Top Ten Tips for Networking Success​

 

1. Prepare an introduction for employers and practice it. Find examples here!

2. Dress Appropriately:​ Neat and well-groomed. 

3. Bring copies of your résumé.

4. Maintain eye contact.

5. Research the companies in advance.

6. Ask questions – be engaged! Find examples here!

7. Create business cards and distribute them to employers.

8. Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude!

9. Follow up with employers after the fair.

10. ATTEND and have fun! 

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BEFORE THE FAIR​

•          Research exhibitors. Find the List of Exhibitors here!

•          Look up the positions they are hiring for on their website, and prepare to talk about the ones that interest you.

•          Update résumé and have it reviewed at the Career Services Centre on your campus.

•          Prepare your introduction to employers and practice it. Find some examples here!

•          Create a plan of action that targets the employers you want to see - pick up a floor plan when you arrive.

•          Put together a list of questions to ask employers. Find some examples here!

•          Anticipate employer questions.

•          Invest in some business cards, or make your own!

•          Be realistic – you are making contacts at the Fair, not necessarily being offered a job.

 

DURING THE FAIR

•          Come early and stay late. Target 10 to 15 employers and budget your time with each of them!

•          Show employers that you are interested by spending 80% of your time listening.

•          Ask questions!

•          Spend 3-5 minutes with employers.

•          Distribute business cards.

•          Conduct yourself in a professional manner – eye contact, firm handshake, dress appropriately, a smile and a positive attitude.

•          Take notes – jot down brief notes as you leave each booth recording your immediate thoughts and items that need follow up.

•          Request business cards from anyone you are speaking to that you would like to maintain contact with.

 

 Do’s and Don’ts

 

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Questions for Employers

•          What kind of skills and experience do you look for?

•          What courses or experiences do you think are important?

•          What kind of entry-level positions (or internships) exist within your organization?

•          Are graduate degrees important to advance in your organization?

•          What is your organization’s culture like?

•          How long have you worked in this company and how did you get your job?

•          How did you prepare yourself for this job?  

 

30 Second Introduction

Having a 30 second introduction prepared can help alleviate nerves when approaching employers. Make sure you tailor your information so that it is relevant to the person you're talking to. A few things that you may want to include are:

•          Mention your degree/program.

•          What you are looking for and be specific. Instead of saying a full time job, say what type of job you are looking for.

•          What sets you apart from others? Maybe it’s your strengths in the field, interest in the organization or relevant experience or skills. Don’t forget – academic, work and volunteer are ALL experience.

•          End with a question that will generate information and get the employer talking. 

 

Sample Introductions

 

Enquiring about employment opportunities:

 

"My name is Kate Hewson. I'm in chemical engineering and I'm interested in production-related work in the food and brewing industry. I have one summer of directly-related experience in quality control and have completed a major project on yeast culture enhancement. I would like to talk to you about how my background relates to work you do."

 

Looking for career advice:

 

“Hello, my name is Sanjay and I am currently in my 2nd year of Mechanical Engineering. I am at the fair today to gain information about my industry to help me decide what area I want to concentrate on. I was researching your company and was very interested in some of the projects that you are working on. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about different career options.”

 

Information on a posted position:

 

“Hello. My name is Pat Brokes and I am in my third year of an Arts degree, majoring in Psychology .  I noticed from your website that you have an opening for a Youth Worker, which matches my experience. My courses and projects have been really focused on youth psychology and intervention methods. I also have been volunteering with a street youth group for the past 3 years. Can you tell me a little more about this position? “ 

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AFTER THE FAIR

•          Follow up immediately.

•          Send thank you notes and refer to the specific topics you spoke about.

•          Send employers an updated targeted copy of your résumé.

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