Professional development
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NetworkingGuide3.pdf
NETWORKING P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T I I
H E R Z I N G U N I V E R S I T Y O N L I N E
Written by Kelly Zugay, M.A.
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Contents
What is Networking? ........................................................................................................................... 2
Activity ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Why is Networking Important? ............................................................................................................ 3
Opportunities for Personal Growth ................................................................................................... 3
Opportunities for Professional Growth ............................................................................................. 3
Reflection ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Principles of Networking ...................................................................................................................... 4
How to Begin ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Prepare Your Resume .......................................................................................................................... 5
Prepare Your Business Card ................................................................................................................. 5
Reflection ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Manage Your Social Media Presence ................................................................................................... 5
LinkedIn ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Twitter ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Facebook ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Present Yourself .................................................................................................................................. 8
What Should I Wear? ....................................................................................................................... 8
What Should I Say? .......................................................................................................................... 8
Activity ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Build Your Network ............................................................................................................................. 9
Seek Networking Opportunities ........................................................................................................ 9
Activity ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Maintain Your Network ..................................................................................................................... 10
References ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
What is Networking?
“Networking is using relationships, formal and informal, to learn of jobs and get inside of firms to
meet hiring managers you would normally not have access to if you did not have a referral from a
friend or acquaintance” (Eischen & Eischen, p. 86, 2013). In other words, networking is the process
of building, creating, and fostering a personal connection.
Activity
In the chart below, complete the “K” column and the “W” column; write what you already know
about networking and what you would like to know about networking. When you have finished
reading this Networking Guide, complete the final column – what you learned about networking.
K What I Know
W What I Want to Know
L What I Learned
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Why is Networking Important?
According to Networking for Job Search and Career Success by Michelle Tullier (2004), “Most sources
indicate that between 65 and 85 percent of all jobs found result from networking” (Eischen & Eischen, p.
87, 2013). As a result, networking is considered to be the most effective method for securing
employment. Networking can provide a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth
and development.
Opportunities for Personal Growth
• Networking can improve your ability to communicate. Through networking, you can perfect
your ability to communicate effectively within a diverse environment.
• Networking can help to build your confidence. Networking will help you to feel comfortable
sharing information about yourself, your career, and your abilities.
Opportunities for Professional Growth
• Networking can enhance your job search. Having a professional network can help to expedite
the process of searching for employment, because your network is able to provide an added
layer of support, encouragement, and guidance.
• Networking can increase industry knowledge and expertise. By communicating within your
professional network, you will learn about your desired field and its outlook.
Reflection
1. Why do you believe a majority of employment is secured through networking?
2. How do you hope networking will help you to grow?
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Principles of Networking
According to Eischen and Eischen, networking can be both formal (career fairs, employer meetings, and
prearranged conversations with alumni) and informal (anyone you meet at the bank, restaurant, or post
office) (Eischen & Eischen, p. 89, 2013). The authors offer a few tips for networking success:
Step 1: Broaden your concept of what a network is and how it works. Connections are made at odd
moments, under unexpected circumstances. If a person does not work in your desired field, it does not
mean that he or she does not know of someone who does.
Step 2: Treat everyone you meet with respect and courtesy. In many organizations, administrative staff
may be asked for their opinion of you by their boss. Therefore, it is important to remember to treat each
person you meet with kindness and respect.
Step 3: Always be willing to help. Be willing to lend a helping hand to a friend or family member in need.
Your friend or family member may be willing to return the favor and assist you throughout your search
for employment. Providing help to someone in need can also serve as a great way to strengthen your
networking experience.
(Adapted from Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking & Interviewing by Eischen and Eischen)
How to Begin
Make a List of Personal Connections
Your current network is larger than you may realize! Using the chart below, make a list of those who are
within your network. This may include:
• Current and former co-workers,
• Current and former classmates and instructors, or
• Members of a church or community organization to which you belong.
