Career experts agree that most job offers come from personal connections or “networking.”  Here’s a list of four things you should know to help you be a successful networker:

1. Networking is for everyone.

No matter your occupation, education, or ability, networking is a strategic tactic for all job seekers no matter who you are or what you do.  According to DEED’s Creative Job Search Guide, an effective job seeker gets organized, creates a daily schedule and networks.  It’s best to schedule networking activities for 40 to 80 percent of your time searching for work each day. Sitting for long hours in front of the computer is unlikely to get you good results.  The Bottom line: Spend a lot of time doing networking activities such as:

• Informational interviews.
• Direct employer contact.
• Emailing updates to existing contacts.
• Updating your social media status.
• Volunteering.
• Networking and participating in job clubs.
• Following up on social media connections.
• Attending Job fairs.

2. Role playing informational interviews is great practice.

We encourage you to attend  workshops on job search techniques at your local Minnesota WorkForce Center.  They give you a great opportunity to practice making pleasant and casual conversation with other job seekers and learn about the occupations and industries they have been employed in.  Ask about where they worked, what they did, whom they know – people are generally happy to tell you about themselves.  Really listen, take it all in and consider taking some notes in your Networking Log.  Then, offer a little information about yourself and let the conversation continue organically.

3. It really is whom you know.

What is an employer’s bottom line?  It’s not the organization’s mission. To keep any organization operating, it has to be financially sustainable.  Imagine yourself as an employer.  Whom do you trust to keep your ship afloat?  Employers look for new workers they can trust.  That’s why they prefer to hire people who are referred to them by their employees. Build rapport by networking, staying connected with existing contacts and making new ones.  Cultivating contacts in your network will help you build relationships that can ultimately lead you to your next employer.

4. Be constantly ‘on your game’ when you’re out and about.

Stay in job search mode whenever you leave home.  You never know who you will meet doing even the most mundane errands.  View visits to the library, grocery store and pharmacy as opportunities to network.  For example, try starting a conversation during your next visit to the library.  Tell the librarian that you’re looking for a new job and what type of work you’re looking for.  You could gain a new contact for growing your network or learn about the perfect job opening.

Remind yourself, networking isn’t begging for a job.  By definition, networking is a supportive system of sharing.  Start now!

By Marney Curfman, job search workshop instructor at the Minnesota WorkForce Center –St. Cloud.

Employment experts agree that most job openings are never advertised and that most job offers come from personal connections or “networking.” But knowing what to do to prepare for a networking meeting might seem daunting. There’s more to preparing than scheduling the meeting, picking what to wear and determining how long it takes to get there. Successful networkers know that your goal is to have a meeting that proves valuable to both you and the person you are meeting with.

In Tips for Making That “Networking” Meeting More Fruitful, Paul Gillin gives these five recommendations:

1. Do your research. It’s easy to find information about just about anyone online. Look for information about the person you’re meeting with beyond the basics. This shows resourcefulness.

2. Have an agenda. Plan the meeting to get a better chance to achieve your objective and prepare the person you’re meeting with. If you want contacts who’ll help you find a job, say so. If you want to learn from the experience of the person you’re meeting with, then have questions along those lines. Don’t leave the discussion open-ended, because then you will be asked a lot of questions and you’ll get a lot less out of the session.

3. Ask questions. People like to talk about themselves, so give them that opportunity. If the meeting is all about the person seeking advice, it’s a lot less interesting to the person giving it. That means they’ll be less likely to remember you. Ask about their secrets of success, the turning points in their career, mistakes they’ve made, and memorable people they’ve met. The more you get them talking about themselves, the more highly they’ll regard you.

4. Give value, too. The meeting is going to be a lot more fulfilling if both parties see some return. Here’s an idea: Instead of asking to “network,” offer to write up the interview and post it on your blog or to make a quick video of the person and post the video clip along with a link to that person’s website. This gives both parties something to show for the encounter. If you can’t think of a way to give value, ask: “What can I do to help you?” Even if the person can’t think of anything, they’ll remember you.

5. Follow up. Your best chance to be remembered by the person you’ve just met is in the days immediately following the encounter. A thank-you note reinforces the impression you’ve made. It’s even better if you can tell the person how you’re putting their advice to work. Add 10 bonus points if you write the note by hand and send it in the U.S. mail.

We have some additional advice:

1. Ask most important questions first. When putting together your agenda, list the most important questions you have at the top of your page in case the person has to cut the interview short.

2. Check the meeting location. Know which place you are meeting. The same chain of coffee shops can be located within a block of one another, making it confusing.

3. Know how much time you have. Ask interviewers how long they can spend with you and stay within that time limit.

In addition, some people agree to give networking interviews because they were unemployed themselves and are “paying it forward.” If that’s the case, ask how they landed their job. Was there a particular job club they found helpful? How much networking did they do?  What tools were most valuable?

Minnesota WorkForce Centers hold workshops that include networking techniques. Find networking meetings, counseling and other offerings on our events calendar.

To read more about networking, click here.

The 2013 BIO International Conference ended its annual run last week in Chicago. While the BIO conference is known for bringing representatives from around the world to strike up new business opportunities, the conference also showcases the bioscience leaders of tomorrow. Rena Weis at New Prague High School and Michelle Campeau at Mayo High School, both qualified to compete at the National BioGENEius Challenge with 28 other participants.  The competition for high school students recognizes their outstanding research in biotechnology.

Rena went on to advance to the International BioGENEius Challenge with 9 other students. Rena focused her project on biochar. This byproduct of bio waste has shown in some cases to increase crop health and yields which can be extremely beneficial to drought stricken areas.

Rena’s love for science began at an early age, thanks to encouragement from her family. She believes a nurturing environment is key to success in the sciences. This is especially important for girls who have traditionally veered away from careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Rena recommends that parents start out simple. “Buy them books, show them pictures, take them to the science museum.  All of these are great tools for sparking interest.”

Rena Weis with her dad at BioGENEius

The educational television series SciGirls is also sparking girls’ interest in science.  Launched in February 2011 and produced by Twin Cities Public Television, the weekly show for elementary and middle-school students is based on (STEM) education best practices for girls. The show was awarded a Daytime Emmy Award in 2011 for outstanding new approaches in children’s television.

“It’s great that there are shows that encourage young women to be involved in science. The key is to start young and find something you are passionate about,” said Rena.

Women are making gains in some areas of science, including social and biological sciences. Women now make up 52.9% of all biological scientists according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

While Natalie Ng of California went on to win the International BioGENEius Challenge, we are proud of Rena and Michelle for representing Minnesota’s best and brightest in this important industry.

For more information on high-demand STEM careers in Minnesota, click here