READINESS ASSESSMENT AND ACTIVITY FOR NETWORKING

(Rate each of the following on a scale of 1-10: 10 = Expert Level; 1 = Novice)

Knowledge:

1. _____Self – Personal: Values and Vision, Interests, Motivating factors, etc.
2. _____Self – Professional: Expertise, Experience, Direction, etc.
3. _____Personality Type and Job Search Style
4. _____World of Work – Marketplace, Economy
5. _____General Job Search Methods and Benchmarks
6. _____Specific Industries and Market Segments
7. _____Specific Targeted Companies
8. _____The Hiring Process
9. _____Working with Recruiters
10. _____Applying through Newspaper Ads
11. _____Applying Online
12. _____Networking Process
13. _____Strategic and Behavioral Interviewing Process

Skills:

1. _____Communication skills
2. _____Interpersonal skills
3. _____Organizational skills
4. _____Planning and Project Management skills
5. _____Research skills
6. _____Internet skills
7. _____Word Processing skills
8. _____Managing Data skills
9. _____Financial Planning and Management skills
10. _____Sales and Marketing skills
11. _____Interviewing skills
12. _____Negotiating skills

Will & Self-discipline:

Check all that apply …or create your own system for rating your motivation level….

1. _____Motivated, at this point, beyond belief and rarin’ to go.
2. _____I’m interested in preparing properly and proceeding on a steady pace.
3. _____I’m gathering information and will decide how to proceed later.
4. _____I’m want to absorb things and when I’m ready, I’ll know it.
5. _____I’m going to take my time and maybe take some time off for a while.
6. _____I’m on sabbatical.
7. _____I showed up didn’t I?
8. _____Not here yet……

IAPPOT-Q:

(Intelligent And Persistent Pursuit of Targets Quotient)

Action: (check all that you have completed to this point and are satisfied with)

_____Organize Files & Create Forms

_____Research Market Environment

_____Self-Assessment/Planning

_____Accomplishment Stories*

_____Direction/Professional Objective

_____Exit Statement*

_____Positioning Statement*

_____Summary of Qualifications

_____Resume Updated

_____Cover Letter

_____Reference List + Resume ++

_____Electronic Resume

_____Other Supplemental Papers

_____Marketing Plan*

_____Research Target Companies

_____Network Contact List

_____Practice, Practice, Practice (*s)

_____Attend Appropriate Workshops

_____ Implement Strategy

_____ Manage and Evaluate Search

Support Options and Contacts

1. Coworkers
2. Partners and Family
3. Career Center Roundtables and Consultants
4. Network Relationships and Sponsors
5. Associations and Organizations
6. Other:

Networking In Action:

1. How would you define your personal/professional image?

2. How would a colleague introduce you?

3. How would you introduce yourself?

4. Write out statements and/or questions you would use to discuss the marketplace in general or your specific industry.

5. Write out statements and/or questions you might use to explore targeted companies.

6. Write at least three affirmations about how you relate to others and/or your skills and experience.

7. Make a conscious decision to approach people you do not know. Pick situations where you have something in common, such as being at breakfast meeting for a particular group.

8. Plan to attend networking events and discreetly “pretend” you are the host or hostess. Enhance your social skills through practice.

9. Develop Introductory emails for networking online.

Asking Questions (using the marketing plan):

1. Which of these categories are you most familiar with? (referring to various industry focuses)

2. Which companies are you familiar with in that category? What do you know about them?

3. Do you know of any that have projects going that are in my fields of interest?

4. Have you ever used or heard of consulting firms in my areas of expertise?

5. Do you know anyone who might have?

6. Can you think of other companies or organizations that should be on my list?

7. Are you familiar with the ___________ industry?

8. What do you know about……….?

9. Do you have an idea of how I might find out more about that?

10. Do you who is in charge of that?

11. Do you know someone who might know more about that?

12. What are some of the biggest issues they are facing right now?

13. What is your opinion of……………?

14. Are you familiar with how that company is structured?

15. Do you know anyone who works in any of these companies?

16. As we have been discussing my interests and experience, are there any names of people popping up now who would be useful for me to talk with?

17. Any ideas or advice you can offer after looking at the marketing plan would be greatly appreciated...

Brainstorming Network Contacts:

Coworkers (past &present):

Business/Professional Associates: Spouse’s or Partner’s Network:

Alumni/Organizations:

Professional Organizations:

Relatives / Friends / Neighbors:

Community / Volunteer Organizations:

Religious Organizations:

Vendors / Customers:

Personal Business Contacts:

Others Contacts: