NETWORKING

 

Networking is an integral job searching skill. Very often one’s ability to network determines how quickly they secure a job. Career experts estimate that the vast majority of job openings are never advertised or publicly announced, but are filled through networking. This skill that is used by most successful people is based on the idea that you can earn the trust of a number of people who know you personally.

 

Developing network relationships

To develop networking relationships, you must be:

• A people person

• Willing to get involved, and

• To participate in formal and informal activities

 

Source of network contacts

In order to network effectively, one must seek to constant create new contacts.

Here is a list of common sources of networking contacts: 

• Family members and friends

• Neighbours

• Former employers

• Faculty of previous learning institution attended

• Graduates of any school you have attended

• Trade and professional associations

• Community groups

• Churches

• Career fairs

• Service organisations, Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis etc.

• Workshops and seminars

• Political Leaders

• Social media

 

Maintaining networking contacts 

To develop and maintain social contacts, it is necessary to possess good human relations skills. If one is unable to get along with others, you will find it difficult to advance your career. In fact human relations skills, or the ability to get along with others, benefit you in many aspects of your life.

 

Winning friends and influence people

Dale Carnegie in the book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’

According to Carneigie the essential theme was that the way to success is through winning the co-operation of others. He added

• Make others feel important through a sincere appreciation of their efforts.

• Strive to make a good first impression

• Win people to your way of thinking by letting others do the talking, being sympathetic, and “never telling a man he is wrong”

• Change people by praising their good traits and give the offender the opportunity to save face.

 

INTERVIEWING PROCESS

 

INTERVIEWING TIPS

Before Your Interview

• Learn all you can about the organization

• Be Prepared to answer and ask questions

• Prepare the appropriate attire and ensure that you are properly groomed

• Prepare relevant documents for your interviewer including extra copies of your resume, reference letters, and a small legal pad to take notes.

• Interview Dress Code

• Prepare your clothes for the interview the day before, making sure that they are business like, clean, and conservative. Make sure your hair is neat and nails are trimmed and clean.

• Your attire to should be recognized as being appropriate, but it should not take centre stage. Always dress more professionally.

• A two pieced match suit is always the best choice for both men and women; preferable colours are navy blue, grey, or black.

• No excessive jewellery or make up

 

 

During the Job Interview

• Get there early but not too early 15 – 20 minutes is just fine.  This will allow time to get a parking place, find the right office, and get settled ahead of time.  Be certain to tell them you are there.

• Once you have been invited to enter the room for the interview you should turn off your cell phone before the interview.

• First impressions are important.  Greet the interviewer by name – Mr., Mrs., or Miss (if in doubt use Ms.) _________.  Give your name, smile, and a firm hand shake.

• Do not sit until you are offered a seat.  Sit up straight, but relax!  Keep your hand still.  If you’re nervous, fold them in your lap.

• The interviewer should be the one to begin talking.  You should listen and be ready to answer and ask questions.  Be sure to look at the interviewer, not at the floor or out the window.

• Do not interrupt the interviewer, listen very carefully to each question you are asked and give a thoughtful to the point and honest answer.

• Be prepared to ask questions about the job and the firm.  This shows that you are interested and have given some thought to taking the job. Inquire about the salary but don’t dwell on the subject until you are offered the job.

• Try to use proper English at all time – no slang!  Speak clearly.

• The interviewer should be the one to end the interview.  Thank him/her for the opportunity.  Ask when you can expect to hear that the opening has been filled or should you check back with them.

•   Be prepared – have your personal information sheet or resume

•   No chewing gum

•   Do not talk about personal problems

•   Be respectful

•   Be positive – tell what you can do, not what you can’t

 

 

After the Interview

• After the interview, make notes right away so you don’t forget critical details

• INTERVIEWING ACTIVITY COMPENTENCY ADDRESSED

• Introduction – Don’t be afraid to say:  “My name is _________________

• and I’m glad to meet you.

• Rapport - This is building a relationship – often it is the beginning of breaking the ice – use this silent time to build rapport. Help put yourself and the interviewer at ease.

• Interviewers ask questions - Give the interviewer all necessary information in a style that is conversational; make comments – add the information necessary to keep the interview going your way.  Help the interview along

• Interviewee asks questions - It’s your turn – find out all about the company, the job duties, benefits, what happened to the last employee on that job.  Ask for a tour if appropriate.  The question you need to answer is, “Will I fit in?”  People who ask questions leave a much better impression.

• Closing - when it is time to leave, do so.  Do not delay.  Thank the interviewer and leave.

 

A RESUME IS A MARKETING TOOL WITH ONE SPECIFIC PURPOSE: TO WIN AN INTERVIEW GETTING STARTED RESUME WRITING FORMAT HEADING:

 

JOB GOAL OR OBJECTIVE:

 

EDUCATION:

• The overall appearance of your resume must make the employer want to read it. Presentation iseverything.

• Information should be presented under headings and in phrases instead of full sentences.

• Quality paper is a must. Avoid coloured paper, as most recruiters prefer white, ivory or beige.

• There must be no typos or grammatical errors. Remember, this is an indication of your best  work.

• If including a career objective, make sure it is clear and well written.

 

 

SKILLS ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Think of it as a promotional flyer, designated to communicate your experience, skills and education for a specific position to an employer. Your resume is not an autobiography, or a place to report every experience you have had. It is a place to report the qualifications you have which relate to a specific position.

 

The first step in resume writing