Networking Public Service Career Launch - Spring 2011 Academic Advising and Career Center g Presented by Ashley Lewis alewis@csus.edu 916.278.5089
Outline 1. Preparing for the Government Mixer 2. Networking in General 3. Introduction to LinkedIn
Career Fairs in General Who has attended a Career Fair? What was your experience? What would have helped your prepare? http://youtu.be/epa kkiuymzg
Preparing for the Government Mixer Look at the list of agencies who will attend and identify targets: http://tinyurl.com/participantlist Do your research Prepare your resume Prepare to introduce yourself Dress for Success
During the Government Mixer Make eye contact with the recruiter, shake their hand and introduce yourself. Ask questions! Sincerity always wins. Try not to over exaggerate or undersell your interest If interested, pick up their literature, ask for a business card, and if possible leave your resume. Don t interrupt
During the Government Mixer Be familiar with government terminology and use it to your advantage: Ask federal agencies if they have used the Federal Career Intern program in the past and if they have a replacement yet Ask what exams are open; and what kind of exams do they use (oral, written, continuous, etc) Are they filing exemptions for certain positions What is a good entry level opportunity What classification and level (GS or I, II, III) do they suggest based on your experience
More Sample Questions 1. What types of career opportunities do you offer? 2. Can you describe the qualifications and skills you look for in an applicant? 3. What types of projects might I expect to work on in my first year with the agency? 4. What is a typical career path with your agency? 5. What is a typical day like? 6. What makes someone successful with your agency? 7. What advice would you give someone seeking work within your organization? 8. What type of entry-level positions or training programs exist within your organization? 9. Where does your agency primarily post jobs? 10. May I have your business card for future contact?
After the Government Mixer Stay in contact with the representatives! Send a thank you letter/email, mentioning something you talked about to jog their memory Also attached a copy of your resume Follow-up on questions you have about the application i process Let them know when you have followed their advice or instructions
Networking in General What is networking? What is your experience with networking? What worked; what didn t?
Networking: Practice Elevator speech activity
Networking with Government What it will not do for you: help you go around the competitive hiring process What it will do for you: give you the inside scoop on Jobs that might be upcoming Provide advice for applying Make a difference in the final stage of the hiring process
Ways to Make Contact Attend a career fair, mixer, employer lecture, or employer lead workshop and talk with a recruiter. Ask him/her for a business card. Check out professional associations where agency reps may be members Look in Career Connection Call them up! Find contact info on vacancy announcements, job postings, exams, or just call the main number listed on google maps Find people on LinkedIn!
LinkedIn Who knows what LinkedIn is? Has anyone found it to be useful?
Professional Networking Online LinkedIn Has Plenty of Potential Over 75 mil professionals from 150+ industries Roughly one new sign-up/second Over 37,000 college & university alumni groups And Tools! Profile, recommendations, introductions, search engines, groups, job boards, company pages
The Importance of a Profile LinkedIn is the New Resume Talent Acquisition Team, Vanir Construction Management A Good Profile Gives You Credibility Searchability Hireability
Who to Connect With LION s Linked In Open Networker (LION) Bridge networks otherwise closed to you Find them by keyword searching groups or people. Trusted Connections People you have worked and/or studied with Importing Contacts Searching University or Employer Family and Friends
Who to Connect With Managers Decision makers Advocates Connectors Advice givers Recommenders Talent Acquisition Professionals Info Collectors Researchers
How to Connect with People Beware of IDK Use your maiden name in parenthesis ALWAYS write a personal message. Let them know the context and reason for the invitation
Dear, I came across your profile and was very impressed with the work you do. I have been working in/studying (IT, marketing, operations, etc.) and am currently considering agencies where I might be a good fit. I would appreciate the opportunity to link with you to gain insight and advice about potential jobs in (IT, marketing, operations, etc) at your organization or other organizations where you have LinkedIn connections. Also, I am actively meeting people who might be a strong addition to your network. I would be happy to make introductions and offer support to you in any way I can. If you choose not to accept my invitation please click on Archive instead of I Don t Know. Best Regards, Your Name Invitation to link example adapted from www.networldingblog.com
LinkedIn Groups Your Ticket to a Better Network! Once you are in, find out who is: in your area, movers and shakers, interested in networking, at companies or in the type of job you are looking for Invite to connect or message individuals Respond to discussion posts Post discussions Review job postings to the group Join Career Center associated groups! Sac State Clean and Green, Sac State ECS, and Pathways Link
More Information LinkedIn Learning Center: http://learn.linkedin.com/ PWC Personal Brand Week: www.pwc.com/us/en/careers/pwctv/personal-brand-week.jhtml 15 Second Pitch (online builder) www.15secondpitch.com The Quintessential Guide to Job Search 2.0: Advancing Your Career Through Online Social Media: http://www.quintcareers.com/quintessential_careers_press/job_search/ c intessential Social Media Expert, Raz Chorev s blog: http://www.razchorev.com/ The Undercover Recruiter Blog: www.theundercoverrecruiter.com theundercoverrecruitercom Student Guidelines, Johns Hopkins University: http://www.jhu.edu/careers/handouts/usinglinkedin.pdf