3. COURSE TIMELINE
Week 9 Week 10 Week 11
• Create Cover
Letter & Resume
Nov. 1
• Networking Event
in CPA Hall 6-8 pm
• Networking
Reflection due on
Nov. 8
• Informational
Interview
• Preparing for an
interview
Mark it in your calendars, folks!
9. WHY WE NETWORK
Get your foot in the door faster
Gain insight about a company, industry, or career path
Practice your interview and networking skills
Find a potential mentor
Show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter
10. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
ASSIGNMENT
1. Contact details: name, company, title, phone, email
2. List of questions asked
3. Major insights gained – what did you learn during your informational
interview this is most important, should be 40% of final paper
4. Did you request/receive any information regarding additional
connections?
5. Follow up action – what will you do to maintain this connection screen
shot of thank you email required
6. What are your next steps having conducted this informational interview?
11. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
ASSIGNMENT
Due Friday December 2nd
Minimum of one page
In-person and NOT a current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member
Look at potential questions on the course blog
13. STEPS TO LAND AN
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts
2. Research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to contacts you have in
common
3. Decide on what you want to talk to them about and brainstorm questions and
points of commonality
4. Send out your invites! Don’t be offended if they don’t immediately reply
14. INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW
TIMELINE
Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13
• Determine
info
interview
candidates
• Compose
and send 1st
round email
• Compose
and send 2nd
round email
• Have
interview
date/time
confirmed
• Brainstorm
questions
for the
interview
• Info
interview
assignment
due Dec 2nd
@ 11:59 PM
Any questions?
16. YOUR VERY OWN NETWORKING
EVENT!
WHO: Alumni, senior students, local professionals, and YOU!
WHAT: An evening of networking with this semester’s COMM 202 students
WHEN: Thursday, November 3rd from 6-8 pm
WHERE: CPA Hall
WHY: Opportunity to practice and refine your networking skills and learn more about
how to make the most of your time at Sauder!
17. NETWORKING REFLECTION
Your goals in attending the event (what was your purpose going into the event,
define SMART goals beforehand)
How did you research the contacts before the event?
What was it about these people that motivated you to want to talk to them?
A brief summary of who you spoke to and what you learned in the conversations
A reflection on the lessons you have learned about the networking process
The next steps you will take to continue building relationships with your new
contacts (if you plan to)
10% of
your
grade
18. RESEARCHING DELEGATES
Check out the delegate info on the course blog
Skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak to
Note any interesting topics
Hone in on similar experiences or shared groups
Think about insightful and unique questions to ask
21. HOW TO CRUSH IT
Web-to-Web Eye colour Comfy shoes
Nametag on right Smile!
22. ASSESSING THE ROOM
Look for singles and doubles
You want to be memorable – the
less people in your circle, the easier
that becomes!
23. THE APPROACH
Avoiding the awkward…
Don’t interrupt – when joining a networking circle, wait for a lull
in the conversation
Never have food and a drink: you need a free hand to shake!
Go with a wingman, but never a Siamese twin
24. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Just simply say hi!
Show you’re interested in talking to them
Start the conversation: ask a question/have them talk about themselves/stay
positive
Have fun! They’re just humans
25. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION
LISTEN
Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time
Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements
Introduce others, typing them into the conversation
Identify commonalities
26. EXITING THE RIGHT WAY
Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person then wait for a lull
Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:
“It was nice to meet you”
“I’m glad you were here today; it’s been great chatting with you! Thanks for
your time”
”I don’t want to take up all your time. Thank you for taking the time to speak
with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”
Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the conversation was
meaningful
27. DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW UP
After great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn request
(or maybe an informational interview request!) within 24 hours
Hi Kinsey,
It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was
really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand,” and I’m looking
forward to putting your advice into practice.
I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at RBC. I know you’re
very busy, but it would be great to meet for 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on
Monday or Tuesday next week? Let me know, and coffee’s on me!
Thank you,
Sarah Moug
29. COMMON PET PEEVES
Asking questions and not listening to the answer
Asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can speak
When a person’s outfit is distractingly unprofessional
When students only talk about their option choices or career path!
Try connecting over a common interest beyond work and school
30. PRO TIPS
Eat dinner beforehand
Do some research on the delegates, but don’t
get consumed in stalking every LinkedIn profile
Dress classy and comfortably
Have a few interesting questions/topics to chat
about
When all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help
you join a circle
Head to an area that is less packed
Manage your energy – take a breather if you
need
Sign in to get your marks! Bring your student
card to the student registration area
