Archive for Category: Networking and Personal Branding
How to (and How Not to) Ask for Advice
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Generation Y/Millennials Getting from College to Career Job Search Tips LinkedIn Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding on November 12, 2010 at 8:00 am
One of the most common recommendations I give to young professionals is to ask more experienced people for advice. After all, there’s no better way to know how to do something than to ask someone who’s “been there, done that.” This is also known as informational interviewing and it’s a great strategy.
However, what I’ve been observing lately is that a lot of students and recent grads don’t know how best to ask for advice and guidance. The better your ask, the better the answers you’ll receive, so here are some tips:
- Make it easy for someone to say yes to your request for help. When you ask someone for advice, be specific about the kind of help you need (job hunting advice, career change advice, etc.), request a specific amount of time (1530 minutes is usually appropriate) and offer to call the person or meet at his or her office at his or her convenience. Then, be sure to confirm 24 hours in advance so the person knows you’ll show up.
- Do not ask to “pick someone’s brain.” Okay this one is more about how not to ask me in particular for advice. Some people don’t mind this phrase, but I definitely do. Why? First of all, I think it sounds kind of gross (think about it). Second of all, it is very one-sided: if you are picking my brain, what’s in this conversation for me? It feels as if I’ll be left brainless afterwards. My advice is to always request advice in a way that makes the ask-ee feel respected and like he or she will leave the conversation with something, too.
- Be specific. Instead of saying, “I’d like to hear some general advice” or “I’m happy to know anything,” show that you’ve done your homework and you are looking for particular advice or tips. For instance, “I know that you started your career in accounting, but you switched over to consulting. I’m thinking of doing the same and would be interested to hear how you made the decision.” Or, “I am not sure what I want to do after graduation, but I know I want to use my writing skills. Can you share some advice on how you’ve built a career with your writing?” It’s perfectly fine to prepare a specific list of a few questions to guide the conversation. Don’t bring a laundry list, though — five questions is about right.
- Request “assignments.” One of the ways to turn an informational interview into a real relationship is to ask for the person to give you a few assignments, such as recommending that you subscribe to a particular industry e-newsletter, join the discussions in a particular LinkedIn group or read a specific business book. The reason I like this strategy is that it gives you a reason to follow up with this person in the future when you’ve accomplished the assignment that he or she has recommended. It’s a way to show that you are a person who listens and takes action, and it sparks another conversation about the action you’ve taken.
- Ask, “Is there anything I can do to help you?” Even though you’re a student or just starting out in your career, you never know how you might be able to help another person. By asking this question, you are showing that you understand that the best networking relationships are mutually beneficial. Even if the person doesn’t need anything right now, he or she may want to reach out to you in the future and this question sets up that opportunity.
- Say thank you. I’ve written about this before, but it bears repeating. I am constantly shocked at how many students email me for advice, I respond to their request and then I never hear from that student again. I once asked a student why she never thanked me, and she said, “I know you are really busy so I didn’t want to bother you with another email.” Trust me — receiving a thank you is never a bother. Thanking someone after he or she has helped you is an absolute must and will make it more likely that this person will want to help you again in the future.
Do you have any other dos and don’ts for asking more experienced people for advice? Please share!
5 Career “Super Foods”
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Job Search Tips Networking and Personal Branding on July 9, 2010 at 11:37 am
As you can probably tell from reading my blog, I love lists. Top 10 These. Absolute 5 Thats. Well, I recently came across a fantastic list of 10 Everyday Super Foods, described by WebMD as “multitaskers,” such as nuts, blueberries and salmon, that are packed with multiple nutrients to help you stay healthy, promote wellness and weight control and taste good, too.
This got me thinking: What are the “Everyday Super Foods” for career success? What people, practices, tools and habits give you the biggest bang for your buck? Here is my list, and I hope you’ll share more “Career Super Foods” in the Comments.
1. Daily Goals. We often talk about annual goals or life goals, but successful people set — and achieve — small goals all the time (we sometimes call them priorities or to-do lists). Especially when you have a big goal — such as getting a new job, writing a book or launching a business — set small, daily goals that will keep you moving forward. Big goals are important, but small goals get the job done.
2. News. One of the most popular tips in my book, Getting from College to Career, is to read a newspaper every single day. Whether you read the headlines on your laptop, your phone, in an e-newsletter or a printed copy of the paper, it’s crucial that you keep up with world news, national news and the news of the particular industry you want to join. We live in the Information Age, so the most informed people are the ones who are most likely to succeed.
