COMM 202 Tutorial 7T23 & T30

Agenda

1. Course timeline2. TA Feedback3. Networking4. Informational interviews5. Action items

Course timeline

Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12

• tutorial: event networking/ informational interview

• networking event (Mar 9th @ 6-8PM in CPA Hall)

• lecture: interview prep

• tutorial: interview questions

• interview stream due (Mar. 31st @ 11:59PM)

Week 11

• lecture: informational interview

• post-networking reflection due(Mar. 14th @ 11:59PM)

• lecture: when you’ve got the job!

• interviews (Apr. 3rd to Apr. 6th)

• informational interview assignment(Apr. 14th @ 11:59PM)

Feedback

• Slides are helpful, could be posted earlier• Atmosphere, music• Feedback on weekly assignments• Splitting up friend groups?• More interactive/activities• Snacks• Examples of resumes and cover letters

Networking

Where does networking happen?

Chance meetings

Where does networking happen?

Facilitated events

Where does networking happen?

Direct requests

Why we network

• Get your foot in the door (faster)

• Gain insight about a company, industry, or career path

• Practice your interview and networking skills

• Find a potential mentor

• Show them who you are beyond your resume and cover letter

Networking reflection assignment

• Your goals in attending the event (what was your purpose in going, define SMART goals beforehand)

• How you researched the contacts before the event? • What was it about these people that motivated you wanting

to talk to them?• A brief summary of who you spoke with and what you

learned in the conversations (3+ conversations)• A reflection on the lessons you have learned about the

networking process • Next steps you will take to continue building a relationship

with your new contact (if you plan to)Minimum one page; due Tuesday, March

14 at 11:59 pm via Turnitin

Addressing the room

• Look for singles or doubles!

• You want to be memorable - the less people in your circle the easier that becomes!

The approach

• Don’t interrupt – when joining a networking circle, wait for a lull in the conversation

• Never have food and a drink, you need a free hand to shake!

• Go with a wingman, but not a Siamese twin

Keep it simple

Just simply say hi!Hi, my name’s Allison.Hi Allison, it’s nice to meet you. My name’s Matt.

Show you’re interested in talking to themHi Matt, it’s great to meet you as well. I was actually hoping to chat with you this evening as I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you…and I would love to hear more about your experience.

Start the conversation. Ask a question, have them talk about themselvesDo you have any advice for students…looking to make the most of their time at Sauder? Looking for a career in your field?

Continue the conversation

• Be careful not to monopolize peoples’ time• Listen for facts, feelings, free information and implied

statements• Introduce others, tying them into the conversation• Identify commonalities• Ask open ended questions

The graceful exit

• Spend 5 to 10 minutes with one person; wait for a lull

• Excuse yourself kindly and assertively:• “It was nice to meet you”• “I’m glad you were here today. It’s been great chatting with you.

Thanks so much.”• “I don’t want to monopolize all your time today. Thank you for taking

time to speak with me and I hope you enjoy the rest of the event.”

• Shake hands and exchange cards or ask to connect (if the conversation was meaningful)

Follow-up

After great conversations, send a personalized email or LinkedIn request (or maybe an informational interview request?)

Hi Matt,

It was so great to get the chance to speak with you at last night’s networking event. I was really inspired by what you said about “building your personal brand”, and I am looking forward to putting your advice into practice.

I would love to continue our conversation about your experience at Cossette. I understand that you are very busy, but it would be great to meet for about 20 minutes. Would you be available to meet on Monday or Tuesday next week? Coffee is on me!

Thank you,

Allison

Pet peeves

• Asking questions and not listening to the answer• Asking rapid-fire questions so no one else can speak• Asking questions without adding to the flow of conversation• Talking too much• When you only talk about their option choices or career path!

Try connecting over a common interest beyond work and school

Practice time!!

Extra tips

• Food + water• Temperature• How long do I have to stay?• What to do when you’re lost…• Write your reflection ASAP• Don’t make stuff up

Information Interviews

Information Interviews

What are they?

Assignment

• Contact details (name, company, title, phone, email)• List of questions asked• Major insights gained – what did you learn during your informational interview?

*This is the most important part, should be 40% of final paper*• Did you request/receive any information regarding additional connections?• Follow up action – What will you do to maintain this connection? *Screen shot of

thank you email required• What are your next steps having conducted this information interview?

Assignment

• Due Friday, April 14 at 11:59pm• Minimum of two pages + screenshots of thank you email• In-person and NOT a current UBC student/staff/faculty or family member• Look at potential questions on the course blog

Landing an information interview

1. Find 4 or 5 potential contacts 2. Research them (Google, Linkedin) and reach out to

contacts you have in common 3. Decide what you want to talk to them about and

brainstorm questions and points of commonality4. Send out your invites! Don’t be offended if they don’t

immediately reply

Suggested timeline

Week 9 Week 13Week 10 Week 12

• Determine potential informational interview candidates

• Compose and send first round email

• Have interview date/time confirmed

• Brainstorm questions for interview

Week 11

• Compose and send second round email

• informational interview assignment due (Apr 14th @ 11:59PM)

Action items

Action items

1. Resume and CL due Tuesday, March 7 via Turnitin and COOL2. Networking Reflection due March 14 @ 11:59PM on Turnitin3. InterviewStream due March 31 @ 11:59PM

Questions?LECTURE next week!