow up after the event. Be confident, be your best professional self, and take time to enjoy meeting new people who share your interests and professional experiences. How can I network with people in the academic world? Networking in the academic world is very similar to networking in a business or professional setting. All of the same concepts about dressing your best and being professional apply, but some of the questions you might ask and the events you might attend would be slightly different. In an academic setting, your questions and even your elevator pitch would likely be focused on areas of research, or publications, even studies you have been involved in and proposals you are currently working on. Instead of networking at career fairs, networking in academic settings would take place at campus events, departmental meetings, and even lecture series or academic conferences. Why is networking so important to get a job in Canada? Networking is important to find career success in Canada, because Canadian employers don t just look at your academic and professional experience when deciding if they will hire you. Employers like to know that you will be a good fit for their team, that you will be easy to get along with and are someone who really understands their company and its unique needs. Networking broadens the circle of professionals you know in Canada, and can sometimes provide you with a larger pool of people to speak to employers on your behalf, or introduce you to an employer who might be looking for someone with your skills and expertise. Networking shows that you have made an effort to be part of the professional landscape in Canada, and that you are ready to take the next step in your career journey. Page 3 of 6

4 Why do people not respond to my requests to connect on LinkedIn when I am trying to network? There are several reasons why people might not be replying to your LinkedIn request or other messages. If you are trying to connect with people who you have never met, are you sending targeted messages that tell them why you would like to connect and what you think you have in common? Are you sharing too much personal information in your messages or making inappropriate requests for jobs offers or references? Especially on LinkedIn, where a person s connections are public, people may not want to connect with people they don t know, and whose work they can t speak for. Once you connect with someone on LinkedIn, you have access to their network. People may hesitate to give you that kind of access without knowing more about you. As a shy person, how can I still be successful at networking? One of the things to keep in mind as you are networking, is that a lot of people at a networking event might have the same shyness and insecurity that you do. Try to think about all of the experiences, skills, and educational background that you have. Referring to that experience when you are talking to people can help build your confidence. Focus on the message you want to share, why you are at the networking event, and what your larger goals are. It is also important to remember that online networking is a very important part of the job market, and that if you are a very shy person, you can take advantage and do some initial networking online before meeting specific people in person. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more you network the easier it becomes and the less shy you ll be when connecting with others. How can you network with people who have never met you in person? This is where your messaging is very important. Make sure that your messages on LinkedIn or through are clear and targeted. Tell people why you are interested in connecting with them, what about their career journey inspires you to learn more, and what your goals are. Give your contact information, don t ask for a job right away, and you ll likely receive positive responses. Page 4 of 6

5 What do I say at networking events when I am currently unemployed? One of the strategies that we recommend, is to focus on the other things that you are doing while unemployed. You can tell new contacts about classes you might be taking, your professional development activities, and volunteer work you are involved in. You can also contact a service provider like PCPI to help you formulate responses to some common networking questions. They can help you prepare and ensure that you are comfortable and confident while at networking events. I think networking works best with individuals from same cultural or ethnic backgrounds, why should I try to network with people from different races, cultures and ethnicities? Starting with your own community can help you get comfortable and develop your own style when networking. It is important to move outside of your comfort zone, because interacting only with people of a specific group really limits your opportunities. In Canada, the labour market is not set up according to ethnic or racial groups. In order to have access to all of the opportunities that are out there for employment, and connect with all of the people who may be able to help you achieve your career goals, you will need to look outside of your specific cultural community. Page 5 of 6

6 Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI) Can PCPI help get me a job before my credentials have been assessed? Absolutely. We would love for you to connect with us and let us know what you are interested in doing. We will set you up with a career coach, define a plan of action, and assist you with reaching your goals. You can visit our website at pcpi.ca or contact us at Which programs at PCPI would benefit a newcomer like me in Canada? PCPI has a number of programs that can be beneficial to newcomers including: Job search Employment workshops Resources and information Job matching and placements Information on Second Career To find out more about these programs, contact PCPI at Are there any fees for the services offered at PCPI, if so what is the cost? There are no fees associated with any of the programs or services offered at PCPI. You may come across some opportunities through our affiliate programs, or some of the services that we may refer to that do have a fee for service. Page 6 of 6