Conducting a “Proactive”
Job Search in the Twin Cities
Darren Kaltved
Assistant Director, Career Services
School of Public Health
WORKSHOP AGENDA
NETWORKING
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What is Networking?
Resistance/Beliefs about Networking
Types of Networking (informational interviewing)
Steps of Networking & Practice
ELEVATOR PITCH
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How to construct your bio
PERSONAL BRANDING
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Is perception reality?
SOCIAL MEDIA
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LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter
Applications
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Customization, Interpreting Job Postings, Skills
NETWORKING
Establishing & maintaining lines of
communication with others
What is Networking:
• Networking is about relationships.
• People connecting with people
• Finding some common interest between the people who are talking to each
other: kids, dogs, book, golf, managers, ( like you did in the introductions)
or a mutual friend/acquaintance
• Information exchange
• Information gained and contacts made
We do this all the time – without even being aware that we are doing it
RESISTANCE & BELIEFS
FINISH THESE STATEMENTS: (individually and in small groups)
I don’t network because…
I would network if…
Which of these are under your control?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Beliefs
Networking is phony or manipulative
Networking is designed to convince someone to do something they don’t really want
to do
Networking is selling myself
Networking requires an extraverted style
Networking is mostly done in large groups and requires spontaneity
THE TRUTH
Resistance is Normal
Networking is about using social, personal and professional contacts to help
you to learn more about a field of interest, or organization.
Networking is not only for Extroverts
It can be planned…and happens when you least expect it to
Networking is not about only selling yourself, it’s about learning and getting
more information
People enjoy talking about themselves and enjoy helping others…you are not a
nuisance (note: if someone asked you, would you help?)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Break Challenge:
Meet and networking with one other person from this workshop
Ask them: how did you find your last 2 jobs?
Write down strategies…share with large group
WIIFM = What’s in it for me?
Networking allows you to:
Tap into the hidden job market (side door approach)
Have an edge on the competition due to the relationship you have established
To be informed
Gain visibility for future opportunities
Gain referrals (recommendations by people industry trusts)
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Good people know other good people. Therefore, it’s easier and safer to recruit an employee who, by
word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.
Increase your work possibilities in the 21st century
Strong networking = shorter job search
It is all about who you know or need to get to know,
and what you do with what you know.
NETWORKING FOR INTROVERTS
Drop the word “networking”. Instead, refer to this process as “gathering information”, “having
coffee with someone”, or “building a few in-depth relationships with someone”.
Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.
Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the ball rolling.
Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family members, close friends,
people close to them).
Join at least one professional association and attend related events – this strategy is
uncommon, but the most beneficial.
Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well as blogs, discussion
groups/listservs, etc.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
One of the best sources for gathering information about what's happening in an occupation or an
industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process is called informational or research
interviewing.
An informational interview is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions. The purpose is
to obtain information, not to get a job.
Following are some good reasons to conduct informational interviews:
 to explore careers and clarify your career goal
 to discover employment opportunities that are not advertised
 to expand your professional network
 to build confidence for your job interviews
 to access the most up-to-date career information
 to identify your professional strengths and weaknesses
2 Types of Informational Interviews:
1. Information: change to find out more about the person’s field, department, company
2. Advice & Suggestions: suggestions for resume, experience building, education, connections
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW STEPS
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Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about : Assess your own interests, abilities,
values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify the best fields to research.
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Prepare for the interview: Read all you can about the field prior to the interview. Decide what
information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry. Prepare a list of questions that you
would like to have answered.
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Identify people to interview: Start with lists of people you already know - friends, relatives, fellow
students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, etc... Professional organizations, the yellow
pages, organizational directories, and public speakers are also good resources. You may also call an
organization and ask for the name of the person by job title.
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Arrange the interview: Contact the person to set up an interview: by telephone, by a letter followed by a
telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you.
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Conduct the Interview: Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and professional. Refer to your
list of prepared questions; stay on track, but allow for spontaneous discussion. Before leaving, ask your
contact to suggest names of others who might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's
name when contacting these new contacts.
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Follow Up: Immediately following the interview, record the information gathered. Be sure to send a thankyou note to your contact within one week of the interview.
WHERE TO START…WHO TO TALK TO
Start with people whom you feel comfortable talking with.
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Graduate assistantships, internships, work connections
Family, friends, colleagues – anyone they recommend
Mentors
Next, talk to people you know in a less personal, yet professional way.
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Co-workers, former co-workers, professors – anyone they recommend; mentors
Spouse’s colleagues
Finally, get in touch with NEW people (like today!)
