Networking – How to increase your Employability prospects

Networking – How to increase your Employability prospects Robin Huggins Director of Academy & Client Services MBN Solutions #MBNskills

Objectives By the end of this session you can expect to be able to: 1. Understand the importance of Networking to Employability. 2. Be able to begin Social Networking on the main Social Media channels. 3. Understand how to network in the Real World. 4. Identify potential opportunities to begin Networking at events and meet up groups. #MBNskills

Why should we network? Display a commitment to employment in the sector. Build knowledge through personal interactions. Develop soft/interpersonal skills. Access Unadvertised Jobs! (60-80% of all vacancies are unadvertised) Build your presence and confidence through increased understanding. Promote “Brand You” in a cost-free and effective way. #MBNskills

Social Media Networking • Social Media Networking is an important part of a comprehensive Job Hunt Strategy. • Used in conjunction with Online/Offline job applications and “Real World” networking it allows you to “cover all the bases” in terms of approaches to potential employers. • It’s easy, free and fun (and ever so slightly addictive!). • It allows you an opportunity to directly engage with organisations in a manner that Online/Offline job applications do not. #MBNskills

Examples of Social Media Platforms LinkedIn Incredibly popular, free* - allows an “online CV” to be constructed and permanently displayed. Twitter Simple, fast, doesn’t require “acceptance” of connection. *has recently been adapted to encourage users to pay for extra features but the free version is fine, honestly! Facebook Universal, massive, the one EVERYONE knows. Instagram Messages attached to images have considerably more impact. Follow anyone you want. #MBNskills

LinkedIn • Use your Resume/CV as a start point. • Add a photograph. • Complete EVERY section – aim for an All-Star Profile! • Make yourself easy to find – copy keywords from other profiles. • Ask for recommendations. • Follow any companies that you are interested in. • Build your network – through personalised messages. • There are two “layers” you should connect with – Line & Talent. • Aim for Managers, Directors and “Heads of” – in addition to Recruiters, HR and Talent Acquisition. #MBNskills

Twitter • Think of it like a personalised TV Channel – you choose what appears in your feed! • Build a profile – use Linkedin or copy others for ideas. • Follow people or companies of interest, retweet what they tweet. • # - the hashtag groups topics together – see #MBNSkills for example. • Look to Google News regularly – retweet articles that interest you. • This will attract “Followers.” • Build a “voice” by adding your own thoughts and views. • 5 x 5 @ 5 to get started! #MBNskills

Facebook • Again, this is about following whoever you want. As you research companies – look for their Facebook link and follow them. • Articles, features and potential hiring will all be promoted on their page – like, comment on and share. • With your own Facebook page, ensure that you go back in time and have a wee “tidy up” before you start Job Hunting in earnest. • In addition to unprofessional photographs, be very careful about “controversial” comments – delete them before you regret them! #MBNskills

Instagram • Create an Instagram account – or use an existing account. • If using an existing account – tidy it up! • Post pictures that relate to your career interests – keep everything appropriate and professional. • Follow people and companies of interest – like, comment on, share what they post! • Like Twitter, Instagram uses # to group topics – and @ to address people/accounts – don’t overuse your #!! #MBNskills

Social Media Conclusions • LinkedIn is, by far, the most effective Social Media tool for career enhancement. • The others can also be of value – if used correctly. • A Social Media footprint can enhance “Brand You” considerably. • Your post will be more likely to be read (up to 80%) if accompanied by an appropriate image. • Make sure your Social Media usage is always appropriate and professional. • The more you do – the better you get. #MBNskills

Networking (Real World) Any chance to meet and talk to professionals is a networking opportunity. Just like with Social Media – it’s an opportunity to promote “Brand You.” This could be Meet-Ups, Events, Careers Fairs, University Open Days, etc. However, just like Social Media – there are rules we should follow… #MBNskills

Simple Networking Rules.. • Networking is a state of mind. You should always be networking. • Networking at a specific function or event is just an opportunity to network with lots of people in a short space of time! • Have a goal in mind before you attend the event – speak to 5 people, etc. • Ensure you look good. First impressions do count! • Relax and be yourself – people can sense insincerity. • Don’t be too “salesy” – always ask for advice, assistance or help rather than “a job.” #MBNskills

Rules (continued…) • When you meet someone – introduce yourself by your name – and ask for their name (remember it by saying it back to them to confirm) • It’s quite OK for you to ask “and what do you do/why are you here?” (it’s a conversation starter/ice breaker) • Mention that you are interested in their company/business/sector – and ask for some advice around potential career options • Take note (physically if you have to) of any agreed follow up actions • Follow up next day with a Social Media connection request (personalised!) #MBNskills

Where should we network? Events -many events are ran by organisations and companies looking to grow their own networks – www.mbnsolutions.com/events Companies - will promote their own events through Social Media so follow them to know more. Meet-Up Groups - www.meetup.com is a great start point. Find some groups that you are interested in and join them. Look for the dates of next meets and get involved. Recruitment Companies -frequently host events for themselves and their clients. Again, follow on Social Media to stay in the loop. Universities/Colleges - keep track of their community activities and pick a couple that appeal to you! #MBNskills

Networking Conclusions • Used as part of a comprehensive Job Hunting strategy, networking is a highly effective tactic. • Networking can occur online (Social Media) or in the Real World. • There are “rules” to both – so it’s best to learn them first. • Promote “Brand You” without being too “salesy.” • Practice makes perfect – get out there and try it!! #MBNskills

Build Contacts Scotland Data Science and Technology Meetup • Held every month! • Glasgow/Edinburgh/Aberdeen • Follow - @DataSciTechScot #ScotDST Scottish Blockchain Meetup • Held every month! • Alternates from Glasgow to Edinburgh • Follow - @Blockchain_Scot #MBNskills

Join the MBN world… MBN Solutions Email: info@mbnsolutions.com Twitter: @mbnsolutions LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mbn-recruitment-solutions Website: www.mbnsolutions.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mbnsolutions/ Instagram: @mbnsolutions MBN Academy Email: academy@mbnsolutions.com Twitter: @MBNAcademy LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/MBNAcademy Website: www.mbnsolutions.com/academy #MBNskills

Networking – How to increase your Employability prospects