It Could Be Who You Know.....

When they're looking for new hires, many organizations tap their own employees for suggestions. And not casually - these organizations have formal "employee referral programs" to help them find new hires.

In fact, in a recent survey, employers cited their employee referral programs (ERPs) as among their most effective means for hiring new employees. (Some even have such a program to help them identify good prospects for internships.)

As a result, if you have a contact within an organization that has an ERP, you could get the inside track on a position before the company goes outside to look for candidates.

ERPs are just another reason why networking is a good way to find a job.

For more information see: JOB Choices 2010 Diversity Edition

Selling Yourself During the Interview

Words on a printed page or computer screen can only tell an employer so much. To "bring life" to your candidacy, they want to see and hear you during an interview to better gauge your fit with the organization.

There are different types of interviews and a variety of questions that will be asked. Sizing up your interviewer will help you present yourself in the most positive light during the interview. Learn how to engage the interview.

"No matter the type of interview, show them that above all you have the ability to listen," says Carolyn Cummings-Altemus, national director of diversity and executive recruiting for the Boy Scouts of America. "Focus on what the interview is saying and respond to and ask questions based on what he or she is saying."

At some point during the interview, the tables will turn and it will be your turn to ask the questions. For many recruiters, a good indicator of the research , resources link, you have done isn't how you respond to the questions they ask you, but the depth of the questions you ask them. Make sure to ask intelligent questions, even general ones.

For more information see: JOB Choices 2010 Diversity Edition, UAF Career Services (students page)

No Job...What Now?

If you don'thave a job upon graduation, take heart and take charge. Continue to make use of the services of the Career Center, and keep working and adding to your network. Your flexibility, creativity, and foresight can benefit you greatly in this situation. Consider taking a nontraditional approach to your employment.

"A student without a job at graduation should consider taking an internship with a company that accepts recent graduates or accepting a position that is not exactly what they wanted but with an employer for which he or she desires to work," Chapman says.

For more information See: JOB Choices 2010 Diversity Edition

20 Tips for Navigating a Networking Event
By Courtney Pike, Director of Operations, JobBound

Two out of three people get a job through networking.

Most job seekers spend the majority of their time scouring online postings and blasting their resume to job boards. Ask any hiring manager or recruiter where they find most of their candidates, and most likely they will say through a referral or a recommendation.

Since networking is the key to getting your dream job, you need to make sure you know the rules of the game for networking events.

Sure, you may be intimidated by the ubiquitous evening networking event. It may seem scary, but everyone in that room is there because they want to network and talk with people just like you.

Here are a few, quick tips to ensure you have a successful networking event:

1. Do your prep work and know what type of people will be in attendance.
2. Read the news so you can be up-to-speed on current events and potential conversation topics.
3. Make note of who the event organizers are so you can thank them at the event. (Usually they are the most connected people in the room).
4. Dress the part. Make note of the venue and expected attire.
5. Think of about five conversation starters or opening lines. It doesn't have to be deep - weather, sports, local news, reasons for being there, etc.
6. Arrive on time. You can meet the organizers and work a smaller room.
7. Focus on the people, not the food. It is difficult to shake hands and continue conversations when your hands and mouth are always full.
8. Drink in moderation. No one wants to hear you slur your story about your job search over your fifth glass of pinot.
9. Position yourself in a high traffic area.
10. Be assertive. "Hello, my name is...." Introduce yourself and start conversations.
11. Say something after your name to help lead the conversation. "Hi, I'm Courtney, I'm new to YPC. Are you a YPC member?
12. Try not to talk with the same two people the whole night. Sure, it's more comfortable, but you can follow up with those two over coffee another day.
13. To keep the conversation going, focus on things you both know about - the guest speaker, the networking event, or the organization hosting the program.
14. Listen and ask questions. Remember, it's not all about you.
15. Hand out your business cards to those you shared a conversation with, but don't fling them out like flyers.
16. Request a business card from those you would like to follow up with.
17. Bring a wingman if you're intimidated; just don't spend the entire evening chatting with your friend.
18. Tell the event planners thanks and that you enjoyed the event.
19. Jot down notes on the business cards to keep track of everyone you meet.
20. Follow up!! After the event, get connected on LinkedIn, and send a personal email to request a meeting to continue conversations.

Remember, you simply are meeting people, making connections, and creating relationships. A quality network is a crucial part of your job search.