This document provides an overview of networking in the 21st century. It discusses traditional networking tools like elevator pitches, business cards, cold calling and informational interviews. It also introduces networking using social media. Specifically, it focuses on why social media should be part of one's job search strategy and identifies LinkedIn and Twitter as two of the most popular social media sites for networking and finding jobs. The document aims to explain modern networking and provide guidance on effective techniques.

1. Networking
in the 21st
Century
JVS Toronto Employment Source Centre
Material designed by Austin Wong
184 Front Street East, Suite 203, Toronto
416-929-4331 ext 0
www.jvstoronto.org

2. Agenda
 What is Networking?
 Traditional Networking Tools and
Techniques
 Introduction to Networking using
Social Media

3. Outcomes of this Workshop
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to…
 Explain the what, why, where, who, when, and
how of networking.
 Identify traditional tools and methods of
networking.
 Understand the basics of using social media for
the purpose of networking.

4. Part 1: What is Networking?
 In pairs, discuss the answer to the following
questions:
 What is “networking”?
 Why do we do networking?
 Where can we network?
 Who can we network with?
 When do we network?
 How do we network?

5. What is Networking?
 Networking is getting to know people who
can help you develop your career prospects.
– Monster
 Networking is talking to people (in person or
on-line) to gain information, ideas, opinions,
resources, and referrals.

6. Why do we do networking?
 To build business contacts to enhance job
search or on-the-job success
 To gain information about unadvertised job
openings
 To gain information so we can make
informed decisions (e.g. Is this company/
organization suitable for me?)
 To meet others who may be facing similar
issues.

7. Where can we network?
 Informal networking: in a restaurant, on the
subway, on an airplane, in a place of worship,
at a friend’s home…etc
 Formal networking: business association
meetings, job fairs, information interviews

8. Who can we network with?
 Family members, friends, classmates, former
teachers, club members
 Colleagues, event participants
 Staff and volunteers of the organizations you
are interested in working for
 Complete strangers

9. When do we do networking?
Networking should be done all the time, not just
when we are out of a job.
How do we network?
 Meet and talk to people face-to-face
 E-mail or Call our contacts
 Use Social Media

10. Part 2: Traditional Networking Tools
and Techniques
 The “Elevator Speech”
 Networking Card
 Cold Calling
 Informational Interview

11. The “Elevator Speech”
 Think of it as your 30 second commercial
 Mention the following key items:
 Your Name
 Your Skills and Past Results
 Your Background and Education
 The Opportunity you are looking for

12. The “Elevator Speech”
 “Hi. I am Patricia Simmons. I am an
accountant with 10 years experience in the
insurance industry and I’m looking for
opportunities in the GTA with both insurance
and finance companies.”

13. The “Elevator Speech”
 Now, it’s your turn to try creating and
practicing your elevator speech…
 “Hi. I am (name).”
 “I am a/an (job).”
 “I have (work experience or education or
accomplishment, etc).”
 “I am looking for a (job you want) in (location).”

14. Networking Card
 Networking Card is a business card used by job seekers

15. Networking Card
 Leave it with a potential employer. Offer your card at
the beginning or the end of a conversation. A
networking card can show initiative, interest and
motivation.
 Attach the card to an application form or cover letter
and résumé in an upper corner—this may set you
apart from other candidates.
 Provide each of your contacts with your card to
remind them that you are interested—it is also a
reminder to them to keep watch for job openings in
your field.
 Bring it to your job interview for exchanging cards
with your interviewer(s).

16. Cold Calling/e-mailing
 A cold call(or e-mail) is a planned phone call
or e-mail to a prospective employer.
 The objective of cold calling is to gather
information and to seek an opportunity to
meet with an employer.
 Cold calling is another way to access
unadvertised jobs and to seek for information
interview.

17. Cold Calling
Scripts you can use…Scripts you can use…
 Good morning/afternoon, my name is ________and I
am exploring employment opportunities in the
___________ field. I am wondering if you might be
able to help me. I would like to speak to someone in
the ______department…. (then later say your purpose
which is either seeking job opportunities or information
interview).
 Good morning/afternoon, my name is _________. I
have ____years experience in ________and I am
inquiring about present or future openings in your
company.

