This week, I’m going to try something a little different. I’m sharing a podcast bonus episode!
I was recently a guest on the Find Your Dream Job Podcast with Mac Prichard. We talked about how to make the most of networking opportunities, and I want to share our conversation with you.
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
To learn more about the Find Your Dream Job podcast, or Mac’s List, visit the Mac’s List website at www.macslist.org.
Thanks to everyone for listening! I hope you’ve enjoyed this bonus episode.
If you have a question you’d like answered on a future Copeland Coaching Podcast, you can send your questions to Angela@CopelandCoaching.com. You can also send me questions via Twitter. I’m @CopelandCoach. And, on Facebook, I am Copeland Coaching. Don’t forget to help me out. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and leave me a review!
Have you ever wondered where you can make the biggest investment into your career? At first glance, another advanced degree might make sense. Or, perhaps an online certification course would be beneficial. Although these things will help to beef up your resume, there’s a cheaper alternative that very well may be more impactful: networking.
Unfortunately, networking can be a foreign (and potentially scary) concept. People often say, “I don’t want to be a bother” or “Why would that person want to talk to me?” It can be hard to know where to begin.
When I was a child, I thought of networking as a grown up way of making new friends. In a certain regard, that’s exactly what it is. When you are in high school or college, you often make friends with your classmates, your scout group, or your sports team. Friends are readily available in a way we rarely experience as adults.
Although networking contacts don’t fill the gap of long term friendships, thinking of networking as making new friends can often help to get started and to stay committed. Similar to friendships, networking is a long term commitment that requires nurturing. It’s an investment in the future. It’s not a one-time event.
Many people try to network only when they’re looking for a job. And, it makes sense. We’re all busy with work and our personal lives. Networking is just another chore to do. But, think of it from another perspective. Should a networking contact recommend someone for a job that they don’t know? It’s hard for a networking contact to speak about your character if they don’t really know you or have never worked with you.
When you’re ready to begin networking, start by looking for local professional events. There are many groups designed for certain ages or industries that can be found on websites such as Meetup.com. These events are often open to guests and are an easy way to get started. An even better way to grow your network is through existing friends and family. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try introducing yourself to someone you don’t know on LinkedIn.
If you start to have self-doubt, and wonder if you’re going to bother other people, just remember this. The most senior executives at a company rarely got there on smarts alone. They’ve honed their own people skills, and spent years networking over coffees and lunches. In the same way that you’re looking to have networking meetings now, they have in the past.
Not everyone will have time to network, but it’s rarely a reflection on you. The person may be going through a difficult time at home, or may be extra busy at work. If someone declines your invitation, or doesn’t respond at all, move on to the next person.
Even a handful of high quality contacts can make all the difference when you’re growing your career. And, like anything else, it takes practice. With enough time and experience, you’ll be networking with no fear.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com or on Twitter at @CopelandCoach.
Episode 101 is live! This week, we talk with Zachary Croteau in Boston, MA. Zac is a Sales Development Representative at Unitrends, a company specializing in business continuity. Previously, he was the Employment Branding Specialist at career website Careerealism.com. And, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication for the University of New Hampshire.
On today’s episode, Zac shares his tips on networking (including cold calling) and landing a job offline. He also gives us suggestions for using LinkedIn, and LinkedIn endorsements. If you struggle to meet new people, this episode is for you!
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
Is there any part of your job search that you enjoy? Any part that’s fun?
I’m certain I’m on a deserted island about this, but hands down, one of my favorite parts of job searching is going to career fairs. My clients will tell you — anytime they have a fair coming up, I light up and excitement comes pouring out of me.
You may wonder why in the world this is this case. Let’s face it — you’ve got to wonder. It’s strange, I know.
But where else in the world can you find 300 big name employers at your fingertips, all in one room? Where can you meet more HR professionals and hiring managers in one day? Where can you practice your elevator pitch more times? Where can you learn about new jobs? Where can you learn more about your favorite companies — directly from the companies? Where else can you have a first round interview ON SITE?
At JOB FAIRS!
Most people haven’t been to a job fair since college. Most universities put on a small scale fair for graduating seniors. It’s typically in the school gym or student union. Students feel nervous, and a little silly. The number of companies can be underwhelming. So, why would anyone want to attend a career fair after they finish with college?
You might be surprised, but there are lots of great, high quality fairs available all over the country. And, they aren’t just looking for college students. They’re looking for real deal professionals too.
