Networking at Conferences
By Dr. Angela Williams
Career Development
Center
AU 607
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What Is Job Search Networking?
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The process of developing relationships
with people who can help with your job
search
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Asking for job leads/suggestions
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Asking for referrals
Networking: #1 Job Lead Source
65% Networking
35% All Other
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Sources of Job Leads
Benefits of Networking
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Networking Today = Job Opportunities
Tomorrow
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Focusing your target job or career
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Tapping into jobs you may not have access to otherwise
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Gaining insider information about an industry or employer
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Getting the chance to promote yourself
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Practicing communication and interviewing
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Obtaining referrals to other contacts
Networking Goals
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Make as many people as
possible aware of your job
search.
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Make a good impression.
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Seek job leads and
referrals.
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Seek career and
networking suggestions.
Support System Members
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People who motivate
you
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People who provide
emotional support
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People who help you
with written
communications
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People who provide job
leads and job search
advice
Conference Networking Tips
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Before you go give careful consideration
to your mission
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Bring several copies of your resume
Take a good stack of business cards
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What do you want to accomplish?
Who do you want to meet?
Which sessions do you want to attend?
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Make sure easily accessible
Plan where to stash cards you receive
Conference Networking Tips
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Arrive early to conference sessions
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Be friendly and introduce yourself to others
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Smile and be open to others
Ask the person an open question
Focus on the person
Respond to visual clues such as name badges
Then offer a little information about yourself
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Conference speakers, organizers, and association leaders
have knowledge and network
Give your 30 second commercial
30 Second Commercial
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Is essentially a 30 second monologue
describing the benefits of buying a particular
product or service-YOU!
Your commercial enables the listener to
become aware-quickly of specific, unique,
and impressive attributes you bring to the
position
Benefits of 30 Second Commercial

You come across
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More poised
More confident
Elements of a Good 30 Second
Commercial
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Uses crisp, concise and memorable language
States position you are seeking
Sells your professional abilities and
experience
Emphasizes your individual strengths and
links them to needs of the employer
Uses descriptive statements of your acquired
skills and abilities
Samples of Sentences for 30 Second
Commercial
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I am an experienced security guard with
detailed knowledge of security systems.
I also have a solid background in…
I have extensive knowledge in…
I have made presentations to…
I am exceptionally good at…
I do several things well…
My strongest skills are…
I have _______ years of experience in…
Introductions
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Introduce yourself to speakers or panelists
Sit with strangers
Introduce people to each other
Conference Networking Tips
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Volunteer to help
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Participate in the sessions
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Participation leads to relationships.
Ask questions and become visible to others
Stand and be heard
Introduce yourself
Tell where you are from
And from what organization you are with
Conference Networking Tips
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Follow-up
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Take time to take notes about the people you
meet
Find how you can be help to them
Drop each new contact a note that reminds them
of their meeting with you