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Join professional associations, societies; mentorship programs; attend conferences, seminars,
career fairs; and ask for referrals
Utilize electronic social networking and blog sites (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter)
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To Do: Brainstorm a List of Contacts
Prioritize list
May require some research first
CONTACTS
“ELEVATOR PITCH”
INFOMERCIAL or ELEVATOR PITCH
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s why you need to be able to
introduce yourself and answer the question “tell me about yourself” clearly and concisely. You may
use your “infomercial” when you are networking prior to your actual job search; or to articulate
your answer “tell me about yourself” during the job interview.
KEY COMPONENTS
• Introduction
• Education; professional development
• Work experience; key accomplishments
• Transferable skills, if necessary
• Current status; what you have to offer
• Employment opportunities you are seeking
• Length – 30 seconds to max of 2 minutes
USES FOR YOUR INFOMERCIAL
• Response to “tell me about yourself” during
job interview
• In any situation when you are making
“networking” connections
• Portions can be used on your resume
• Increase confidence as you introduce
yourself
• Script when making “cold” telephone calls
• When requesting informational interviews
or advice
EXAMPLE
Thanks so much for being willing to speak with me. My name is Jane Jobseeker, and Nan
Networker gave me your name as someone who might have information for me about
the field of bioethics, in which I am very interested.
In May I will be graduating from the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health
with an MPH in Public Health Administration and Policy. While in school, I worked as a
research assistant, and I am especially proud of the fact that I presented a poster
presentation on tobacco use prevention at the ASPH conference last year.
As I mentioned, I am exploring information about the field of bioethics, with a goal of
combining my skills and education working in a small non-profit. I have a few questions
about your position and this agency and wonder if you could tell me a little about what
you do and what it is like to work here.
Here is another one…
FOLLOW-UP IS KEY
Follow-up is often the most overlooked part of networking. Remember, any
contact you have with a professional (info interview, interview, event, etc.) – you
should always follow-up.
Nurture Connections (value-added networking) – look for opportunities to
help them
Potential Mentor/Sponsor
Career Opportunity might arise
Future questions? – this is a new resource
Follow-up with your status on additional contacts they helped you make
Demonstrate your integrity and follow-through skills
Keep track of contacts (jibberjobber.com)
Handwritten thank you or e-mail (widely accepted)
Should be called “Great to meet you because…” letter
RESOURCES
Associations/Professional Networks (www.weddles.com)
Volunteer Opportunities (www.servicelearning.umn.edu)
Social Events & Networking Groups
Book of Lists, Twin Cities Business Journal
Academic Job Search Resources
The Academic Job Search
http://www.iseek.org/
www.linkedin.com
LifeScienceAlley
NETWORKING BOOKS
Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty, by Harvey MacKay
How to Work a Room, by Susan Roane
Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts,
the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected, by Devora Zack
Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections, by Ivan Misner,
David Alexander and Brian Hilliard
The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies, by Ivan
Misner and Michelle R. Donovan
Social Networking for Career Success: Using Online Tools to Create a
Personal Brand, by Miriam Salpeter
NETWORKING RECAP
Be prepared: any time, any where
Start with contacts that are safe to build confidence
Not a quick fix to your next job – make it part of your life/work to build
relationships (make it a priority…be committed)
Use thought, sensitivity and preparation
Manage your energy wisely
Rehearse…Reach out…Get referrals
Be Brief, Be Sincere, Be Thankful
Take advantage of online social networks
Get Involved!
ARE JOB BOARDS EXTINCT?
According to the Wall Street Journal (January 2011)
“Recruiters Rethink Online Playbook”,
"Many plan to scale back their use of online job boards, which they
say generate mostly unqualified leads, and hunt for candidates with
a particular expertise on places like LinkedIn before they post an
opening. As the market gets more competitive again, they are hiring
recruiters with expertise in headhunting and networking, rather
than those with experience processing paperwork.“
SO WHAT DO YOU DO…
LINKEDIN
WORLD’S LARGEST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ON THE INTERNET
Helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals
Over 173 MILLION members from over 200 countries/territories (49 % in U.S.; 61% outside U.S.)
Members include executives from ALL FORTUNE 500 Companies
Over 2 MILLION company profiles
Professionals are joining LinkedIn at a rate that is faster than two new members per second.
46% of employers use LinkedIn to research new hires (Careerbuilder.com)
85% use LinkedIn or Google to search candidates (NACE)
82% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn for their Corporate Hiring Solutions
According to the Harvard Business Review, 80% of jobs are obtained through networking
In 2008, social networking sites, including blogs and LinkedIn were used more than email (Nielson Online)
LINKEDIN – It is not a matter of using it, but more importantly how you use it!
