First of all, as a reminder - Send your resume to careeraftercollege@gmail.com to get it edited for FREE!
I recieved an email asking the question, "What are some specific ways that introverted/shy people can network?" I thought the question was important enough to make the answer public.
First of all, no one who has ever had a conversation with me would label me as the shy or introverted, perhaps because of these two facets of my belief system:
1. If you don't voice your opinion, no one can hear you. Even if you dont have
the most fascinating opinion at the table, but one thing is for sure. Most of the time, its better to say something and have your thoughts challenged than have your presence forgotten. So, practice the tips below to work past the shyness.
2. If people don't like what you have to say, there are a LOT of other people who will. Thats not to say that you should not give careful consideration to your audience and their importance; Its just that most people worry too much about what other people will think of them; Relax and be yourself - Chances are you will be more well-liked any way.
I'm not asking you to subscribe to my belief system, but I know this much is true - Getting a job is as much based on how well liked you are, as it is on your skill. Most of us have been taught similar lessons within the same major in college, so whats your differentiator for getting a specific position? Even in a major like Computer Science, which initially calls for you spending many many hours by yourself in a cubicle programming, most recruiters still ask the question: Is this the kind of person I want to see at work every day?
So, answer that question for the person considering working with you, by having an upbeat positive attitude! Being shy and keeping all those brilliant thoughts to yourself makes it very hard for them to make that judgment. Here are some things you should do to stop being shy, and reach out:
1. Send 5 emails to people you think are JUST FABULOUS - whether its bloggers your read, authors of books, people who have jobs that you aspire to, or even just fascinating people, EMAIL THEM, and ask them questions you are dying to know- Ask them anything (stay appropriate)! The point is you are going out of your comfort zone! Trust me - If they are as awesome as you think they are, they will want to reach out and get to know you too!
2. Tweet, Link yourself in and Start a blog - Doing all these things online makes SHYNESS just an excuse. Use the online tools, and start letting other people in on your thoughts.
3. Make Eye Contact - Proper (not the creepy kind) of eye contact shows that you are confident and comfortable with yourself. Looking down when talking to someone makes someone else think less charmingly of you.
4. Ask Questions - Shyness could be mistaken for a lack of interest in the person you are talking to. So, if you dont want to say something right away, ask the other person to talk about themselves and what they do(we all love it, dont we?)- it feels like cheating and it works. Focus on making someone else comfortable, and soon, you will be comfortable!
5. Deliberately meet the friends who make you uncomfortable - Everyone has comfort friends and everyone has friends who make them intimidated or, less than comfortable. Work on this skill and meet them for coffee/lunch! Its really hard at first,but it gets a LOT easier a LOT faster than you think.
Bottom Line - If you dont reach out, talk, and understand the person recruiting you, you may just find yourself without a job. Making your personality known makes the answer to the question "Do I want to work with this person in the future?", a LOT easier.
Its really unfortunate for us college graduates that there is no course in networking (or any other real life skill, actually). But if there was such a course, I'm sure you would have to know all of the following to get an A+:
- ANY-TIME IS NETWORK TIME - A few days ago, I was standing in line in the cafe I usually go to, and in front of me was this really cute kid, and his father. When the boy's dad saw me, I mentioned how cute his son is, and he replying with "He looks cute now, but hes a handful!". The conversation continued as I stated that maybe I will only know how much work they are, when I become a parent, many many years from now. This remark naturally led to him asking me about what I do... Soon enough, he gave me his business card to contact him if I wanted to do any consulting work for his start-up! The lesson? stay professional and talk to as many people as you can. You never know where the next big job offer may be!
- GIVE, AND YOU SHALL RECIEVE! Although I generally like volunteering for the sake of giving, I cannot tell you how many highly qualified and extremely successful people I meet when I spend time volunteering. Getting involved with a charity or a community event leads to important connections and positive sustained relations, while helping an important cause that you and the people you connect with believe in.
- STAY IN THE LOOP! - I always feel like college students do not do this enough, but join both the campus organization and the local chapters of professional organizations that are in your major! You may have to pay a small fee (pls check if there is a student discount), but it will be worth the investment!
- TWO WORDS THAT COULD GET YOU A JOB! Send your follow up emails (two words- THANK YOU), and connect with them on linked-in and twitter! Even consider adding recruiting managers from companies you really want to join as linked-in contacts (most people wont reject you). Word of Advice - Check to make sure you have nothing too unprofessional (ie, wild party pictures) on your myspace or facebook before adding them!
Look this list over, and make sure that you are doing everything you can to ensure that you are casting the widest networking net you can at this time! It takes a lot of time, and seems like busy work, but it has its grand payoffs that you wont regret!
Next Entry- As promised, COVER LETTER BASICS!
So, whether you are going to your college career fair, a seminar, or were just introduced to someone new, chances are that someone will ask you about what you do or about your background. Don't get caught garbling words, repeating yourself or ranting to figure out what to say. Use an elevator pitch (that is pretend that you have the time span of an elevator ride to convince an executive to hire you) as a well planned "commercial" of who you are and what you offer. Your elevator pitch must answer all of the following questions:
- What is your name?
- What is your major and school (unless its obvious)?
- What is your experience? (personal/professional relevant background)
- Why are you qualified to work for them or their company?
- Why should they hire you? (This one is always underestimated - Be Bold (either they will like you or you will never see them again), and give them something they will remember)
Here is a well done script for an elevator pitch that you may like-
[Firm Handshake] "Nice to meet you. My name is [first name] [last name]. [Hand Them Resume] I am working on (or completing) a [degree] in [subject], and am hoping to work in [subject/company] after I graduate. Currently, I am looking for a [full time/internship] where I can utilize my [subject-specific] skills and contribute to a [challenging/fulfilling] project. I am [talented/hardwork,ambitious - pick any two adjectives that describe you], and [know/feel] that I will be a great asset to [their company]. [Ask them a thoughtful question now, or ask if they have any questions for you]."
The above pitch has worked well for myself and many people I know. Practice, Personalize and Perfect your elevator pitch, and you will have one leg up on your competition! If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Good Luck!