18. Cold Calling
 Good morning/afternoon, my name is _______. I
have recently completed training in ________and I
am researching about the realities of my field. I read
about your company and I believe that you are the
best person to answer some of my questions about
my field, would it be possible to have an information
interview with you for a few minutes?
From a Reference:
 Hello Mr./Ms. ______________, my name
is____________. Mr./Ms. __________from
_________suggested that I contact you since I have
a background in ________and that there may be an
employment opportunity in your organization.

19. Cold e-mailing Tips
 Research on LinkedIn to find the names of a few ideal contacts.
 Make a list of “naming convention” of the company’s staff e-mail address
(e.g., Jane.Doe@..., J_Doe@..., Doe.jane@..., etc.).
 Find out the email ending of the company (e.g., @company.com,
@company.net , @comapy.ca, etc.) by checking their customer support e-
mail address on their “Contact Us” page.
 Make it very clear early on about your intention, i.e., for an informational
interview or for a job opening.
 Content of the e-mail should be a short version of your cover letter, focus on
what you have to offer them. Be very polite in the wording.
 Attach your customized résumé if the purpose is for a job.
 Source & for more details:
http://www.prepary.com/reach-out-directly-in-your-job-search/,
http://mashable.com/2014/11/24/cold-email-employers/#EegVp_g48kqM

20. Dear Mr. Smith,
[Paragraph 1: establish connection & purpose] I heard you speak at the ABC conference
(lead-in phrase that makes a connection to why you are writing) and was excited by
(something about the field or topic or relate in some way to both the person/company and
your experience and goals). After doing some research on you and your company, I
believe I am a particularly good match for XYZ Company and would be extremely
interested in discussing any opportunities to work there now or in the future.
[Paragraph 2: about yourself] Very briefly introduce yourself and what you do, add a few
bullet-pointed accomplishments / skills that highlight key strengths that will match the
company’s needs.
[Paragraph 3: invitation to communicate further] I have attached my résumé, and would
appreciate the chance to explore further with you how I might best be able to contribute to
XVZ Company. Please feel free to contact me by email or call me at 416-123-4567 if you
have any questions or would like additional information.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Sincerely,
Your Name
Cold e-mailing Sample Template

21. Informational Interview
 An Informational Interview is an appointment
you make to meet and speak with an expert
in your field, or with someone from a
company you are interested in.

22. Informational Interview
 How to enter a field?
 Opportunities and future prospects
 Skills/Training important for the field
 General job duties for the position you are
interested in
 Resources and referrals
 Résumé critique / suggestions
 General salary information
 You can gather a lot of useful information
such as…

23. Job Fairs
 Attending Job/Career Fairs is a great way to
network with employers and fellow job
seekers
 You need to be prepared to be able to use
Job Fairs effectively
 A good resource for up-to-date information on
Job Fairs and Hiring Events in the GTA
http://www.petersnewjobs.com/toronto-employme

24. Job Fairs
 Tips for attending Job/Career fairs:
 Research ahead of time: location & time,
participating employers, workshops/seminars, etc.
 Take lots of copies of your résumé and
networking card
 Customize your elevator pitch to the employers
 Rehearse your elevator pitch
 Bring a notepad, pen/pencil, a bottle of water
 Dress professionally
 Remember, do not hog the employer’s time!

25. Staying on Top of Your Activities
 You should develop a system to keep track of your
job-search activities…
Date and
Time
Activity Company /
Contact Name
Phone # /
E-mail
Follow up
Date / Action
May 4,
2016
4:00pm
Informatio
n Interview
Accurate
Accountant
s
Sara
Wright
416-123-
4321
s.wright@a
ccurate.com
May 4
Send
Thank-you
e-mail

26. Part 3: Networking using Social Media
 What is Social Media?
 Why should I include Social Media as part of
my job search strategy?
 General tips on using Social Media
 What are the most popular Social Media sites
for job search?
 Introduction to two of the most popular Social
Media sites for job search.
 Resources

27. What is Social Media?
 Simply put, “Social Media” are websites and
applications that enable the user to create
and share information, or to participate in
social networking.
…and many more.

28. Why should I include Social Media as
part of my job search strategy?
 More and more employers are using Social
Media
 Recruiters are using Social Media to scout
candidates
 You can stay up-to-date on the companies
you are interested in
 You can advertise yourself to just about
anyone who uses the internet

29. General Tips on using Social Media
 Have separate accounts for personal use and
for professional use.
 Be professional when using Social Media for
job search:
 Language use
 Profile picture
 Feeds and updates
 Avoid controversial topics
 Know your privacy settings

30. What are the most popular Social
Media for job search?
 By far the most popular Social Media site for
job search and recruitment is
 On 2010’s Fortune 500 list, every company
had at least one executive on LinkedIn. 75
out of the Fortune 100 companies used
LinkedIn as their primary source of hiring.

