Networking & Info Interviews (T6)
Transcript of Networking & Info Interviews (T6)
COMM 202Tutorial 6Take out your name cards & put technology away, please
Cheralyn ChokT39
Networking & Informational InterviewsMarch 4, 2016
Agenda
1. TA Feedback
2. General class feedback on resumes
3. Networking at events
4. Informational Interviews
5. Action Items
1. TA Feedback Start:
More in-class examples (online) Creative and fun activities in class Grades distribution on Connect Email out slides Cold call!
Stop: Relying too much on Powerpoint Giving drafts to other tables
Continue: Action Item emails Feedback Playing music at the beginning of class
2. General Class Feedback If your specialization isn’t chosen yet, write one that you’re interested in (“Intended
Specialization: Finance”). Don’t include information about your high school EDUCATION achievements. Include your key courses and as much detail about your education as possible. Experiences should be organized in decreasing chronological order by START date. Remember to make your statements RESULTS-based. Not necessarily in RATS order,
but must hit all of those points. As a general rule, don’t include Microsoft Office as a technical skill (or in your personal
profile). Many students have these same abilities. Remember to keep your statements in third-person! But don’t include a pronoun. Focus on quality and in-depth description of your achievements, rather than a long list
of activities.
How to submit? You will submit your documents TWICE
Once to Turnitin.com for marking (by 1:59pm)
Secondly to COOL (this is how you will receive an interview for the Employment Interview assignment) (by midnight, same day…but just do it right away so you don’t forget!)
Full instructions on how to submit to COOL are on the course blog under assignments / resume and cover letter
3. Networking Event SAVE THE DATE:Thursday, March10th from6:00pm-8:00pm @ CPA Hall
Alumni, senior students, and local professionals convening for an evening of networking with this semester’s COMM 202 students
Excellent opportunity to practice and refine your networking skills and learn more about how to make the most of your time at Sauder!
March
10
Reflection Paper Assignment
Your goals in attending the event What is your purpose in going? Define SMART goals
beforehand How did you prepare for the event (research potential
delegates)? A brief summary of who you spoke with (3+ convos)
and what you learned in the conversations A reflection on the lessons you have learned
about the networking process Next steps you will take to continue building a
relationship with your new contact (if you plan to)
assignment requirements10% of your final gradeDue Monday March 14th
Minimum of one pageSubmit to Turnitin by 11:59PM
Researching Contacts
Check out the delegate info on the course blog
Skim the LinkedIn profiles of delegates you’d like to speak to Note any interesting topics Hone in on similar experiences or shared groups Think about questions to ask
During the event, be interested without being creepy!
“I had a chance to look at your LinkedIn
profile, and I was really interested to
learn about…”
Dressing the part The networking event is Business Casual. What does that mean to you?
Dressing the part: For ladies:
Dress pants, khaki pants, dark denim, or skirts (hemline just above your knees or longer!)
Blouse, dressy tank with a cardigan or blazer, or collared shirt (avoid spaghetti strap tops)
Flats or low heels
Dressing the part For guys:
Dress pants, nice khakis, or dark denim
Collared shirt (patterned or plaid is fine!), jacket if you like
Dress shoes or loafers
Dress for success!
Research the event dress code if you aren’t sure what it means!
Networking Event Mechanics
Web to webEye color
Name tag on right
Smile
Comfy Shoes
Assessing the room
The Approach
Avoiding the awkward:
Don’t interrupt. When joining a networking circle, wait for a lull in the conversation.
Never have food and a drink, you need a free hand to shake!
Go with a wingman – but not a Siamese twin
Introduce YourselfJust simply say hi! Hi, my name’s Cheralyn.
Hi Alison, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Andy.
Show you’re interested in talking to them Hi Andy it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to chat with you this
evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.
Start the conversation. Ask a question / have them talk about themselves / Stay positive Do you have any advice for students…looking to make the most of their time at
Sauder? …looking for a career in your field?
Continuing the conversation
LISTEN Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied statements Introduce others, tying them into the conversation Identify commonalities Ask open ended questions
The graceful exit
Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:
“It was nice to meet you” “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you.
Thanks so much.” “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for taking
time to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.” Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the
conversation was meaningful)
Follow it up!
After great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview request? )
Hi Sabrina,It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at YVR. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!Thank you,Cheralyn Chok
The 202 Networking Event – Thursday!
202 Networking Event: Pet Peeves
Asking questions and not listening to the answer Asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can speak When a person’s outfit is distractingly unprofessional When students only talk about their option choices
or career path! Try connecting over a common interest beyond work and school
202 Networking Event: Pro Tips!
Eat dinner beforehand Do some research on the delegates, but don’t get consumed
in stalking every LinkedIn profile Dress classy and comfortably Have a few interesting questions / topics to chat about ready
to go. How do you want to be remembered? When all else fails, find a 202 TA and we’ll help you join a
circle Head to an area that is less packed Manage your energy – take a breather if you need it
4. Informational Interviews
1. Get your foot in the door (faster)
2. Gain insight about a company, industry, or career path
3. Practice your interview and networking skills
4. Find a potential mentor
5. Show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter
WHY?
Info Interview Assignment
10% of your final gradeDue Thursday April 14th
Minimum of one pageIn-person and not current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member
Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email) List of questions asked Major insights gained – What did you learn during
your informational interview? **This is the most important part, should be 40% of final paper.
Did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections?
Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection? *Screen shot of thank you email required
What are your next steps having conducted this information interview?
assignment guidelines
Next steps to land your info interview
1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts – WHERE?!2. Research them (Google, LinkedIn) and reach out to
contacts you have in common3. Decide what you want to talk to them about and
brainstorm questions and points of commonality4. Send out your invites! Don’t be offended if they don’t
reply immediately
Where does networking happen?
Chance meetings (i.e. sitting beside someone on an airplane)
Facilitated events (company info sessions, networking events)
As a result of a direct request (informational interviews)
5. Action Items Sign up for OFFICE HOURS!
Resume & Cover Letter Due TUESDAY MARCH 8TH @1:59PM Submit through COOL and Turnitin
Networking Event on Thursday, March 10th, 2016 From 6:00-8:00pm in the CPA Hall
Next week is … tutorial!
In other news…
Brand Management Mentorship Program Information Session March 11th @ 12:30–1:30 PM HA 491
RSVP on COOL!
COOP Applications are out!!