Name Contact Information Industry Company Name
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Prepare Your Resume
A professional resume is an important tool. In PD 202 (Professional Development II) at Herzing
University Online, you have had an opportunity to design a professional resume. Through working with
your Career Development Specialist, you can perfect this professional document and ensure that it is a
positive representation of who you are and all that you have to offer.
Prepare Your Business Card
In addition to presenting a resume, presenting a business card is a sign of preparation and
professionalism. Presenting your business card is a great way to be memorable and to ensure that you
can be reached by a networking contact or prospective employer if needed.
If you are employed, you may possess a company-issued business card. If you are not employed,
consider designing a Networking Business Card. There are many options to create business cards
available at business supply stores and online. A networking business card should include:
• Your Name
• Your E-Mail Address
• Your Telephone Number
• Your Website (If Applicable)
Reflection
Pretend that you are a hiring manager or recruiter. How would a candidate presenting a business card to
you influence your impression of the candidate?
Manage Your Social Media Presence
Social media can serve as a helpful networking tool. According to Eischen and Eischen, “A recent survey
by Jobvite found that 83 percent of employers now use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to find new
hires, with LinkedIn being the largest with 89 percent” (Eischen and Eischen, p. 92, 2013). According to
Eischen and Eischen, “LinkedIn is considered to be the most important tool for business communication
since e-mail” (Eischen and Eischen, p. 92, 2013).
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Step 1: Establish or update your LinkedIn profile.
• Visit www.linkedin.com and follow each prompt to establish or update your profile
Step 2: Ensure that your profile is complete.
• Upload a current, professional photograph of yourself
• Add concise, professional information to each section of your profile (similar to your resume)
• Ensure that all of the information on your profile is accurate and up-to-date
• Aim to obtain at least three professional recommendations
• Adjust the privacy settings to Public
Step 3: Become involved in the LinkedIn community.
• Join an alumni group or a group specific to your desired field of employment
Step 4: Build your network.
• Build your connections using the “People You May Know” feature
Step 5: Reap the benefits of utilizing LinkedIn.
• Obtain information from top experts in nearly every field
• Research a specific organization or field
• Market yourself
• Find other professionals with similar interests or backgrounds
(Adapted from Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking & Interviewing by Eischen and Eischen)
“Twitter is a real-time information network that connects you to the latest stories, ideas, opinions and
news about what you find interesting” (Twitter.com, 2013).
Though communication is limited to 140 characters, Twitter may also serve as a helpful networking tool.
You may choose to follow an organization you are interested in or search for a new position using Twit
Job Search.
Step 1: Establish your Twitter profile.
• Visit www.twitter.com and follow each prompt to establish your profile
Step 2: Ensure that your profile is complete.
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
• Upload a current, professional photograph of yourself
• Add concise, professional information to each section of your profile
• Ensure that all of the information on your profile is accurate and up-to-date
• Adjust the privacy settings as you prefer
o Realize that even tweets set to “private” can be retweeted and distributed by others,
always consider the potential consequences of your tweets before sending them
Step 3: Become involved in the Twitter community.
• Search for people and organizations to follow
Step 4: Maintain a professional presence on Twitter.
• Use appropriate, professional language at all times
• Only share appropriate information
Although Facebook is commonly used for personal use, many employers are present on Facebook.
Step 1: Establish your Facebook profile.
• Visit www.facebook.com and follow each prompt to establish your profile
Step 2: Ensure that your profile is complete.
• Upload a current, professional photograph of yourself
• Add concise, professional information to each section of your profile
• Ensure that all of the information on your profile is accurate and up-to-date
• Adjust the privacy settings as you prefer
Step 3: Become involved in the Facebook community.
• Add ‘Friends’
• ‘Like’ any organizations of interest to you
Step 4: Maintain a professional presence on Facebook.
• Use appropriate, professional language at all times
• Only share appropriate information
o Realize that even if your profile is set to “private” that posts, photos, “likes,” etc. can be
seen and distributed by others, always consider the potential consequences of your
posts and photos before sharing them
o This is true even if you use Facebook for personal use
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Present Yourself
According to Business Insider, “A first impression is formed within 7-17 seconds of meeting someone”
(Business Insider, 2013). Therefore, it is important to understand how to make a positive and
memorable first impression. Whether attending or a formal or informal networking event, it is
important to wear professional attire to make a positive first impression.
