How to Build Your Network

1. Join professional or trade organizations. No better method exists for finding people who share the same professional interests and goals than joining one or more industry organizations. Get the most out of your membership by attending any meetings and conferences offered.

2. Volunteer. Providing your time and effort to a needy cause is perhaps one of the strongest venues for networking because you are working side-by-side with people who share your passion.

3. Attend networking events. Find events from community calendars online, our Career Services Office or in your local newspaper.

4. Join or ramp up your activities on social and professional networking sites. Position yourself as a knowledge leader by participating in online conversations.

5. Conduct informational interviews. As the name implies, it's an interview you initiate with someone in your profession/industry whose brain you can pick about how s/he got their start, moved up the ladder, and so forth.

6. Contact former co-workers, vendors, customers/clients. Many times as we move from job-to-job, employer-to-employer, we lose touch with former co-workers, customers, and the like. These people all had a relationship with you before and could again – you simply need to reconnect with them.

New Year’s Resolutions

As 2012 is coming to a close, it’s time to begin thinking of your New Year’s Resolution. Whether you have many plans for 2013 or none at all, here are some ideas to think about.

Take things one-step at a time – Goals are much easier to accomplish if you take your time and do not rush them. You don’t have to

Think realistically – Pick resolutions that are long-term and something you can work at all year. Be careful not to set yourself up for failure by choosing a goal that is not manageable.

Remind yourself why you made this resolution – Write down your resolution and the reasons why you chose this goal. Put this somewhere you will see it often so you are reminded why it’s important.

How To Prepare For A Phone Interview

The main point of a phone interview is to decide which applicants should come in for an in-person interview. Your goals for a phone interview are to sell yourself and build a connection with the interviewer.

You should prepare for a phone interview similar to an in-person interview.

-Research the company

-Be prepared to talk about why you are interested in the position

-Discuss what skills make you a good fit for the company

-Have questions ready to ask

Remember to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. Try to avoid ums, and ahs. Lastly, smile while you’re speaking. It will project a positive change in the tone of your voice and the interviewer will notice!

Managing your reputation...online

In the age of the Internet, it’s important to understand how social media can affect the outcome of future job opportunities. Here’s some advice on how to build a brand for yourself and manage your online reputation.

1. You don’t control your own reputation – others do based on their values and the signals you send them.

2. Perception = reality. What others perceive is your reputation, whether you like it or not.

3. Trust is everything – the perceptions you create open some doors and close others. Make sure they’re the ones you intend.

4. Social media is forever – 79% of employers check applicants’ online/social networks and 70% say they rejected candidates based on what they found.

5. Nothing is private – information that is online can be viewed by anyone. Check your digital footprint by Googling yourself and see what you find.

6. Build your digital footprint – use social networks to build content that will cast you in a positive light.