We’re talking about big name companies like Facebook and Google and Toyota and Amazon. I could keep going and come up with a list 300+ companies long.
You should be aware though that not all job fairs are created equal. Many smaller fairs are not targeted toward specific types of roles. When attending a small fair, you may find it hard to come across any “real” opportunities.
You may also find that some of the companies with booths are participating just to be good sports — and not because they really have jobs available for candidates. Those are the same companies who claim to have “forgotten” all their business cards at home — or to have JUST run out.
You may be wondering, “Where can I find one of these awesome career fairs?”
Well, they are often part of a larger conference. Many national and international organizations have annual conferences. The conferences are typically two to three days and offer a range of educational workshops for participants. But, the conferences are often expensive and can run over $1,000 to attend.
But, don’t lose hope! There’s a solution. Many of the conferences offer a career fair only ticket. The ticket can range from $25 to $150 for the day. You’ll want to do your homework on which companies will be there, but almost always, the cost of admission is worth it for a large conference.
The other thing you may notice is that many of the organizations hosting the conferences are geared to a specific audience. And, it makes sense, right? It’s like a giant club for people with a certain educational or cultural background.
But, just because you may not fit the club’s biggest target market doesn’t mean you shouldn’t participate. If you don’t want to take my word for it, call the organization directly and ask them — 1. Do they have a career fair only ticket? AND 2. Do you need to be a part of their target market to attend? Chances are high the answers will be YES and NO.
Just remember, every company has HR staff that’s sent to these career fairs to look for candidates. And, it’s usually the same HR staff going to all the fairs — regardless of the target market of the organization.
Now, if you attend a technology fair (for example), you may be more likely to find technology recruiters. But, they’re not the only recruiters who will be there.
So, where can you find these awesome organizations hosting giant career fairs? Here’s a list of a few that I’ve been to and loved.
National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA)
National Hispanic MBA (NSHMBA)
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Net Impact
These are just a few. If you’re part of a national organization, do research to learn about your national conference and if a career fair is part of it.
And, if you’re in Tennessee, check out one of the Multicultural Career Expos being held in Memphis and Nashville.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
I have a question for you. It’s a very important one. Think back to the time when you landed your last job. How did you get it? Did you apply online? Did a friend or former coworker help you?
My guess is there’s at least a 50% chance that someone helped you. They were in some way an advocate for you, providing a great reference, or just passing your resume on to the right person.
So, what would make your job search today any different? Nothing! Although websites like Indeed.com and LinkedIn.com made it easier than ever to apply online, it doesn’t change the fact that an in person connection is incredibly helpful.
If you have negative feelings about networking, you’re not alone. I hear from many people every day that they feel badly to ask someone to have a coffee. They feel guilty because they don’t believe they’re bringing anything to the table. And, worse of all (in their minds), they need something. They need help with their job search.
So, let’s break this apart a little. First, if the person you’re meeting is successful in their own career, there’s pretty much a 100% chance that they network. Yes. They didn’t get to where they are by being brilliant alone. They’ve been fostering relationships all along the way. They understand how this works.
Second, you may perceive you bring nothing to the table, but is that really true? Here are a few examples of what you might bring and haven’t even thought of:
You might be their perfect future employee
You might know someone who could be perfect for a role they’re trying to fill
You might be able to partner with them on a project
You might know someone they’d like to be connected to at a company where they’re looking
You might know a vendor they need an introduction to
You might be able to provide some free insight on something you know about that they don’t (whether this is how to repair a computer or which restaurant they should take a client to)
You might help one of their friends or family members
You might hire them in the future after you’ve found a new job
You might just provide friendship when they’re in a time of need
Often, you have no idea what you might bring to the table because, until you sit down with someone, you don’t know what they might need in return. And, networking is a long term endeavor of relationship building. It’s not a quick business transaction.
I remember when I first came out of college and began devoting energy to networking. “Networking” was the most exciting word to me at the time because it meant “making business friends.” And, who can’t use a few more friends?
Honestly though, the best time to network is now. If you don’t need something today, reach out to someone else who might. Building up your own good will can be a significant help in the future when you do need assistance.
If you’re not sure where to look, try these ideas first:
Check your LinkedIn – Is there someone you haven’t spoken to in a while?
Check out Meetup.com – Find new local networking events and special interest groups.
Ask close friends and family – Warm introductions to new connections can go a long way!
Whatever you do, get out there and start networking. The bigger and more diverse your network is, the more likely it is you’ll be able to find help when you need it.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
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