2. Michael T. Breslin
• Career Services, Training, and
Communication Professional with 10+
years experience
• MBA
• BS in Mathematics (from Union
College…please ignore this)
3. Who is in the room with me?
• Class year
• Degree Program
• Athletes
• Current/former interns/co-ops
• Dream company? Remember this for later
5. My goals for you
• Greater comfort in one-on-one communication
• A script or two upon which to build
• Better understanding of how communication works
7. How did this go?
• On a scale of 1 to 10 please rate:
• How awkward you thought you were
• How awkward you thought others were
• Your handshake
• Others’ handshakes
• Your eye contact
• Others’ eye contact
12. What are you looking for?
• A firm handshake
• Good eye contact
• A smile
• “Hi, my name is ______, and I’m looking for *this type of
opportunity*.”
14. Tell your story
• Humans are hardwired to respond to stories
• Why did you do this job?
• What did you learn?
• What types of people did you work with?
• How are you better now because of it?
• Use keywords throughout (without sounding
like a robot)
16. Context for talking with company reps
• Networking event
• Interview
• Job fair
• On the job
• To whom you are talking (HR, peer, boss, etc.)
• More?
17. Your distilled message
• Claim – "Here's what I can do for you. Here's the value I can deliver to
your organization.“
• Credibility – "Here's why you should believe me."
• Examples?
18. Sample pitch
“I grew up in Seattle, but moved here to attend university. I’m a junior
this year with a major in accounting and a minor in communications. I
know accounting today is much more than numbers in a box so I felt
my communications courses would prepare me for the demands of
client service. I’m a member of student government serving as co-chair
of the community outreach committee, and in that role I’ve organized
projects for the United Way and Habitat for Humanity. I’ve researched
your company and I know you offer the resources of a Big 4 with the
personal touch of a smaller firm and I believe that combination will give
me the best opportunity to contribute and grow my career in the long
run.”
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/hired-before-graduation/2012/01/17/3-tips-for-students-to-ace-job-fairs
19. Deconstructed
I grew up in PLACE, but moved here to attend RPI.
I’m a CLASS YEAR this year majoring in DEGREE and a minor in DEGREE.
I know JUSTIFICATION OF SEEMINGLY UNRELATED DATA.
I’m a member of ACTIVITY/I CARE ABOUT MY FELLOW HUMANS.
I’ve researched your company and I know you offer DEMONSTRATION
OF RESEARCH (NOT STALKER LEVEL RESEARCH) RELATED TO FIT WITH
ORGANIZTION.
YOUR TURN
20. Practice discomfort
• Define your communication discomforts
• Confront them by practicing
• Get better
• Get jobs
• Get rich
21. Other Resources
• The Center for Career and Professional Development
• Alumni from RSE and RPI
• Area networking events (Startup Tech Valley, next meeting 12/7)
• Mentorship
• Just go do stuff with other people
I know why Vlad and Gabriel invited me.
I know generally what I’m doing here.
What one thing do you want from today?
No smiles
No noise
No laughter
My name is Michael T. Breslin, and I help companies figure out what stories their data can tell and I’ve got the skills to tell the story.
No smiles
No noise
No laughter
PAY ATTENTION to your discomfort
Clothes – Know the culture
Handshake – Follow their lead and avoid the dead fish
Posture – Confident not stiff; Relaxed not sleepy
Hands – What is your style?