3. Coffee. While the actual caffeinated stuff helps a lot of people achieve their career goals, what I mean here is getting together with people for coffee — also known as networking. When it comes to moving your career forward, the more people you have genuine relationships with (hence the importance of meeting in person), the more opportunities you’ll be exposed to.
4. Mentors. Mentors are people you can turn to with questions large and small about your career. They are people who have “been there, done that” and are willing to share their wisdom to help your career grow. To receive the maximum benefit from a mentor, be sure to set up regular meetings (once a month is a good start) in person, by phone or on Skype, and bring specific topics or challenges you’d like to discuss for each session.
5. Responsiveness. With the amount of e-mails, LinkedIn requests, Twitter direct messages, voice mails, text messages and IMs we all receive, it can be hard to get back to people in a timely way. But those who are responsive — especially to important requests and time-sensitive opportunities — really stand out from the crowd. If you are actively job hunting, responsiveness is even more important. More than a few jobs have gone to the first person to apply.
What other Career Super Foods do you recommend? Please share in the Comments!
Secrets of Summer Career Success
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Generation Y/Millennials Getting from College to Career Job Search Tips Networking and Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources on July 1, 2010 at 10:48 am
For many people, the July 4th weekend marks the beginning of Slacker Season at work: the time to enjoy long lunches outside and cut out early on Fridays. I love the mellowness of summer and encourage you to enjoy the season to its fullest. I also know that you need to keep your job search or career development on track, even when it’s 100 degrees in the shade. Here are some suggestions:
Revisit Your New Year’s Resolutions.
Remember that sense of optimism and new beginnings you felt as you turned your calendar to January? Pretend you’re a company with a July 1st start to your fiscal year and reboot your resolutions right now. If you never set any goals for this year, lie on a beach towel staring at the sky and daydream about what you want to accomplish by the end of 2010. Then, commit to taking some small steps this summer (such as registering for an online course to improve your negotiation skills, going outlet shopping to perk up your professional wardrobe, revising your job description with your boss to prepare for a promotion) to move yourself forward.
Redefine “Beach Reading.”
Instead of reading the latest romance novel, gossip magazine or legal thriller by the pool, pack your tote bag with a book that will advance your career knowledge. Check out the biography of a successful business owner, a productivity guide or a job hunting manual. If you’d rather keep your eyes shut and avoid weird sunglasses tan lines, load some books onto your iPod and listen instead. Consider these 10 great career books for young professionals.
Read the rest of this post on my “College to Career” blog at MyPath.com…
The Secret to Successful Networking in the 21st Century
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals LinkedIn Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Personal Branding Social Media on June 7, 2010 at 10:15 am
Last week I attended the annual conference of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the largest organization for university career services professionals and entry-level recruiters. As someone who frequently talks about the powers of social media for connecting, this conference was a reminder that LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are only half the networking story.
At the NACE conference, I had the pleasure of meeting people in person whom I had previously only communicated with online or by phone. While I had good relationships with many of the people I knew virtually, something changes when you connect in person, waiting in an interminable Starbucks line together or sitting side-by-side on a bus to an offsite conference event. More trust is shared, relationships become a little deeper and stronger bonds are forged.
The secret to successful networking in the 21st Century is what my friend Diane Danielson, with whom I co-wrote The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking, calls a “clicks and mix” approach: equal parts online and in-person networking.
This is not necessarily easy, as online networking and in-person networking require some different skill sets. Tech-averse people love chatting face-to-face, but find it awkward to communicate online. Tech savvy people and shy people often wish they never had to emerge from behind their computer screens to shake hands and make eye contact with real live humans.
If you face any of these discomforts, you must work to overcome them, because the most successful networkers are competent in both realms:
They belong to professional association groups online and attend the networking events of those organizations as well. This exposes them to all members of an organization and all benefits of membership.
They send emails or LinkedIn connection requests to stay in touch with people they meet at conferences (hint: I do this on the plane ride home following an event).
They determine how to communicate with a networking contact based on the other person’s “clicks and mix” preferences. Upon meeting someone, they will ask, “I’d really like to keep in touch with you. What is the best way to reach out — do you generally prefer email, phone or another method?”
