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Networking is an important part of professional life – everybody is talking about it, looking for opportunities through it, and reaping the benefits!

Getting a job can be a challenge, but in today’s competitive job market your professional (and personal) network might know of job openings that are not yet posted on traditional job boards, or employment websites. It is never too early to start to grow your network; you never know who might recommend you for a job of a lifetime! Learn more about the benefits of networking, and start today.

 Network like a Professional in 5 Steps: 

1. Dress to Impress – If questioning your attire for a networking event, remember office dress code, and dress to impress! This is an opportunity to make an excellent first impression on the professionals you meet. Start off on a good foot, and dress to impress!
2. Have a Purpose – Know your intentions before each event, and set a personal goal! Plan to reconnect with 5 past contacts and deepen those professional connections; and make 5 new (valuable) connections that you would like to develop in the future.
3. Have an Elevator Pitch – Take the time to develop, practice and reherse your elevator pitch so that you can deliver it naturally, without sounding rehearsed. Don’t forget to add personalized variations to your pitch based on your audience!
4. Meet New Professionals – After a few networking events, you’ll recognize familiar faces and be tempted to spend the night socializing, instead of networking. Enjoy your time with friends, but make the effort to meet and new professionals at each and every event.
5. Be Available – Give your new connections a way to connect with you! Print business cards, and develop your LinkedIn Profile. LinkedIn is a valuable resource for professionals, job seekers and recruiters! Take the time to complete your online profile with your job skills and employment history. Add your new connections to your LinkedIn profile as soon as you can, while they still remember meeting you!

 Where to Network?

Toronto is a city booming in entrepreneurship and business opportunities. Every community, business sector and industry has opportunities for formal and informal networking. In addition to joining professional networking events, attending a trade show, professional development training or becoming a member of a professional association also provide the opportunity to network with professionals in your area of business.

 Need Help With your Job Search?

Metro College has Job Search Support Services available to all students, providing job search workshops, resume and cover letter assistance and practice mock-interviews!

Metro College of Technology is located in one of the most active business markets in Canada. Toronto has a thriving small and medium business community, and countless ways for professionals to network!

 Networking is an important aspect of Professional Development and career success. Learn how to start growing your own professional network today!

 Networking Tips for Students:

• Networking Can Land You a Job! Employers are now relying more on referrals and recommendations from their own networks and employees. Start going to networking events related to your industry, and take business cards to give to those you meet.
• The Importance of Networking in Your Job Search Networking can expand your horizons and expose you to new job opportunities that might not be advertised on traditional channels (e.g. job boards, employment websites, newspapers etc.).
• Take Control of Your Career! Networking is an opportunity to learn about different aspects of your industry, and areas that you might not have known about.
• Career Tip: Network Like a Professional! Be prepared to network at any opportunity. Dress to impress, have an elevator pitch ready, and be visible online (e.g. update your LinkedIn profile regularly).
• Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch Develop, practice and perfect your 30-second elevator pitch, and make it memorable!

Make the Most of Your Job Placement Grow you professional network while you work. Meet your co-workers, managers and supervisors and get to know them professionally.

Many people are afraid of telephone interviews. They may feel nervous because they do not physically see the person they are speaking with. To overcome this barrier and get your dream job, you need to take some time and practice to be fully prepared before the interview. Here are some tips and suggestions you should keep in mind prior to your interview. 

Telephone Interview Tips:

• Silence is key. Turn off the radio, TV, and cell phone. Ensure you are in a quiet room away from family, friends, roommates and/or any sort of interruptions and distractions. 
• Be prepared. Gather your tools: resume, pen and paper, company information highlighted with important facts. Have your job description with you. 
• Ask questions. Have questions prepared about the company and position. Also ask if there are any “further” responsibilities and qualifications that are not mentioned. 
• Show interest. Similar to point 3, have written notes of points you want to make. 
• Do not get side-tracked. Turn off the call-waiting feature. 
• Dress to impress. Experts say if you are dressed professionally you’ll come off that way. First impressions count! 
• Positive Interaction. Since you lack the verbal cues of body language to assess whether you’ve said enough, mark the end of your response with a question such as “Would you like further details about my experience as an intern with ABC Company?” 
• Be considerate. Let the employer end the interview. Then, as always, thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in this position. 
• Smile. Smile when you are on the phone interview. Your enthusiasm will be conveyed in your voice.

Metro College of Technology supports all students with their job search process. We offer a Professional Development course where students learn all the techniques required to know for any job hunter.

Call us today at 416-585-9880 or fill out the request form at www.metroc.ca for more information.

Being ready for a job interview involves more than getting a good night’s sleep, arriving on time and dressing professionally. During the days before the interview, you should research the company and job, and practice interview skills so you don’t get caught off guard with interview questions!

Top 5 Tips to Ace Your Next Interview:

• Be Yourself – A job interview is an opportunity for employers to get to know you and get a feel for how you will fit in with the company culture. This is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd, show your personality and professionalism.
• Keep Your Answers Short – Provide answers to the specific questions asked during your interview. Stay focused and don’t go off topic! Being able to provide a succinct answer demonstrates your mastery of listening and communication skills.
• Reframe Your Faults – The interviewer may ask you to identify your biggest challenge or fault. Practice your interview skills beforehand and have an answer ready. Be sure to reframe your answer into a positive, and never end an answer on a negative note.
• Identify a Past Challenge – Interviewers will usually ask you to identify a challenge you have faced in your past employment and describe how you handled the situation. Practice answering this question with various examples and solutions so you are not caught off guard when asked. Ensure you portray a good example of how you overcame a challenge and succeeded!
• Have Your Questions Ready – At the end of the interview you may be asked if you have any questions. This is where you can demonstrate your understanding of the company and the job duties. Be ready with some thought-out questions that demonstrate your knowledge and interest.

Are you having problems preparing for job interviews? Learn about Metro College Job Search Assistance Service, and get the help you need!