Each
milestone in our life offers some growth.
New graduates are exploring a new chapter of their life. They are
leaving behind the world of known expectations, people, friends and deadlines
to the world of the unknown.
“The unknown is good! The sooner any of us realize it the easier it
will be to explore, connect and build relationships in our chosen profession
and industry”, says Lori Ann Comeau, President at Tulip Canada Inc.
All
of us have heard the saying “It’s not
what you know but whom you know”.
This is partially true. In a world where the 60-second judgment is made,
it is great news to have someone offer positive feedback to our character. What we know does get us the job, and it
surely saves us from losing it. Most of
all, it is our initiative, communications and problem solving skills that holds
us in high regard in the short term and even the long term.
Make
the 60- second judgment rule count. Make
a great impression!
Draft
a 30 second life story of you! You will share knowledge of your career
adventure, your professional aspirations and your community service,
activities, and world travels. Don’t ramble.
Stay focus and tell the story.
You only have 60 seconds.
Networking
can be difficult. It is selling you!
Know
your ask when meeting with new members of your network. It supports the judgment rule and allows
people to ask questions about you. While
you are responding to these questions -- ask questions in order to learn! Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Now is the time to embrace lessons to apply
knowledge and qualifications while building judgment and problem solving
skills.
Be
humble. Seeking advice diverts the
attention away from you. It helps build
the warm assessment they are making of you during the networking session. They will share advice on their career, their
life lessons as a means to support your growth as you enter the workforce, and
the career adventure. Close the sale.
Know the ask but never ask for a job.
It is an unwritten rule. Ask for
additional people to meet in the profession or industry in order to build your
network. The job will come and in the
meantime, you are gaining a worth of information and connections.
Start
your networking efforts with the people you know. If they like you or want to help, they will
offer other individuals to meet, or if they don’t offer the information, ask
for it. The goal is to get three names from every networking session. Be sure to write a personal thank you note –
mail it. Taking the time to hand write a
note expresses your appreciation for their time, and most all showers you with
an abundance of good will and warmth for such a small gesture which is
neglected in the age of technology and the speed of electronic communications.
Aggressiveness
doesn’t sell you. Your attentiveness
sells you. Your story sells you. The
people you meet sells you.
Networking
gives an edge. Doors will start to open.
Opening doors means opportunities. Social media can support networking efforts
but makes it less personalized until you meet with them.
“Don’t give up. Networking is part of life. Learn to enjoy it. The sooner you do, the
more connections will be made and the faster people will be offering positive
and warm feedback on you, your character and abilities”, adds Comeau.
Follow up with the individuals you meet as they join your network team on a regular basis – quarterly or biannually -- and once you are settled into your career adventure be sure to follow up with them on an annual basis. They
will be happy to learn how you are doing, and likely will offer additional
people for you to meet as you grow and move forward in your career.
TulipCanada is here to help launch your teaching career. We work with teachers and
administrators in educating the world through Canadian
connections. Join us today. Take the leap to the unknown. There is a
world of opportunity open to those seeking it.