LINKEDIN PROFILE
Profile Picture
Status Update
Summary
Experience
Recommendations
Connections
Skills & Expertise
Education
Volunteering
…Other sections
Darren’s Profile
LINKEDIN FEATURES
Key Features:
People (keyword based)
Groups (shared interest; quality vs. quantity)
Companies (the inside scoop – side door approach)
Skills & Areas of Expertise (MORE)
Jobs
Lets check them out
TWITTER
What is Twitter:
• Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you with the latest information
that you find the most interesting.
• Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the conversations
(http://twitter.com/about)
• 140 Million accounts on Twitter (300,000 new users every day); 3 Billion tweets per day
• 60% of Twitter users abandon their accounts within the first month of use
Why Participate:
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Make and maintain connections; Good learning tool; and can be used to promote events
Follow industry leaders
Share knowledge; interact with others and get advice
Creating and marketing your brand – demonstrate your expertise
To learn about occupations, employers, recruiters and job opportunities
PERSONAL BRANDING
PERCEPTION VS. REALITY
Do you think perception is reality?
Robin Williams
Steve Martin
BRANDING
When you see brands somewhere, you associate them with a set of
expectations or perceptions that are connected with a product or service.
You associate these concepts, thoughts, and images with the particular
companies because of the brand each company has established.
A brand is a unique promise of value.
PEOPLE BRANDS
LETS CHAT
What brand do you associate with the most? (product or person)
Why do you like it (her or him)?
From a brand perspective, what is its (her or his) “unique promise
of value”?
WHY BUILD A BRAND?
Puts you in charge of leaving a footprint.
Establishes credibility and visibility.
Provides a competitive edge – differentiate yourself.
To find people who compliment your strengths.
WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR
HERE IS WHAT THEY WANT…
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Self-Awareness
• High Emotional Intelligence
• Self-Esteem/Confidence
• Passion
• Awareness of strengths/weaknesses
Top 10 Skills (NACE):
• Communication, Integrity, Interpersonal, Technical, Analytical, Initiative,
Adaptability, Work Ethic, Team-work, Detail-oriented
How can you help out bottom line…
JOB SEARCH PROCESS
Conducting a job search takes time, commitment, and organization. Here are a few tips to help you
through the process:
Assess yourself: Be certain you know your own values, skills, strengths, and work criteria.
Create your own marketing materials: Develop a portfolio, write a resume and cover letter,
have an online presence, and script an elevator pitch.
Gather information: Network in professional associations, conduct informational interviews,
or “try on” a position through volunteering, job shadowing, or part-time employment.
Apply for positions that match your qualifications: Apply for positions for which you
possess most of the required qualifications - even if you don't possess all of the skills listed in
the job description. (60-70% rule)
Interview preparation: Even before you are invited to interview, begin preparing. Think
about and practice your responses to the most commonly asked questions.
Stay on task: by persistent, prioritize and organization search information (deck of cards rule)
APPLICATIONS
When applying for job opportunities (or inquiring about opportunities), here are a few
tips to help you out:
Customize all application materials to the position and/or organization
Focus on the keywords
Government applications (federal) are a nightmare…RUN!
The format for all materials should be the same
It is not about what the company can do for you…it is what you can do for the company
Remember – you are one-in-a-million…not one-of-a-million!
Steps:
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3.
Go through the position description and highlight all keywords that represent your Skills,
Knowledge, and/or Experience.
Incorporate these keywords into your resume (use their lingo)
Select the 3-5 that are your strongest…this becomes the Summary section of your resume and is
what will be narrated in your cover letter
WHAT IS A HEALTHY CAREER
Heart - Occupational expertise
Circulatory System - A wide, deep network of contacts
Muscle Groups - Versatility in contributing your expertise
Flexibility & Range of Motion - Willingness to adapt
Work With Winners - Successful organizations and coworkers aid and abet your ability to
accomplish your career goals, enabling you to grow on the job and developing useful
professional/lifetime connections
Stretch Your Soul - A healthy career not only serves you, it serves others, your community,
and your country as well. It regenerates your pride in what you do and your enthusiasm for
doing it.
Pace Yourself - Discipline yourself and your boss to set aside time to recharge your passion
and capacity for work.
Adapted from Peter Weddle’s “Career Fitness”
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY CAREER
Keeps you up-to-date on relevant information in your field
Expand your networking contacts and meaningful connections
Provide opportunities for you to serve others
Can help you be more efficient
Enhance your brand and online presence
ANYONE…ANYONE…ANYONE…BUELLER
Thanks for coming!
Darren Kaltved
dkaltved@umn.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/darrenkaltved
http://www.sph.umn.edu/careers-blog/