Conducting a

Proactive
Job Search in the Twin
Cities

Darren Kaltved
Associate Director, Career Services
School of Public Health
 WORKSHOP AGENDA
NETWORKING
What is Networking?
Resistance/Beliefs about Networking
Types of Networking (informational interviewing)
Steps of Networking & Practice

Bumper Sticker
How to construct your sticker

PERSONAL BRANDING
Is perception reality?

SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

Applications
Customization, Interpreting Job Postings, Skills
 NETWORKING
Establishing & maintaining
lines of communication with
others
What is Networking:
Networking is about relationships.
People connecting with people
Finding some common interest between the people who are
talking to each other: kids, dogs, book, golf, managers, ( like
you did in the introductions) or a mutual friend/acquaintance
Information exchange
Information gained and contacts made

We do this all the time without even being aware that we

are doing it
 RESISTANCE & BELIEFS
FINISH THESE STATEMENTS: (individually and in small groups)

I dont network because

I would network if

Which of these are under your control?

___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________
Beliefs
Networking is phony or manipulative
Networking is designed to convince someone to do something they
dont really want to do
Networking is selling myself
Networking requires an extraverted style
Networking is mostly done in large groups and requires spontaneity
 THE TRUTH
Resistance is Normal
Networking is about using social, personal and professional
contacts to help you to learn more about a field of interest, or
organization.
Networking is not only for Extroverts
It can be plannedand happens when you least expect it to
Networking is not about only selling yourself, its about learning
and getting more information
People enjoy talking about themselves and enjoy helping others
you are not a nuisance (note: if someone asked you, would you
help?)
______________________________________________________________________
_________________________
Break Challenge:
Meet and networking with one other person from this workshop
Ask them: how did you find your last 2 jobs?
Write down strategiesshare with large group
 WIIFM = Whats in it for
me?
Networking allows you to:
Tap into the hidden job market (side door approach)
Have an edge on the competition due to the relationship you have
established
To be informed
Gain visibility for future opportunities
Gain referrals (recommendations by people industry trusts)
Good people know other good people. Therefore, its easier and safer to recruit an
employee who, by word-of-mouth, has been recommended as a good fit.
Increase your work possibilities in the 21st century
Strong networking = shorter job search

It is all about who you know or need to get to know,

and what you do with what you know.
 NETWORKING FOR
INTROVERTS
Drop the word networking. Instead, refer to this process as gathering
information, having coffee with someone, or building a few in-depth
relationships with someone.

Finding your passion will help eliminate introversion.

Introverts can use the written word (especially email) and referrals to get the
ball rolling.

Talk to people you already know well to get job leads (i.e. family members, close
friends, people close to them).

Join at least one professional association and attend related events this
strategy is uncommon, but the most beneficial.

Online social networking is also recommended for Introverts, as well as blogs,

discussion groups/listservs, etc.
 INFORMATIONAL
INTERVIEWS
One of the best sources for gathering information about what's happening in an
occupation or an industry is to talk to people working in the field. This process is
called informational or research interviewing.

An informational interview is an interview that you initiate - you ask the questions.
The purpose is to obtain information, not to get a job.

Following are some good reasons to conduct informational interviews:

to explore careers and clarify your career goal
to discover employment opportunities that are not advertised
to expand your professional network
to build confidence for your job interviews
to access the most up-to-date career information
to identify your professional strengths and weaknesses

2 Types of Informational Interviews:

1. Information: change to find out more about the persons field, department,
company
2. Advice & Suggestions: suggestions for resume, experience building, education,
connections
 INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW

STEPS
Identify the occupation or industry you wish to learn about : Assess your own
interests, abilities, values, and skills, and evaluate labor conditions and trends to identify
the best fields to research.

Prepare for the interview: Read all you can about the field prior to the interview.
Decide what information you would like to obtain about the occupation/industry. Prepare a
list of questions that you would like to have answered.

