Tangent – Networking Today

I thought I would diverge from the main theme of IT Security and talk a little bit about networking. The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article about networking and common mistakes people make around networking, and I wanted to address some of the major key points.

The greatest quote that I could use to sum up the most important aspect of networking would be, “Remember that you have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion.” Networking is all about relationships and genuinely getting to know people. My number one concept for networking is “it’s not about the ‘what can you do for me now’.” We have to find people that we truly want to get to know, who have similar interests or a special personality. By building a relationship, more doors are opened to opportunity.

In today’s society if you don’t know someone, it is much harder to find a job. Face to face interaction is also a key component. I can’t even count how many times I have gone out to lunch or coffee with people in my industry just to get to know them (and secretly hope they will remember my name). While the Internet is important, it’s only a fraction of relationships. Always start out with a face to face, and then stay in contact through the Internet. 

Check out these tips from the WSJ:

• ·         “Don’t misuse the Internet” – Face to face, no sloppy emails, be clean
• ·         “Don’t be vague” – make your goals known but don’t be pushy
• ·         “Don’t Stop” – stay in contact, don’t lose your relationship by not following up, say thank you
• ·         “Don’t be selfish” – try to help your contact and be engaged in their life
• ·         “Don’t misuse your network” – don’t pester your contact constantly for references or information, don’t name drop and be professional

Stay Tuned!

Interview Tips

I recently attended a workshop that addressed professional portfolios, resumes, and the interview process. Melanie Moir, of Waggener Edstrom, and Tom Eiland, of CFM Strategic Communications, hosted this workshop.

During this workshop I learned that during an interview the average ratio of applicants is 8 to 1 and it is important to be at least one of the three who are seriously considered. Tom Eiland asked a very key question: What do you want for yourself? To find the right job it is important to ask yourself that question or else you will wind up in a job you don’t want to be in. The next question he proposed to the group was “what do you want the interviewers or reviews to walk away with?” It is important to have three key messages that you want to communicate with the employers and crucial that you get them across clearly. Product and Promotion are the two most important factors in finding a job. What do you have to offer and how are you selling it? Business is about relationships and to develop a personality of your own, that is unique, you will stand out with reviewers and interviewers.

Presentation is another major aspect in the interview process. A physical portfolio and the presentation must go hand in hand and support each other. You can’t have one without the other. Candidates should always dress professionally and pay attention to the details. If employers recognize that you care about the details in your presentation they may be more inclined to hire you to care for the small details in projects at their company.

Resumes are the short story to why you should be hired. Use it to your advantage. Tell a short story during your interview; build interest with the interview panel. Include funky traits, if they are relevant, that will set you apart from other candidates. The interviewer looks at a resume and asks, “What can you do for me?” There are many other candidates who most likely have a similar looking resume, give the panel a strong reason to choose you. Differentiate yourself.

The following are the key points from the presentation:

• You are the product, promote yourself
• Do you have the basic skills? (i.e. good writing, design skills, format skills)
• Differentiate- how are you better than any other candidate?
• Have attention to detail
• Demonstrate Passion
• Plan Ahead