And, most importantly, they behave the same way — professionally, politely and generously — in person and online. It’s terribly disappointing to find out that someone you liked in person is rude or inappropriate online. And — as I learned at the NACE conference — nothing is better than discovering that a person you liked over email or twitter is just as fabulous when chatting over a frothy Frappuccino.
Virtual Internships: A Growing Trend and Great Opportunity
Posted in Internships Job Interview Advice LinkedIn Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources Social Media on October 15, 2009 at 12:35 am
This is a guest post by my friends Lauren Porat and Cari Sommer, co-founders of Urban Interns.
The job hunt is fierce. But a phenomenal new type of internship is on the rise, and it’s one that will boost your skills while at the same time allow you the flexibility of working from home and on your own clock. Employers are turning more and more to virtual interns, and we’re seeing a real rise in this on UrbanInterns.com. In fact, The Wall Street Journal published a story about this a few weeks ago.
Other advantages of a virtual internship? You don’t have to go to school in a major city to get access to awesome companies, and a lot of these positions are in areas that you’re probably already pretty skilled at, like social networking, blogging and research. We’re also seeing a rise in these positions at small businesses in particular, which is a great opportunity for you because you get exposure to management and get to play an important role as an intern at a small company.
So what’s the best strategy for going about finding a virtual internship? Here are some tips: (more…)
It’s Not Easy Being Green: 5 Tips for Young Job Seekers in a Competitive Market
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Generation Y/Millennials Job Search Tips LinkedIn Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources on July 27, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Thank you to Brian Kurth for inviting me to write a guest post for his blog. If you aren’t familiar with Brian’s work, check out his career coaching and his company, Vocation Vacations. He is also the author of Test-Drive Your Dream Job: A Step-By-Step Guide To Finding And Creating The Work You Love. Here is the blog post I wrote for Brian’s blog:
It used to be so easy: entry-level professionals applied for entry-level jobs; mid-level professionals applied for mid-level jobs and senior-level people eventually retired.
Ah, the good old days.
Today, due to the economic recession, it feels as though everyone is competing with everyone for a limited number of positions. When this happens, the lowest ones on the totem pole are particularly vulnerable. According to a survey from Qvisory and the Rockefeller Foundation, nearly 19 percent of young adults are unemployed or looking for work.
What can you do if you’re a recent grad competing with experienced professionals who are willing to take a step back? Here are some suggestions:
1. Seek out honest feedback. Find someone you trust—a former colleague, relative, career services professional, etc.—who will be candid. Do you say “like” or “you know” too much when you talk? Should you dress less “slacker”? Are you applying for jobs you’re really not qualified for? Take this feedback seriously and address any areas where you’re getting in your own way.
2. Become an active user of LinkedIn.com. LinkedIn is the largest and most active professional social network, but many young professionals are unaware of it. Don’t miss out on this resource! (Full disclosure: I am a global campus spokesperson for LinkedIn.) First, set up a profile that includes keywords an employer might use to find someone with your skills. Include all experience you have, including unpaid internships, volunteer gigs and extra curriculars. Next, scour other profiles to uncover potential employers and professionals who might agree to an informational interview (alums from your college are ideal). Finally, use LinkedIn to help others with suggestions, job leads and recommendations—the more people you help, the more people will offer to help you. Note: I am leading a series of official LinkedIn webinars for career services professionals. I welcome you to register for this 60-minute, free webinar at http://careerservices.linkedin.com/webinar.
3. Network face-to-face. While online networking is very important, still the best way to make a strong impression is in person. Make sure you are networking across generations to maximize your chances of finding out about opportunities. Don’t feel intimidated if you are the youngest person at a networking event, say at a Rotary Club meeting or a college alumni gathering. Sometimes you have the best chance of making a memorable impression when you’re different from everyone else.
Read the rest of this blog post at BrianKurth.com…
Professional association membership has rewards (like finding a job!)
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Getting from College to Career Job Search Tips Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources on May 11, 2009 at 9:54 am
In a bad economy, college students and recent grads need to try everything they can to land a job or internship. One often-overlooked resource is the world of professional associations.
These organizations exist to support, educate and provide resources for professionals in a particular industry or profession. Some are really small and others are as huge as corporations. Some are full of young members and others could use some fresh faces. Some are super active and some only meet occasionally. This means you have to do your research (check out the American Society of Association Executives, the professional association for associations) and ask your professors which associations they think are worthwhile. Note that professional association memberships can be expensive, so always ask for student or young professional rates when you join.