Identify people to interview: Start with lists of people you already know - friends,
relatives, fellow students, present or former co-workers, supervisors, neighbors, etc...
Professional organizations, the yellow pages, organizational directories, and public
speakers are also good resources. You may also call an organization and ask for the name
of the person by job title.

Arrange the interview: Contact the person to set up an interview: by telephone, by a

letter followed by a telephone call, or by having someone who knows the person make the
appointment for you.

Conduct the Interview: Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and
professional. Refer to your list of prepared questions; stay on track, but allow for
spontaneous discussion. Before leaving, ask your contact to suggest names of others who
might be helpful to you and ask permission to use your contact's name when contacting
these new contacts.

Follow Up: Immediately following the interview, record the information gathered. Be sure
to send a thank-you note to your contact within one week of the interview.
 WHERE TO STARTWHO TO
TALK TO
Start with people whom you feel comfortable talking with.
Graduate assistantships, internships, work connections
Family, friends, colleagues anyone they recommend
Mentors

Next, talk to people you know in a less personal, yet professional

way.
Co-workers, former co-workers, professors anyone they recommend; mentors
Spouses colleagues

Finally, get in touch with NEW people (like today!)

Join professional associations, societies; mentorship programs; attend
conferences, seminars, career fairs; and ask for referrals
Utilize electronic social networking and blog sites (i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter)
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________
To Do: Brainstorm a List of Contacts
Prioritize list
May require some research first
CONTACTS
 OUT WITH THE
OLD, IN WITH THE
NEW
 INFOMERCIAL or ELEVATOR
PITCH
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Thats why you
need to be able to introduce yourself and answer the question tell me about
yourself clearly and concisely. You may use your infomercial when you are
networking prior to your actual job search; or to articulate your answer tell me
about yourself during the job interview.

Say your name slowly and clearly

Clear, crisp, concise (2 minutes or less)

Mini-bio (who are you, what is your specialty, why you are unique, and
what are your aspirations (short-term)
End with an open-ended question for the recipient

But heres the down side

 EXAMPLE
YOU: Hi, Im Jane and you?

HIM: Im Carl. Its nice to meet you, Jane. What brought you here tonight?

YOU: Oh, my friend Maggie is one of the organizers. Ive never been to a meet-up before. How
about you?

CARL: I come to this group occasionally, and always have fun when I do. So, are you a
marketing person?

YOU: Im an Events Planner. I work for High Point Events, a national event-planning firm, and
Im the local person here in Springfield. I plan and execute events from bar mitzvahs to
corporate sales off-sites, everything from choosing the venue to arranging the content, audio
visuals and budget to create an unforgettable emotional experience for the participants. I work
with most of the big hotels in town and many of our largest employers, from XYZ Labs to
Charisma Confections and many others. Ive been in the business for eight years, and I love
what I do.

CARL: Wow.thats outstanding. Gosh, you know what, I just spotted my old boss coming in
Ive got to go say hello. Nice to meet you Angela er, Paula? Sorry have a great evening!

BORING
 BETTER EXAMPLE
A typical networking conversation tends to flow more like this:

YOU: Hi, Im Jane and you?

HIM: Im Carl. Nice to meet you, Jane. What brought you here tonight?

YOU: Oh, my friend Maggie is one of the organizers. Ive never been to a meet-up before. How
about you?

CARL: I come to this group occasionally, and always have fun when I do. So, are you a
marketing person?

YOU: Im an event planner, so Im in the same vein. I didnt see any event planning meet-ups so
I tagged along with Jane at this marketing one.

CARL: So, what sorts of events do you work on? Do you work for yourself?
 BUMPER STICKERS
Easier to memorize and more conversational

Short, benefit-focused statement

What you do or how you help in 5-10 seconds

Example

I speak for organizations that want to help their people have better, more
profitable conversations
OR

I help people chit-chat their way to success

WHAT WOULD YOU PUT ON YOURS!

 WHY BUMPER STICKERS?
It lets the listener, rather than the speaker, decide how much
information is enough and how much is too much.

It keeps the focus on the two people in the conversation (or three, or
more) rather than on anyones job description (which may well be the
least interesting thing about you, in any case).

