ENGLISH FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT (Coursera WEEK 4)

NETWORKING.

What is Network?

A connection between many things or people

Networking

Talking to other people about your job search and career and goals. 

Networking is about building professional relationships, which take time to grow.
There are many ways to increase or add to your professional network. First, you can join a professional organization, which is a group of people with similar occupations or careers. Second, you can use social media websites like LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter. Third, you can contact College Alumni groups. Alumni groups are a connection of current and past students from the same university.

Networking Facts

• Networking is not the same as asking for a job. Networking is about building contacts. Contacts are people you know. Your networking contacts are people who work for a company or organization.
• Networking helps you learn more about jobs that are being created and advertised.
• It lets you learn about the “hidden network.” This network has many jobs that are never advertised.
• It is good to know people in different companies and organizations. It helps you develop more as a professional.
• An employer may not be hiring today. However, tomorrow the employer may be looking for someone like you.

Before Networking, Be Clear About Your Job Search Goals

Think about what you want to tell others about yourself. Here are some things they may ask you. 

• What kinds of jobs are you looking for?
• What skills and experience prepared you for these jobs?
• Are you focused on a particular industry? (Examples of industries are car sales or health insurance.)
• Do you want to work at a particular company?
• Do you want to look for jobs in one local area?

The Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a short description of your skills and career goals. It lasts one to two minutes. It is an easy way to share what you want to learn from someone who may be able to help you.

Here is an example.

"Hi. My name is ____.  

• I'm looking for  ( a kind of job ) in ( an industry, or place ).   
• I really enjoy  ( something about a past job or experience ). 
• I'm good at ( a certain job skill )."

After you’ve briefly stated these facts, you can ask for help or advice. For example:

• "Do you have any advice for me?"
• "Do you know anything about this company?"
• "Do you know anyone who works there?"
• "Can I use your name to contact them?"

Networking During the Job Search Quiz

Making Small Talk

• Making Small Talk?
• What are some Examples?
• How is it relevant to Networking?

For example, let's say you are in a business meeting with your co-workers. You might begin the conversation with one of your colleague by asking her about her family. You might say, hey, how are you? How's your family doing? Did your youngest start school yet?

US Safe Topics

• Weather
• Food
• Travel
• Movies

Avoid Taboo Topics

• Region
• Politics
• Salary

Networking doesn’t happen overnight

Writing And Speaking

Think about what you do when you try to network. What steps are you taking? Many people will send an email and stop at that. Simply sending an email will not be enough to get the attention of someone who is very busy and receives many emails.

The way you write or speak to the people you're trying to network with is important. Reread your emails or think about your voice mails. People may not want to help you if you seem rude or pushy. Ask a friend to read your emails or listen to your phone calls and give you honest feedback. Your friend may tell you that your way of writing or speaking needs improvement. Don't argue or make excuses. Instead, use that information to improve.

Now, here’s the hard part. Networking does not happen overnight. Relationships need to be built over time. If you're trying to rush things, people may be less interested in responding to you.

Here are a few things to think about. Ask yourself the following questions from the point of view of the person you’re trying to network with:

Why Should I Trust You?

You must be able to explain who you are and how you’re connected to the person. It's also important to explain why it’s safe for him or her to introduce you to others. You’re asking for help, so you must prove that you're trustworthy.

What Do You Want Me To Do?

You must know what you want and be able to explain your request to the person. If you want the person to introduce you to someone else, mention that and explain why. If you’re trying to learn more about the person's company or the type of work they do, say so. It’s your job to make it easy for him or her to help you.

What If I Say No?

Most of the time, people want to be nice and like to be helpful. That said, sometimes people are unable to help everyone who contacts them. If you can make it comfortable to say no, you’ll leave a better feeling with them. This is a very important part of building relationships that will last for a long time.

What Will I Get In Return?

You may not have anything to offer right now. However, make sure that the person knows that you can help him or her in the future.

Remember, this is not “one and done.” You have to keep working at it. Make it something you do regularly. Building lasting relationships can help improve your career in the future.
"Networking doesn't happen overnight" Quiz

 All about Elevator Speech

Elevator Speech
A short description of your skills and career goals

Incluedes :

• Your name and current job/department/employer
• What you are looking for
• Past job/experience
• Job skill
• Ask a general question

Overall Scores Week 4 Quiz