Networking Your Way to that Next Job

As originally published 10/28 in the Ticker, http://ticker.baruchconnect.com/article/career-spotlight-week-8/

By Jessica Zukhovich, Peer for Career

Networking can be a daunting term, especially for those who are new to the task. But building a network is essential in order to succeed in any career. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.When meeting someone new, always make sure to give a firm handshake and keep direct eye contact. Body language has a huge impact on first impressions.

2. Introduce yourself and provide a background of our professional experiences and interests, but also ask questions and engage in a conversation. Try to make yourself memorable by finding common ground or differentiating yourself.

3. ALWAYS follow up. Send an email the next day thanking the individual for taking the time to speak with you, and suggest that you meet again over coffee, catch up over the phone, or just stay in touch.

Remember that networking is about building a relationship, so it takes time. Make sure to stay in contact with the people you network with; update them with relevant news in your life, ask related questions or for advice, and catch up in person every few months. These relationships will be extremely valuable when it comes to recruiting season and your overall career.

Finally, reading tips on networking is beneficial, but the only way to really master it is by actually doing it! Attend events hosted by the STARR Career Development Center, student clubs, and companies themselves. The more practice you get, the more comfortable you will become with networking and the faster you will land that next job!

Upcoming Workshops: November 5

Please make sure to RSVP on STARR Search to guarantee a seat!

1) Mandatory On-Campus Recruiting Workshop

November 06, 2014, 12:30 pm – 2 pm

2-190 NVC

A program designed to help JUNIORS & SENIORS get a jumpstart on their careers.

Attend this event and get information on:

o The on-campus recruiting program
o Effective Job search strategies/presented by corporate representative

*** Attendance at this event qualifies you for on-campus recruiting ***

NOTE, THE EVENT STARTS PROMPTLY. LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED

2) Thinking and Speaking on Your Feet

November 06, 2014, 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

3-160 NVC

Guest Speaker: Target

Learn tips on how to create speeches. The recruiter will cover structure, outline, and content as well as how to present. This is an interactive workshop.

3) Networking 101: Making Connections

November 06, 2014, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

2-190 NVC

Networking is one of the most powerful yet often under-utilized strategies in a job search. Learn the tools to develop and nurture a network of professional contacts so that you can find your next job like a pro and uncover the hidden job market. Discover the secrets of effective networking in this workshop, including how to develop and maintain a networking relationship, and utilizing social media for your networking needs. Students will have the opportunity to practice their networking skills.

4) Writing Winning Resumes

November 10, 2014, 1:00 pm – 2:30pm

2-190 NVC
Attend this workshop and learn how to develop and design a professional, marketable resume that will be well received. Format and content will be covered.

5) WEBINAR: Is Anyone Listening to You at Work? How to enhance your listening skills and improve workplace morale and productivity

November 11, 2014, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Listening is rarely taught in school. We teach reading and writing and public speaking, but it is assumed that everyone knows how to listen. Ironically, we spend the majority of our day listening to others and don’t do it very well. Join this webinar to learn the barriers we face to effective listening and the steps we can take to improve your listening skills at work.

6) Social Media-Mini Workshop: Blogs

November 11, 2014, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

2-190 NVC

Social Media Minis are 30-minute workshops developed to give you an intensive brief seminar in the topic so that you can walk away with tried and true tips that you can apply immediately to enhance your social media presence for career purposes.

Learn about how you can use a blog to brand yourself, give yourself exposure beyond your current reach and establish some critical credentials no matter what field you’re in.

7) Social Media-Mini Workshop: Twitter

November 11, 2014, 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

2-190 NVC

Twitter followers, hashtags, and lists may be the kick start you need.
From beginning to advanced users of Twitter, get your Twitter account working overtime for you in finding job and internship opportunities.
You are literally a tweet away from finding your dream opportunity.

8) Making the Most of Your Internship

November 11, 2014, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

2-190 NVC
In this seminar students will learn important tips on how to make the most of an internship. Many internship opportunities afford the possibility of leading to a full-time position. This of course depends on the company’s needs and most importantly is based on the intern’s performance. Find out about ways to stand out positively in an internship; learn the steps involved in establishing a good rapport with your supervisor; discover what NOT to do when interning; and more!

**Please note this workshop does not help you obtain an internship, it is going to provide tips to help you make the most of an internship once you land one!**

9) WEBINAR: PERSONAL BRANDING AND CREATING YOUR PERFECT PITCH

November 12, 2014, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

This webinar will highlight the importance of virtual and in-person personal branding. Attendees will learn how to create and fine-tune a personal pitch for successful networking and to develop a strong and consistent personal brand.

10) Cover Letters & Other Business Correspondence

November 12, 2014, 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

2-190 NVC

A cover letter serves as your formal introduction and first impression on a potential employer or professional contact. Attend this workshop and learn how to develop and design a professional, marketable cover letter that will get you an interview. Format and content will be covered.

Getting the Most out of OCR

(As originally published in the Ticker, 9/15/2014)

By Alina Nesterenko, Peer for Career

On-campus recruitment is here! Here are some things to remember during this time so you can maximize your chances of landing a job.

1. Start by making sure your resume is as close to perfect as possible. Have your resume reviewed by the Starr Career Development Center as well as mentors or professionals in your field. New opportunities constantly come up on Starr Search, so get in the habit of checking the site regularly. Once you have submitted your resume into the resume drop, track your interview status on Starr Search.

2. At the same time, make sure you are preparing for interviews by doing company research, following the industry news, and thinking of insightful questions to ask your interviewer. You should also utilize a new mock interview module located on the left side of the Starr Search login page, and schedule a mock interview at SCDC.

3. Finally, use your network! Find out about the company’s culture and the interview process from friends and colleagues. These resources will help you know what to expect for the on-campus interview.

What To Do After a Career Fair

(As originally published in the Ticker, 9/8)

By Yahya Khan, Peer for Career

A career fair is a wonderful opportunity to connect with organizations and network before the fall recruiting season kicks into high gear. The following are a few tips to keep in mind after your visit to a career fair:

1. Follow up with a Thank You email: Sending a succinct thank you email will make you memorable to recruiters and professionals and lay the foundation for a long lasting relationship. It is important to be courteous in the email and mention something unique that was discussed so that the receiver is left with a favorable impression and remembers who you were.

2. Attend information sessions/networking events: Several information sessions and networking events will be held on campus as the fall recruiting season progresses. It is important to attend these in order to learn more about different companies and the opportunities they offer, and to match your face to a resume. By showing up at several events and asking insightful questions, students can stand out from their peers and elevate their chances of receiving a first round interview slot.