It doesnt hijack the conversation and turn it into a sales pitch, or run
the risk of appearing to do so.

It gives the new acquaintance just enough information to remember

Oh yes, Jane, the event planner.

It is polite!
 FOLLOW-UP IS KEY
Follow-up is often the most overlooked part of networking.
Remember, any contact you have with a professional (info interview,
interview, event, etc.) you should always follow-up.

Nurture Connections (value-added networking) look for

opportunities to help them
Potential Mentor/Sponsor
Career Opportunity might arise
Future questions? this is a new resource
Follow-up with your status on additional contacts they helped you make
Demonstrate your integrity and follow-through skills

Keep track of contacts (jibberjobber.com)

Handwritten thank you or e-mail (widely accepted)

Should be called Great to meet you because letter
 RESOURCES
Associations/Professional Networks (www.weddles.com)

Volunteer Opportunities (www.servicelearning.umn.edu)

Social Events & Networking Groups

Book of Lists, Twin Cities Business Journal

Academic Job Search Resources

www.minnesotanonprofits.org

www.iseek.org/ or www.indeed.com

www.linkedin.com

Career Development Guide

 NETWORKING BOOKS
Dig Your Well Before Youre Thirsty, by Harvey MacKay

How to Work a Room, by Susan Roane

Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide

for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected,
by Devora Zack

Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections,

by Ivan Misner, David Alexander and Brian Hilliard

The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success

Strategies, by Ivan Misner and Michelle R. Donovan

Social Networking for Career Success: Using Online Tools

to Create a Personal Brand, by Miriam Salpeter
 NETWORKING RECAP
Be prepared: any time, any where
Start with contacts that are safe to build confidence
Not a quick fix to your next job make it part of your
life/work to build relationships (make it a prioritybe
committed)
Use thought, sensitivity and preparation
Manage your energy wisely
RehearseReach outGet referrals
Be Brief, Be Sincere, Be Thankful
Take advantage of online social networks
Get Involved!
 ARE JOB BOARDS
EXTINCT?
According to the Wall Street Journal (January 2011)
Recruiters Rethink Online Playbook,

"Many plan to scale back their use of online job

boards, which they say generate mostly unqualified
leads, and hunt for candidates with a particular
expertise on places like LinkedIn before they post an
opening. As the market gets more competitive again,
they are hiring recruiters with expertise in
headhunting and networking, rather than those with
experience processing paperwork.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO
 LINKEDIN
WORLDS LARGEST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK ON THE INTERNET
Helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of
professionals

Over 433 MILLION members from over 200 countries/territories (49 % in U.S.; 61% outside
U.S.)
Members include executives from ALL FORTUNE 500 Companies
Over 2 MILLION company profiles
Professionals are joining LinkedIn at a rate that is faster than two new members per second.
46% of employers use LinkedIn to research new hires (Careerbuilder.com)
85% use LinkedIn or Google to search candidates (NACE)
82% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn for their Corporate Hiring Solutions
According to the Harvard Business Review, 80% of jobs are obtained through networking
In 2008, social networking sites, including blogs and LinkedIn were used more than email
(Nielson Online)

LINKEDIN It is not a matter of using it, but more importantly how

you use it!
 LINKEDIN PROFILE
Profile Picture
Professional Headline
Summary
Experience
Skills (50/50)
Connections
Projects
Education
Volunteering
Other sections

Darrens Profile
 LINKEDIN FEATURES
Key Features:
People (keyword based)
Groups (shared interest; quality vs. quantity)
Companies (the inside scoop side door approach)
Skills & Areas of Expertise (MORE)
Jobs

Lets check them out

 TWITTER
What is Twitter:
Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you with the latest
information that you find the most interesting.
Simply find the public streams you find most compelling and follow the
conversations (http://twitter.com/about)
300 Million accounts on Twitter (300,000 new users every day); 3 Billion
tweets per day
60% of Twitter users abandon their accounts within the first month of use

Why Participate:
Make and maintain connections; Good learning tool; and can be used to
promote events
Follow industry leaders
Share knowledge; interact with others and get advice
Creating and marketing your brand demonstrate your expertise
To learn about occupations, employers, recruiters and job opportunities
PERSONAL BRANDING
PERCEPTION VS. REALITY
Do you think perception is reality?

