The document provides tips and strategies for effective networking to help land a job. It discusses connecting with existing contacts through friends, family, and colleagues as well as using tools like LinkedIn and social media to meet new people. The key is to build quality connections, have a clear message about your skills and interests, and view networking as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Stories from people who were successful in their job searches emphasize taking advantage of contacts, customizing your message, and being willing to help others in order to help yourself.

1. What Works? Actual Steps YOU Can Take to Land!

2. Today’s Agenda Current Market Trends What Works? What Am I Doing?

3. The Labor Department said the economy gained 162,000 jobs in the month, compared to a revised reading of a 14,000 job loss in February. That makes March only the third month of gains since the recession began. www.CNNMoney.com April 3, 2010 http://money.cnn.com/2010/04/02/news/economy/jobs_march/index.htm

5. Employers in 12 of the 13 industry sectors surveyed have a positive Outlook for Quarter 2 2010: Leisure & Hospitality (+17%), Professional & Business Services (+15%), Mining (+11%), Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (+9%), Financial Activities (+9%), Durable Goods Manufacturing (+8%), Information (+8%), Transportation & Utilities (+8%), Wholesale & Retail Trade (+7%), Construction (+4%), Other Services (+4%) and Education & Health Services (+3%). The Quarter 2 2010 Outlook is negative only for employers in Government (-1%). Manpower National Employment Forecast, March 9, 2010

6. What’s Working Connections Connections More connections And even more connections Networking

7. Story #1 – Dave, Austin, TX 4 months – little to no activity “ Wish I’d looked at the materials you provided sooner.” Two former colleagues ended up being best connections Advice – “Take every networking call you ever get in the future. Those connections matter – a lot.”

8. Start with Existing Networks Friends Family Former Colleagues ANY others Colleagues Church/Temple/Synagogue Professional associations

9. New and Former Contacts Focus on Quality Linked In Facebook Blogs Former Colleagues Classmates Old friends

10. Choose Best Contacts Active & engaged in community Working in chosen field Willing to Help Working at target organization Knows lots of people

11. Story #2 – Brett, St. Louis, MO 6 months – steady activity “ I applied at targeted company, even though position was a stretch.” Stayed focused on level and message Advice – “Take the time to sit back and figure yourself out, and don’t compromise.”

12. Try out new vocabulary: “ I like to . . .” “ I am passionate about . . .” “ I am most comfortable when . . .” Clear Message about Value

13. Getting “the” Meeting Have a clear purpose Deliver a clear message Maintain positive attitude Ask for advice

14. Establish rapport Educate your contact Get information & advice Obtain referrals Offer help Make favorable impression The Meeting

15. Story #3 – Nancy, St. Louis, MO 5 months – steady activity, once she started “ I needed to turn networking into a process.” Walked away from every meeting with a new name and contact information Advice – “Be methodical, energetic and keep meeting new people.”

16. Networking as a Process

17. Introverts have many NATURAL advantages in networking – play to them! Systematic Process Oriented Organized 1:1 and Making Interpersonal Connections Focus on message

18. Using people Networking Misperceptions It’s About Me! “ I’m looking for a job.” Handing out business cards John Doe Anywhere, USA

19. Another common misperception: Extroverts are better at networking

20. Story #4 – Sally, Boston, MA 8 months – little to no activity “ Wish I’d started using social media – especially Linked In, sooner.” Geographically diverse contacts led to key meeting Advice – “Be generous with what you know and be willing to share.”

21. Influence & Engagement Become powerful resource Give – do not always expect to get Build credibility, reputation and trust

22. Webster’s defines networking as the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups or institutions.

23. Networking Tools 60 million 40 million 500 million Demonstrate connection with current best practices and communications tools Hello!

24. Three Networking Models “ Resource” “ Connector” “ Counselor”

25. Common Networking Mistakes Not working with enough people Not communicating a clear message Not asking the right questions Not following up Making it a transaction Personalizing a lack of responsiveness

26. Summary Networking – most likely path to new position Build relationships Learn new things and meet new people Make networking a part of your everyday life

27. Success in Your Search Questions?