What Should I Wear?
Women’s Professional Attire Men’s Professional Attire
A business suit or business dress may be worn.
Ensure that the attire is modest in length, neckline,
color, and style.
Clean, pressed dress shirts and pants in a
conservative color should be worn.
Shoes should be clean and polished. A closed-toe
dress shoe is most appropriate.
A sport coat or suit coat should be worn. Typically,
the more conservative – the better.
Nails should be modest in length and natural in
color.
Nails should be clean and trimmed.
Any visible tattoo should be covered by clothing. Facial hair should be freshly shaved or trimmed.
Jewelry, makeup, and perfume should be modest. Use deodorant. If preferred, use mildly scented
aftershave lotion. Strong cologne is not
recommended.
Hair should be styled in a conservative manner. Any visible tattoo should be covered by clothing.
What Should I Say?
Clear and professional communication is an integral component of professional networking.
1. Prepare a 30-second “Elevator Pitch.” A common conversation starter is: “Tell me about
yourself.” To prepare for this conversation, compose a 30-second summary of your education,
experience, and expertise. For example: “I am a recent graduate from Herzing University with a
Diploma in Medical Assisting Services. Through my program, I participated in a 180-hour
Externship at Community Memorial Hospital where I was able to set appointments, update
patients’ records, prepare examining rooms, and call in prescriptions. I am truly excited about
entering the healthcare field. Do you have any suggestions regarding my approach to entering
this field?”
2. Take your time. In conversation, be sure to speak carefully and enunciate. Be professional, and
avoid any slang or inappropriate communication.
3. Be an active listener. Listening is a very important part of communication. Listen carefully to
each person you speak with. Make eye contact, and stay engaged in the conversation.
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
Activity
Compose a 30-second Elevator Pitch for yourself.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Practice your Elevator Pitch until you have memorized it and feel comfortable with it!
Build Your Network
Seek Networking Opportunities
Attend a Career Fair
A career fair is an event in which employers and organizations within your community gather to interact
with candidates. A career fair can be a large-scale or small-scale event, hosting a diverse array of
employers or employers within a specific field. Career fairs are often advertised in the newspaper, in the
community, and on the Internet.
Join a Professional Organization
A professional organization is an organization in which employees within a specific field or with a
specific interest come together. Professional organizations can serve as a helpful tool for staying up-to-
date on how a given field is growing or changing. In addition, membership within a professional
organization can be added to your resume and is considered an asset.
Join Herzing University’s Alumni Association
Visit Herzing University’s Alumni Services page for more information about the Herzing University
Alumni Association.
Activity
Using www.google.com, search for and list 3-5 upcoming career fairs within your community.
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
Herzing University Online | Career Development Department
3. _______________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________
Using www.google.com, search for and list 3-5 professional organizations of interest to you.
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________
Maintain Your Network
Networking is an ever-evolving process, in which you will continue to build your contact list. To maintain
your network, consider the following:
1. Maintain communication. Whether sending a personal note or a personal e-mail, maintain
communication with each networking contact.
2. Be present. Be sure to stay active within social media and create opportunities to connect with
each networking contact.
3. Lend a helping hand. To build a strong relationship with each networking contact, reach out to
them to offer assistance or lend a helping hand. Networking is about mutual support,
encouragement, and growth.
4. Be responsive. When a networking contact reaches out to you or invites you to attend an event,
show gratitude and be responsive.
5. Be thankful. Acknowledge the time and effort that each networking contact is giving to support
you in your professional endeavors. Write a thank-you note and express your gratitude.
References
Eischen, C.W., Eischen, L.A. (2013). Resumes, Cover Letters, Networking & Interviewing. Mason, Ohio:
South-Western.
- Networking Guide (Page One).pdf
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