Cell Phone as Networking Tool

I read an article recently stating that of 18-29 year-olds, 8 in 10 sleep with their cell phones. A large percentage reported that they view cell phones as an extension of their bodies.

I get it. I am outside of this age-group by a few years and even I like to have my little flip-phone around at all times.

College students and recent grads: What if you used this cell-obsession to help you land a job or internship?

Think about it. At least 65% of jobs today are found through networking. Obtaining informational interviews is a prime way to network. And you gain informational interviews, largely, by picking up the phone and calling key contacts at companies in the field(s) of your interest.

I know someone who conducted 120 informational interviews and landed his dream job!

It sounds scary, but I promise you that it’s not as bad as it sounds. A term coined by career counselor and author Richard Bolles, informational interviews are simply talking to people about their jobs and asking them for advice. The technique works very well for people exploring careers, internship opportunities, and job openings.

I challenge you to put that cell phone appendage to good use! Through internet research, find the names and contact information of 20 people who are in jobs that interest you. Ring them up. Explain who you are and ask if you can set up a time to speak with them about their particular career path. The appointment you just set for a face-to-face meeting is called an informational interview!

When you attend the actual interview, be sure to wear a suit and treat the meeting like a real interview. Remember that you are in control this time. How exciting is that? It’s one of the few times that you will actually be in control of an interview. Use the time wisely. Ask pointed questions and don’t forget to leave your resume, business card, or contact information.

Finally, it is crucial that you follow up with a thank you note. As time goes on, you can email the professionals you have interviewed and share relevant articles or updates on your job search (be smart about the frequency of these types of emails). This will ensure that you stay on their radar in case any openings come up that are a perfect fit for you.

The Grad School Plunge

I am a career development/resource geek and I wear that banner proudly, so it is with no shame whatsoever that I tell you I am in love with this blog post. Only a true career geek could say she is "in love" with such a blog post, but I digress.

I worry when I see recent undergrads considering grad school right out of the gate. Especially in this economy (blech, who else is sick of hearing that phrase?). From my vantage point as a recruiter, I cannot say enough how important it is to get out there, get your foot in the door, and gain experience. This experience can be in the form of internships, part-time work, or a serious career move in your field of interest. Employers want to see experience on your resume and that you have produced tangible results therein.

Before considering grad school, do run through Coplin's checklist to see if it is the right move for you.

If the Shoe Fits: Packaging Yourself for the Job Search

Nike doesn't produce just one line of sneakers, they package their products differently given their target audience. Walk into a sporting goods store and you'll see the shelves lined with sneakers for every sport, both genders, and every age group.

The same principal can be applied to your resume. Forget the bland "Objective" line. Don't send out boiler plate resumes or cover letters wherein you change the company name. You're better than that!

Do your research and package yourself to each employer. Does your resume reflect the value that you can add given the company's needs?

This requires a bit of internal work, first. Turn your thoughts inward and ask yourself, what are my unique skills, talents, and passions? What do I have that the other guy doesn't? And don't try to sell a long distance running shoe to a sprinter. The needs of the guy doing the 100 meter sprint are vastly different from those of the marathon runner. In other words, if a job description calls for a number-crunching, super-analytical type and your greatest strengths are your creativity and willingness to take risks, perhaps that role isn't right for you. There is no need to spend time trying to package yourself for a position that is not intrinsically you.

When you take the time to research and position your experience strategically, you're packaging yourself to be the solution to that employer's needs. Eventually, an employer will buy into your brand i.e. YOU, and they'll hire you. It might not happen right away, but who has ever walked into Sports Authority and purchased the first sneaker they laid eyes on?

Soapbox

I attended an employer/recruiter networking event on campus today and was heartened by what I saw. Students were inquistive, energetic, and eager.

If you have attended one of our workshops, you know that one of my soapboxes is Networking. No matter where you are in your career, it is important.

The old saying is, "It's not what you know, but who you know."

I like to say, "It's not who you know, but who knows YOU."

Moreover, who knows you're looking for a job?

65% of jobs are found by networking. That's actually a conservative estimate. I've seen numbers much higher.

The more people you meet, the better chance you have of landing gainful employment. Activity breeds activity. What other cliches do I have to throw out to convince you? :)

Networking opportunities are everywhere: volunteering, associations, alumni groups, LinkedIn events, informational interviews (I get super nerdy about these).

What are you doing to make sure you are known in this job market?

I attended a job fair this week at a major university here in Chicago. I love that moment as a recruiter right before the doors open to students, so I took the opportunity to peek out into the foyer to get a good look at my potential candidates.

What I saw in that room hit me like a punch in the gut. Here was a sea of expectant faces, full of hope and promise. I knew that these students came prepared wearing their best suits and with resumes proofed and polished. I knew that they were nervous, but hopeful. And because of that, I knew that I had to give them my best for the next 4+ hours, but that I would expect the same from them in return.

I am reminded of a post I wrote as a guest-blogger on my CEO's blog last fall. I'd like to share that post with you now, as it gives some helpful tips on giving your best at a career fair.

I'd love to hear your own tips for success at career fairs. The comments section is open.

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. Allow me to introduce gradspark

Gradspark is a free resource provided by LaSalle Network, Chicago’s fastest- growing staffing and recruiting firm. Borne out of the realization that 30% of LaSalle’s placements are recent college graduates, gradspark was created to provide every college graduate with the resources to enter the professional world. To meet that goal, we provide real solutions & practical strategies to improve each graduate’s marketability.

Fast Facts:

We know first-hand what employers want.
gradspark is comprised of expert recruiters who have 1500 client relationships across all industries.
We care.
Our recruiters interview 15,000 job seekers annually. We believe this positions gradspark not only as experts but as sympathetic partners in your job search.
We’re not all talk.
gradspark provides real solutions and practical strategies.

How gradspark can help:

Real world point-of-view.
Our team of experts conducts workshops on job search strategies and career development. We will also work with career center staff to customize offerings to meet students’ needs. A listing of the workshops we currently provide includes:

Getting a Job 101, Your Internship: Before, During and After, How to Work a Job Fair and Branding Yourself for your Job Search.

A foot in the door.
On-campus recruiting for real jobs in the areas of Accounting/Finance, Customer Service, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Office Services.