It’s 2020. Everything’s canceled. The Olympics. Concerts. Big10. But even while we’re socially distancing, networking is still very much a thing.
As an introvert, I really can’t decide if everything being remote is easier, harder, or the same (though I am looking forward to handshakes being a thing of the past), but technology is here to make sure we can keep up with each other. Expanding our circles, however, is definitely a little trickier.
In this line of work, I talk to countless people who have incredible experience, skills, and credentials, but just can’t land an interview or new job.
The problem is almost always the same. They think the hiring process is about them.
It’s not. It’s about them and their problems…and how you can solve them. And it’s on you to show them how you can solve their problems and make their lives easier.
Whether you’re interviewing or networking, talking about yourself can stress just about anyone out. How much is too much? How personal should you get? Isn’t it impolite to drone on and on about yourself? Who really cares??
These tricky questions can stop you in your tracks, make you doubt and question everything you were about to say, and bring your conversation to a screeching halt. So how do you deal with them? Here are 6 tips to help you talk about yourself in an engaging and meaningful way:
1. Believe in Your Value
We all know the best way to land new opportunities is through our network, but what if you don’t have one?
When you’re just starting out in your career, it is imperative to take careful steps to grow and nurture your professional network. But where do you start?
April is Stress Management month – how appropriate! As we juggle sudden changes, additional responsibilities, isolation, and possible job loss, it is important to check in with your mental health and manage stress levels. One way is through conversation.
Spring is right around the corner, the snow is melting, and peeks of green are starting to show again. Have you caught the Spring Cleaning bug? As you’re airing out the house, purging and decluttering, we’re going to focus on ways for you to spruce up your professional life with all that energy this month!
This week, take a few minutes to revisit your list of professional references (you do have one, right?). When is the last time you talked to them? Do they know what is going on in your career? Are they still the best choice for a reference?
February. Is it STILL winter? It really is, so now is a great time to rekindle the fire of your professional passion.
Whenever someone mentions networking, many of us automatically think of networking events and cringe inside (or outside, if we’re being real). I know a lot of extroverts who just love these events, while introverts (like me) would rather be anywhere else. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to network!
The first step in successful networking is identifying what you want in a connection; relationships take energy and you have to be willing to put in the effort into the connections which will make a difference. Be sure to spend some time and physically write down the goals you for the connection, this will ensure you get results. In most cases, the connections we want are business oriented. We want sales leads, future employers, potential employees, technical ideas, or simply credentials that come from belonging to the “right club”.