31. What are the most popular Social
Media for job search?
 Another often used Social Medium for job
search is
 We will focus on LinkedIn for the rest of our
presentation.

32. Introduction to two of the most
popular Social Media for job search.
 What is
 Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVlUwwgOFK
 Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocp1MNpSkW
?

33. Introduction to two of the most
popular Social Media for job search.
 How is LinkedIn useful in your job search?
 LinkedIn is considered to be much more professional than
other social media, e.g. facebook and twitter.
 Your LinkedIn profile can provide more detailed information
than your resume can.
 You can search for companies, people, and jobs.
 You can send people invitations to become your contact.
 You can send your contacts “In Mails” to stay in touch.
 You can recommend others for their skills and your
contacts can do the same for you.

34. Using
 Essential elements of your LinkedIn profile:
 A professional looking photograph
 Your name and a short description of your current
position
 Summary statements
 Work experience
 Education / Courses
 Volunteer experience
 Skills
 Connections

35. Using
Tips on creating your LinkedIn profile:
 Before you start typing:
 Be clear on what kind of employer you want to attract.
 Think of the key words that will attract the employer. Put
yourself in that employer’s shoes…
 What kind of skills, qualifications, and education will the
employer want?
 What kind of experience will that employer like to see?
 What kind of quality or personality will that employer want you
to have?
 Have your résumé in front of you.

36. Using
Tips on creating your LinkedIn profile:
 After you finished typing:
 Check to make sure you have no typos, incorrect spelling
 Search for your friends and other people you know, invite
them to connect with you
 Endorse skills your connections have, they will probably do
the same for you later
 Search for groups to join
 Participate in group discussions to start building up a
positive online reputation

37. Using
 What is Twitter?
 Twitter is a micro-blogging network of real-time
posts that are limited to 140 characters or less.
 Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_4ZgGTJAJ8

38. Using
 Why use Twitter as part of my job search?
 To stay up-to-date on companies and people you
are interested in
 Build up relationships by following people and
communicating with them
 Build your personal brand by having consistent
profile across several Social Media platforms
 Build up your online presence by creating relevant
content (called “tweets” in twitter)

39. Using
 Sample twitter dashboard:
 http://www.gcflearnfree.org/twitter101/3

40. Summary
 Have your networking cards and elevator speech
ready at all times.
 Vary the tools you use to develop your network of
contacts.
 Online networking does not replace face-to-face
networking.
 Keep expanding your network, even when you are
employed.
 Keep track of your contacts and activities.
 Stay in touch with your contacts and return the
favour when you can.

41. Remember…
The more often you try and
the more tools you use…
The BETTER the chance
you have of succeeding!

42. Resources:
 General Job Search topics:
 About Careers: http://www.about.com/careers
 Job Fairs:
 Peter’s New Jobs resources page: http://www.petersnewjobs.com/toronto-
employment-events-and-organizations.html
 Networking for a job:
 The Wall Street Journal article on networking:
http://guides.wsj.com/careers/how-to-identify-job-opportunities/how-to-network-your-
way-to-a-job/
 Forbes magazine article on effective job search strategies:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/03/22/the-six-best-ways-to-find-
your-next-job/
 Tips on how to start, keep, and end a conversation at a networking event:
http://www.careerealism.com/conversation-starters-networking-events/

43. Resources:
 Using
 Information on LinkedIn and on job search from About Careers:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/networking/a/linkedinprofile.htm
 Information about LinkedIn by Goodwill Community Foundation:
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/jobsearchandnetworking/linkedin-
basics/full
 Using
 Forbes magazine article on using twitter for job search:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/11/30/4-ways-to-
use-twitter-to-find-a-job/
 Step-by-step guide to twitter by Goodwill Community Foundation:
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/twitter101/1

44. Closing
44
Thank you for attending
today’s workshop!
 Please feel free to contact your employment
counsellor/job developer if you need more help with your
job search, such as résumé and/or cover letter critiquing,
practice job interview, LinkedIn review, etc.
 Please fill in the Workshop Evaluation Form
before you leave.