Networking Strategies
Tuesday, October 6th, 2015
www.shpeucf.com
Upcoming Events
Study Lock Down
Date: Wednesday, October 7th 2015
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Library - Room 433
Hispanic Heritage Month – Cultural Potluck Day
Date: Friday, October 9th 2015
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Student Union – Egmont Key (Room 224)
Tailgate
Date: Saturday, October 10th 2015
Time: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: UCF Memory Mall
Upcoming Events
Conference Checklist Overview – MANDATORY
Date: Monday, October 12th 2015
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: NSC 114
NASA KSC Meet & Greet IGNITE Social
Date: Monday, October 19th 2015
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: HEC 101
Learning Outcomes
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Benefits of Networking
Networking Sources
Networking Goals
Networking Strategies
Networking Fears
Plan and Prepare for
Networking Events
What is Networking?
 Networking is building alliances
and relationships with people.
 Networking is a powerful tool that
will assist you with your job
search.
 Networking starts long before a
job search.
 View networking as an opportunity
to get to know others and for them
to get to know you.
Networking Fears
 Fear of coming across as
disingenuous
 Fear of meeting new people
 Fear of not making a good
impression
 Fear of not having anything to
talk about
 Fear of not fitting in
Benefits of Networking
 Networking is often more efficient and effective than
looking for posted job openings.
 Helps people develop an active contact network that
can help professionally, personally and in future job
searches.
Open Market vs. Hidden Market
 20% of time
 80% of time
 80% of available
jobs
 20% of available
jobs
Hidden and Open Job Markets
General Public
Referrals
Decision
Maker
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Hidden job market
Open job market
Job Seeker
directly known
to Decision
Maker
Job Seeker indirectly known to
Decision Maker
Job Seeker unknown to
Decision Maker
Your Turn
 Name some potential networking sources that you
could use to get into your field.
Networking Sources
 Family and their contacts
 Friends, classmates, co-workers
 Fellow clubs, organization, sports
team members
 Professional Association meetings
and conventions
 Contacts made at trade shows
 Alumni networks
 Class speakers
 Information sessions
 Career services events
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Volunteer endeavors
Religious organizations
Past professors/advisors
Former bosses or internship
supervisors
Professional mentors
Informational Interviews
Social networking sites
(LinkedIn)
Remember----networking
contacts don’t have to be
people you’re close with
Networking Strategies
 Build networking into your daily and
weekly schedule.
 Make developing a relationship your
primary goal.
 Approach networking in a flexible
manner.
 Tactics:
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Business Cards
Social Networking
Infomercial
Informational Interviews
In-person Meetings
Business Cards
 Create a business card with e-mail and telephone
 Options: include LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Full Name
Name of College
Name of University
Home Address
Address 1
City, State, Zip
(cell) 888-888-8888
(home) 111-111-1111
E-mail address
Social Networking
 Employers and other potential
networking contacts are looking at
social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn,
Twitter).
 Use this as an opportunity to create
a professional, polished image for
yourself that will be of benefit, not a
liability.
 Internet postings are never deleted
– avoid things that will come back to
haunt you.
Your Infomercial
 Introduction statement: 30 –
60 seconds long.
 Highlight 2-3 key ‘sell points’
that make you
unique/qualified, like major
and experience.
 Must be relevant to the
position you seek.
Infomercial Example
“My name is John Smith and I am graduating this May with a
degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central
Florida.
This past summer I completed an internship at Siemens where I
was able to put the skills I have learned in the classroom to
practical use.
I am currently seeking a full-time position in my field with a
company that will provide me with the experience and
professional development tools I will need to succeed in my
career.”
Informational Interviews
 Meetings with people who can provide industry
information and contacts.
 Usually 20-30 minutes.
 Non-threatening way to speak with people who are
working in your field of interest.
 Allow you to develop contacts, gain industry knowledge,
meet potential mentors or possibly get a job.
 Easiest to obtain if you get a referral from someone, but
‘cold calls’ can work too.
Networking Events: Prepare
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Approach networking with a good attitude
Know the purpose of the networking function
Have a sense of who will attend the event
Find out what is the appropriate attire
Have business cards
Prepare your infomercial / elevator speech
Beginning Practicalities
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Name Tags
Purses/Backpacks
Business cards
Managing plate
and/or drink
Networking in Social Settings
 Develop simple conversational skills by:
 Listening for facts, feelings, free information
and implied statements
 Identifying commonalities
 Asking open-ended questions
 Sharing common experiences or feelings
 Introducing others, bringing them into topic
Finding Commonalities
 Family or place of origin
 Where are you from? How do you like Orlando?
 Recreation
 What do you like to do with your free time? You say you’re a
basketball fan, did you catch the Magic game last Tuesday?
 Event or Occurrence
 What did you think of the keynote speaker? What other
breakout sessions are you going to attend?
 Environment
 What do you think of the music/play/game? What kinds of
hobbies do you enjoy? Where have you traveled?
Handshakes
Type of Handshake
Message Conveyed
 Jellyfish
 Spineless/faint-hearted
 Finger squeeze
 Don’t get too close
 Knuckle breaker
 Power play/power trip
 Covered hand
 Power play or warmth
 Proper handshake
 Firm, lasts a few seconds,
keep eye contact
Entering and Exiting Groups
 Introducing yourself to one person can be less
intimidating
 Introduce yourself to people who are alone
 Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself and meet
other people
 If someone gives you their business card, look
at the card before you put it away. This might
be a good time to ask questions about
employer or position.
Networking with Groups
 Observe groups, make eye contact with someone in the
group and see if there is space for you to enter the circle.
 Once you enter the circle – extend your hand to the
person across from you and then to the other members of
the group.
 Firmly shake hands and say your name. Make sure that
you listen to the names of the people in the group.
Follow Up and Stay in Touch
 When meeting someone you’d like to connect
with again, simply say:
 “I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, and I’d like to keep in touch.
What’s the best method to reach you?”
 Your goal is to keep your relationships active
 Preferred Methods:
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Thank you notes (send within 24 hours after first meeting)
Send them a copy of your resume for advice, if appropriate
Provide them with status updates
Send them information of interest
Important Reminders
 It’s not just what you know or who you know, but
really it’s WHO KNOWS YOU
 Don’t make people feel used
 Networking is about giving not getting
 Make time to socialize. Networking doesn’t only
occur within professional organizations
 Contacts are not relationships
 Take time to build relationships
However, don’t be afraid to let others know your needs.
If they don’t know your needs they can’t help.
Connect with Us!
Call 407.823.2361 or Visit www.career.ucf.edu
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