Revamp Your Resume

Your resume is an important part networking.  It should be updated and ready to send. 

Be certain that you have included the degree you received and the month and year it was conferred. Add any awards or honors you have received.  Update your email address if necessary.

Proofread your resume and be certain that it is free from any typos.

Invest in a package of resume paper and envelopes.  Resume paper is a higher quality paper that can be found at most office supply stores.  It makes a professional presentation when you must send your resume through the post office. 

Networking Profile-Part II

Practice your networking profile.  It should feel natural and authentic. Revise it if necessary. 

This is how you will introduce yourself at the next networking event you attend. 

You are seeking to make a connection with the person you are meeting.   You make a connection through connection points in your conversation.   In your networking profile, these connection points may be your alma mater, major or your chosen career.  A connection point leads to further conversation.  Further conversation leads to a professional relationship, referral or introduction to a colleague.

The only item more important than your networking profile is your resume. 

Networking Profile-Part I

Now that you have developed your introduction and taken an honest inventory of your skills, experience and career interests, you are ready to put them together.  This is called your Networking Profile.

Make sure that your profile is honest.  Be true to who you are. 

For Example:

My name is Carolyn Smith.  I just graduated with a degree in History from State University and I would love to work for a museum in New York. 

You may want to include a significant internship, volunteer or co-curricular position that influenced you.

Write down your profile.  Then revise it.  Revise it again.  

How to Network Intentionally

To network intentionally, you must first determine why you are networking. 

Most likely, you are a job seeker.

Once you have determined why you are networking, you must prepare to network.

How will you introduce yourself to someone at a networking event? Create an introduction that is short and sweet.  Then practice your introduction until it feels natural.  Be certain to smile.

Now, take an honest inventory of who you are and what you want.  What are your skills? What experience do you have? What do you value? What career interests you?  Be specific.

You are almost ready to network.

Leaving the Law Guest Post

I am very excited to have the opportunity to write a guest post for Jennifer Alvey's fantastic blog, Leaving the Law.   I have been following Jennifer's website for years and I am honored to be able to contribute.

Leaving the Law is an inspirational website for lawyers seeking a career transition.  Although geared to lawyers leaving the profession, Jennifer's advice is beneficial to anyone considering a career change. 

Please take the time to check out Jennifer's website.  While you’re there, take a peak at my guest post and let me know what you think!

Thank you!

Have a great weekend!  

What Is Networking?

At its core, networking is simply meeting people.  At its best, networking is creating, developing and nurturing connections with other professionals to advance your career.  

When we think of networking, we often think of a formal event that has “networking” in the title.

But that isn’t the only time we network. 

We network every single day.  When we post on Facebook, we are networking.  When we strike up a conversation on line at the grocery store, we are networking.  When we attend the annual homecoming game, 

we are networking. 

But, Making Networking Work for you requires that you network intentionally. 

Introduction

Networking is universal.  Whatever your career, whatever your profession, you need a solid network to succeed.

Are you a recent graduate, unsure where to begin?

This blog is for you.

The goal of Making Networking Work is to empower graduates to take charge of their career and network with colleagues and potential employers. 

Designed with the new graduate in mind, Making Networking Work will give you the tools and confidence to network your way to a successful career.   

In 100 words, these short posts, will take you from an uncertain graduate to a savvy networking professional.

Let’s Make Networking Work.