The Career Mentor Experience Part 2: Contacting/Interviewing Career Mentors
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The Career Mentor Experience provides students with both the skills and the opportunity to make meaningful connections with UB alumni and employers. This three (3) part experience exposes students to the UB Mentor Program and provides students with networking techniques to reach their personal and career goals. Students who attend both Part 1 and Part 2 will be invited to a special Networking Reception with Career Mentors on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Part 2: Contacting/Interviewing Career Mentors This workshop will teach students the art and etiquette of reaching out to mentors and the do’s and don’ts of professional networking, both online and in-person.
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The Career Mentor Experience Part 2: Contacting/Interviewing Career Mentors
- 1. Part 2: Contacting/Interviewing Career Mentors Thursday, March 27, 2014 Stefano Verdesoto Career Services 259 Capen Hall University at Buffalo ub-careers.buffalo.edu
- 2. Welcome back! • Career Mentor Experience – Three (3) part experience • Find career mentors on LinkedIn • Master networking techniques • Apply your learning in a real-life experience* – Attend both Parts 1 & 2, invited to special networking reception! – UB Life event
- 3. Today’s Goals • Talk about: – Networking Online • Connecting with others • Contacting and messaging mentors – Networking In-Person • Meeting your mentor (informational interviews) • Networking events
- 4. Before we get started… • Would anyone like to share their experience on LinkedIn since last time? – Did you update your profile? – Did you have it reviewed? – Did you connect with others? – Did you message someone?
- 5. Networking Online Connecting with others • Connect with people you know personally • Personalize your message to them – “I would like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” – “Hi Stefano! It was great seeing you at the networking reception last week.”
- 6. Networking Online Contacting mentors 1. Research the mentor 2. Research his/her field of work 3. Compile information and questions 4. Contact the mentor 5. Schedule meeting
- 7. Networking Online 1. Research the mentor – Education – Past jobs – Current company/position – Mutual connections
- 8. Networking Online 2. Research his/her field of work – Required education – Median pay – Job outlook Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/ooh/
- 9. Networking Online 3. Compile information and questions – What did you learn? – What did you find interesting? – What additional information do you need?
- 10. Networking Online 4. Contact the mentor – Click “Send message” on search results – Utilize a formal communication style – Explain how you obtained their contact info – Describe your current affiliation – Explain what interested you about him/her – Ask if he/she would be willing to speak with you http://ub- careers.buffalo.edu/14mentorsamplep.pdf
- 11. Networking Online 5. Schedule meeting – Wait for a response (allow 1-2 weeks) – Be flexible • Mentor might provide you with best possible times or ask for your schedule • Conversations may take place over email, phone, video chat, and/or in-person!
- 13. Networking In-Person Informational interview (during meeting) • Do – Present yourself on time – Wear professional attire – Show up prepared and with questions – Respect your mentor’s time and other commitments – Offer to pay for his/her food – Take notes on your discussion – Ask for a business card – Ask if he/she would like to connect on LinkedIn – Ask if he/she know someone else who might be willing to speak with you
- 14. Networking In-Person Informational interview (during meeting) • What do I say/ask? • Depends on type of meeting – Career exploration? “What do you like most about working in this field? – Job/internship searching?” “What are some important "key words" to include in a resume or cover letter when applying to positions?” • See sample questions on handout
- 15. Networking In-Person Informational interview (after meeting) • Do – Review your notes – Send thank you note within 24 hours • Express your appreciation • Highlight some of the things learned • Welcome the mentor to keep in touch • Ask if he/she would be open to meeting again – Keep in touch with your mentor • Update him/her on career decisions and achievements
- 16. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • Know “who” will be there • If it’s a job fair, know which employers will be there • Don’t think of yourself as someone who is in need of a job, rather be interested in learning about new people or organizations • Have 2-3 relevant topics to talk about, questions to ask, “elevator speech”
- 17. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • Scan the room first to see who is there • Look for people who are alone first, it’s harder to get into a conversation that is already happening • Don’t break into a conversation of 2 people, if 3 or more are talking together it is easier to join that group • Catch the eye of another person in the group.
- 18. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • Smile and reach out to shake hands as you approach • Say your name and how you fit into the situation. – “Hi, I’m Stefano, a graduate assistant at UB Career Services, and I’m here to… • Follow up with a question to them – “What brings you to the event?”
- 19. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • Don’t start by going into a 30 second commercial about yourself • Show an interest in the other person • Be a personable human being first, then a talented person looking for a job • Ask others about themselves so you can connect to their interest and lives
- 20. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • “How did you hear about this event?” • “What have you heard about this speaker?” • “How did you get started at this company or in the field?” • “Where did you go to college? What did you study?” Don’t ask when they graduated!
- 21. Networking In-Person Networking Event Tips • Take notes on each meeting or chance contact you have • Request business cards/give them yours • Thank-you letter/email within 24 hrs • Establish the next step: – Will you touch base again in a few weeks? – Will they help circulate your resume? • Don’t expect instant results!
- 22. Let’s Practice! Elevator speech • Introduce yourself • Your educational level • Your class/work/internship experience • Your career aspirations • End with question
- 23. Let’s Practice! Elevator speech • What did you say? • How did you feel?
- 24. Thank You! • Any questions? – guidover@buffalo.edu
- 25. Next Time Next time… Part 3: Networking Reception with Career Mentors Thursday, April 24 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 240 Student Union