Module 21 - Careers: Networking

1. Perfect the subject line (Incite Utility or Curiosity, ideally both) 2.Tell them why you chose them. 3.Show that you've done your homework 4.Highlight uncommon commonalities 5.Make your request specific, and keep it short and sweet 6.Express gratitude

6 Tips to get a response to an email

Informational Interview

A one-on-one conversation with someone who has a job that you might like, who works within an industry you might want to enter, or who is employed by a specific company that you're interested in learning about

1. What about you? What field do you work in? 2. How did you get started in this role? 3. Let me know if you have any tips or know of any companies that I should talk to.

A professional narrative is the start of a two-way conversation. What can you say at the end to keep the conversation going?

Professional narrative

Alternatively referred to as an 'elevator pitch' A minute-long summary of your professional experience and career goals

Finding ways to add value

Best practices for meetups: When you attend a meetup, it's probably because you want to get something, such as connections, information, entertainment, or free food. But it's also important to think about what you can offer the other attendees. Find ways to share your connections, make recommendations, show interest, and show appreciation.

Focusing on quality, not quantity

Best practices for meetups: Don't feel the need to introduce yourself to everyone there, or only with those who can immediately advance your career. Aim to make between one and three connections with people you enjoy and are happy to stay in touch with

Following up after a meetup: Follow up as soon as possible. In your follow-up, remind the person of who you are and how you met. End your follow-up by requesting another opportunity to connect (Casual coffee or Informational interview) If the person you're trying to connect with doesn't respond within a week, follow up once more; it's possible that they didn't see your message.

Best practices for meetups: The goal of every meetup is to make new connections. Maintaining those connections requires following up with them after the meetup. What are a few tips to remember?

What do you do? Have you been in this industry for a while? How did you break into the industry? How did they decide what to specialize in? Do they have any tips for someone like me who is getting started in the industry? What do you like to do? Can I find you on LinkedIn?

Best practices for meetups: Prepare talking points Although introducing yourself to a stranger can be uncomfortable, you can easily navigate the ensuing conversation by asking good questions. What are some questions you can ask?

Job fairs

Events where a large number of companies gather to promote job openings at their company and meet potential candidates

Tell them your career goals Tell them how they can help you Tell them how much you appreciate them

For everyone you reach out to, what should you tell them?

Finding a Meetup

For finding Meetups, check out the following: https://www.meetup.com/ https://www.eventbrite.com/ Facebook Groups You can use keywords like marketing, tech, or JavaScript, and look for study groups, workshops, and presentations. You may also see meetups posted in your local Slack community

Meetups

Groups for people who have a similar interest or demographic

Sharing your narrative in about a minute ensures the listener gets a clear idea of who you are, without monopolizing the conversation.

How long should your professional narrative be? Why?

Informational Interview: Cold outreach consists of sending them a message on LinkedIn. Otherwise, email them if you have their email address.

If the person is a complete stranger with no common connections, like someone you discovered on LinkedIn

Informational Interview: Warm outreach consists of asking your common connection if they're willing to make an email introduction, and then go from there

If the person you want to connect with is a stranger to you but is connected to someone in your network

Researching the Job fair

Job fair best practices: Every job fair is different. To make the best use of your time, try to attend job fairs that are targeted for people in your desired industry. But if there aren't any, that's fine too; general job fairs can also be worthwhile. Always research the companies that are registered for a job fair. Go online and see what they do and if there are any relevant job listings posted on their website. Then make a list of the companies that you're most interested in talking to.

Informational Interview: Direct outreach consisting a call, text, email and ask if they're willing to chat about their experience

This outreach is reserved for someone in your personal network, like a friend or former co-worker

Finding a job fair

To find a job fair in your area, check out these websites: BuiltIn Eventbrite Alternatively, use Google search for "job fair" with your industry and location. For example, you could search "job fair tech Seattle" or "job fair marketing New York."

Informational interviews can grow your network, connect you to people who work at companies or in jobs that interest you, and pair you with a mentor. They can also provide valuable information about how you can refine your job search and prepare for an interview.

What are some benefits of an Informational interview?

Be brief, be personalized, be respectful, and provide context Make your request one that's easy for the person to say yes to. While in-person hangouts are best for establishing a relationship, be okay with talking over the phone or via a virtual hangout if that's better for the person you're interviewing. Suggest meeting in a location that's easy for the person to get to, like their office or favorite coffee shop.

What are some tips to remember when making a cold outreach?

1. Do your homework 2. Try to meet in person 3. Buy them coffee or lunch 4. Ask who else you can talk to 5. Send a thank you note, or email. Physical notes are better.

What are the 5 main tips for an informational interview?

Do you sound confident and friendly, or aggressive and salesy? Do you share too much or not enough? Ask for feedback, record yourself and note your cadence and tone.

What is important about being critical with your professional narrative?

Every interaction is different, You don't need to share every detail, in the same order, using the same words every time. Just become familiar with your main talking points and see where the conversation takes you.

What is important about remembering to be flexible with your professional narrative?

Send an additional thank you email or message within 24 hours. Ask if the person is open to staying in touch. If they are, check in every few weeks whenever you have updates or can share how the person's advice has benefited you. Also, follow up with any referrals or contacts that the person recommends.

What kind of following up should be kept in mind after an informational interview?

Who are you? What do you do? Why are you at Thinkful? What relevant skills do you have? What are your career goals?

What should questions should your professional narrative answer?

1. Research the person you're interviewing and the company they're for 2. Make a list of questions to ask them during the interview

What two things should you do when successfully scheduling an informational interview?

People in your desired field. People at companies that you might like to work at People who know someone in your desired field People who orbit around you(Who do you need to reach out to? Someone to initiate casual conversation with)

When making a list of who can boost you job search, who are people to consider?

Those who work in a job or at a company that interests you. However, It is difficult to know that information without reaching out.

Who are good people to have a an informational interview with?

Family, friends, current/former coworkers and classmates, acquaintances, social media connections and even the person you always see at your favorite coffee shop

Who is included in your current network?

Most jobs are never advertised, and you're more likely to get a job when someone at the company refers you. For this reason, the connections and contacts you already have can be invaluable for your job search.

Why is networking so important in a job search?