Robin Williams

Steve Martin
 BRANDING

When you see brands somewhere, you associate them with a

set of expectations or perceptions that are connected with a
product or service.
You associate these concepts, thoughts, and images with the
particular companies because of the brand each company has
established.
A brand is a unique promise of value.
PEOPLE BRANDS
 LETS CHAT
What brand do you associate with the most? (product
or person)

Why do you like it (her or him)?

From a brand perspective, what is its (her or his)

unique promise of value?
WHY BUILD A BRAND?
Puts you in charge of leaving a footprint.

Establishes credibility and visibility.

Provides a competitive edge differentiate yourself.

To find people who compliment your strengths.

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS
LOOKING FOR
 HERE IS WHAT THEY
WANT
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Self-Awareness
High Emotional Intelligence
Self-Esteem/Confidence
Passion
Awareness of strengths/weaknesses

Top 10 Skills (NACE):

Communication, Integrity, Interpersonal, Technical, Analytical,
Initiative, Adaptability, Work Ethic, Team-work, Detail-oriented

How can you help out bottom line

 JOB SEARCH PROCESS
Conducting a job search takes time, commitment, and organization. Here are a few
tips to help you through the process:

Assess yourself: Be certain you know your own values, skills, strengths, and
work criteria.

Create your own marketing materials: Develop a portfolio, write a resume

and cover letter, have an online presence, and script an elevator pitch.

Gather information: Network in professional associations, conduct

informational interviews, or try on a position through volunteering, job
shadowing, or part-time employment.

Apply for positions that match your qualifications: Apply for positions for
which you possess most of the required qualifications - even if you don't possess
all of the skills listed in the job description. (60% rule)

Interview preparation: Even before you are invited to interview, begin

preparing. Think about and practice your responses to the most commonly asked
questions.

Stay on task: by persistent, prioritize and organization search information (deck

of cards rule)
 APPLICATIONS
When applying for job opportunities (or inquiring about opportunities),
here are a few tips to help you out:

Customize all application materials to the position and/or organization

Focus on the keywords
Government applications (federal) are a nightmareRUN!
The format for all materials should be the same
It is not about what the company can do for youit is what you can do for the
company
Remember you are one-in-a-millionnot one-of-a-million!

Steps:
1. Go through the position description and highlight all keywords that represent
your Skills, Knowledge, and/or Experience.
2. Incorporate these keywords into your resume (use their lingo)
3. Select the 3-5 that are your strongestthis becomes the Summary section of
your resume and is what will be narrated in your cover letter
 SIDE DOOR APPROACH

Who do you know on the inside? Online Application Process

 WHAT IS A HEALTHY
CAREER
Heart - Occupational expertise

Circulatory System - A wide, deep network of contacts

Muscle Groups- Versatility in contributing your expertise

Flexibility & Range of Motion - Willingness to adapt

Work With Winners - Successful organizations and coworkers aid and abet
your ability to accomplish your career goals, enabling you to grow on the job
and developing useful professional/lifetime connections

Stretch Your Soul- A healthy career not only serves you, it serves others,
your community, and your country as well. It regenerates your pride in what
you do and your enthusiasm for doing it.

Pace Yourself - Discipline yourself and your boss to set aside time to recharge
your passion and capacity for work.

Adapted from Peter Weddles Career Fitness

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY
CAREER
Keeps you up-to-date on relevant information in your field

Expand your networking contacts and meaningful

connections

Provide opportunities for you to serve others

Can help you be more efficient

Enhance your brand and online presence

ANYONEANYONEANYONEBUELLER

Thanks for
coming!Darren Kaltved
Associate Director, Career Services
dkaltved@umn.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/darrenkaltved