What can a professional association do for you? Here are some suggestions:
Read the rest of this post at ABC News on Campus…
Image: ABC News Photo Illustration/AP Photo
Recommended Event in NYC: Personal Branding & Networking Panel
Posted in Networking and Personal Branding on April 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Due to all of the great feedback from my Personal Branding and Your Job Search post earlier this week, I wanted to share information about an upcoming personal branding event in New York City. I will be attending and hope you’ll join me:
Event: Personal Branding & Networking Panel, organized by Step Up Women’s Network
Time & Date: Tuesday, April 14th. Networking reception begins at 6pm. Panel runs from 7 – 9pm.
Location: NYU Stern School of Business, Henry Kaufman Management Center, 44 West 4th St (corner of Greene)
Event Description: Now more than ever, personal branding and networking is critical to an individual’s career success. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with female industry leaders who will share their insights on how actively build a powerful personal brand and network.
Speakers:
- Beth Schoenfeldt, Co-Founder of Collective-E (moderator)
- Christine Beauchamp, President of Ann Taylor Stores
- Carla Harris, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley
- Hope Hughes, Director of Deloitte Consulting
- Juliette Powell, author of 33 Million People in the Room
Topics to be discussed include:
• How to build and manage your personal brand
• How to follow up with people after a networking event, and ways to turn acquaintances into meaningful professional contacts.
• How to network and build mentoring relationships with senior level women
• Using technology to network — the do’s and the don’ts
Registration: Tickets are $35 for non-members and and must be purchased online by Monday, April 13th. Click here to register!
How to get a job in the recession: New videos, Q&As and downloadable worksheets
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Generation Y/Millennials Getting from College to Career Job Search Tips Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources on March 8, 2009 at 8:30 pm
The February jobs report came out on Friday and it was bad — even worse than expected. If you’re graduating this spring, or have recently graduated, you’re probably pretty frightened.
I absolutely understand we are in deep economic trouble, but I also know that there are opportunities available for young professionals who are smart, hardworking and willing to go the extra mile. PricewaterhouseCoopers has the same attitude. I’m currently working with PwC on a national project to help students and recent grads to “recession-proof your job search.” A few weeks ago I provided ten tips and a video on PwC’s website, and now we’re expanding the resources available to make sure you can find all the help you need to get a job.
Visit PwC.tv for:
Job search Q&As
Career advice vidoes
Downloadable worksheets on such topics as getting started, networking and personal branding
A blog to post your own questions for response by me and PwC’s career experts
Don’t miss out on all of these free resources — visit PwC.tv today and learn how to forget your fear and recession-proof your job search.
My interview on the Personal Branding Blog
Posted in Career Advice for Young Professionals Job Search Tips LinkedIn Networking Advice Networking and Personal Branding Personal Branding Recommended Career Resources Resume Tips Social Media on February 25, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Many thanks to Dan Schawbel for interviewing me on his Personal Branding Blog.
Here is an excerpt:
Dan: When you go to speak to students across the country, how have you accessed their proficiency in job searching and resume building through online means? Most students I talk to don’t know what LinkedIn is. What are your experiences?
Lindsey: A year or so ago, very few students I met had even heard of LinkedIn. Today, I’d say about 1/4 of students at my workshops are aware of the site, but most don’t really know how to make the most of it. I believe that an active presence on LinkedIn is no longer optional for a career-minded person of any age, so I talk about it in every speech and workshop I give.
1. First, I advise students (and everyone else!) to set up a complete profile including keywords a recruiter or business owner might use to find someone with your skills and interests.
2. Then I recommend joining groups on LinkedIn (such as the Personal Branding group, of course) to build connections and become part of conversations about industry news.
3. Third, I recommend customizing those little “I’d like to add you as a connection” messages – that’s a great way to stand out and show that you are someone who takes the time to personalize your communications.
Another important tip, particularly for those who are just starting out in the workforce, is to scour other people’s LinkedIn profiles to look for companies you may want to apply to, job titles or professions you didn’t know about, professional organizations where you might network and people with similar interests who might be willing to offer some job search advice. If you’re trying to build your own personal brand, LinkedIn is incredibly valuable as a massive database of other people’s personal brands and career paths to research.
