Talk to Me if You’re an Introvert - North Carolina Biotechnology … · 2017-11-28 · INTROVERT...
Transcript of Talk to Me if You’re an Introvert - North Carolina Biotechnology … · 2017-11-28 · INTROVERT...
TALK TO ME IF YOU’RE AN INTROVERT Deborah M. Thompson, Ph.D.
NCBiotech Jobs Network
January 27, 2014
NETWORK TO YOUR NEXT JOB
pro
gre
ssio
ns.
prs
sa.o
rg
NETWORKING DOESN’T COME NATURALLY
ww
w.s
pro
utr
each
.co
m
SCIENCE ATTRACTS INTROVERTS
Less extroverted
Less assertive
Less optimistic
More tough minded
than non-scientists.
Scientists are:
Lounsbury et al. (2012) R & D Management
littl
ech
oic
es.o
rg
You know the old joke; an extroverted
scientist is one who looks at YOUR shoes
when he’s speaking, not his own.
INTROVERT OR SHY? BOTH? NEITHER?
I’m a little worn out,
I’m going to read a
while.
I’m a little worn out,
let’s have a party.
Introversion is a
preference for
environments that are
not overstimulating.
Shyness is a fear of
social disapproval or
humiliation.
Introvert vs. Extrovert Shy ≠ Introvert
OR DATA-ORIENTED, DETAIL-ORIENTED?
trg
art
s.co
m
Let go of the negative emotion associated with labels like “shy” and “introvert.”
SO WHAT?
We can be mistaken for aloof
We have a tendency to give too much information
Dissertation
Latest experiment
Current project
LEAFS
Opening Lines
Elevator pitch
At the event
Follow up
Social media
wik
imed
ia.o
rg
OPENING LINES
What are you working on? (Heather Hollick)
Hi, I’ve never been to this event before. You look like a regular—any tips you could give me on what to expect? (Jessica Taylor)
Are there any other attendees who you think would be valuable to meet? (Lauren Celano)
Have you tried the food yet? Those egg rolls look pretty fantastic. I'm trying to figure out if I should try one or not. (Mandy Stadtmiller)
I'm trying to make myself meet new people here instead of just talking to the usual suspects. Do you mind me saying hello and introducing myself? (Mandy Stadtmiller)
Hello, I'm John McMillan. (John McMillan)
PREPARE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH
An elevator pitch is a 30
second description of your
self, what you do and what
you want to communicate.
Go short on scientific
details.
Help me help you: name 3
target companies.
au
tho
rsin
cog
nit
o.b
log
spo
t.co
m
DON'T BE IN A HURRY TO GIVE YOUR PITCH
Let the other person talk
first. Listen to him/her.
Adapt your pitch if there
are "common areas" that
you want to exploit.
Listening builds good
karma.
tech
no
rati
.co
m
TREAT ALL NETWORKING AS IF IT WAS SPEED
NETWORKING
Networking events are an opportunity to make
an initial connection. They are not an
opportunity for a long conversation!
Practice at events that are NOT in your sector.
AT THE EVENT
Wear bright colors. This is not the time to blend in.
Communicate more like a consultant or solution-
finder than a job seeker.
Get a wing man.
Pick off the other introverts. Sometimes it’s easier
to start a conversation with someone who is alone
than to cut into a conversation that’s already
going.
CELEBRATE SMALL SUCCESSES
(AKA MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS)
Get two “actionable”
business cards.
Make a date to meet
one person for coffee.
Make one introduction.
sorr
ywo
rksb
log
.net
THIS IS NOT THE GOAL!
do
wn
thea
ven
ue.
com
FOLLOW UP WITHIN THREE DAYS
Follow up with the
contacts you made.
If you feel you have
something more to say to
someone and that there
could be a synergy - make
it clear!
Net
wo
rkin
gh
q.w
ord
pre
ss.c
om
DO INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
You’re not asking for a job,
you’re trying to learn more
about the
company/person/sector.
Never leave an informational
interview without the names of
two more people the person
recommends you meet.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA-DON’T HIDE BEHIND IT
Use LinkedIn to follow up.
Blog. Tweet. Post LinkedIn updates.
Join the NCBiotech Jobs Network group.
Connect with Jobs Network Coordinator.
Follow @biotechnetwork.
Share your successes with us!
JOB SEEKER RESOURCES AT NCBIOTECH
Jobs Board
Library
Company Directory
Calendar
Exchange Groups
Beaker.com
1. Be brief!
2. Listen!
3. Follow up!
Lon
gis
lan
den
trep
ren
eurs
.wo
rdp
ress
.co
m
MAKE THIS THE YEAR OF THE INTRODUCTION
job
mo
b.c
o.il
Your best
networking
connection might
come from
another job
seeker.