Introduction

Simply stated, networking means talking to people who can help you find people and organizations that need your skills. Networking and interviewing are important skills that can significantly increase your ability to add value wherever you do work. Many people mistakenly believe that networking and interviewing are things that you only do when you need a job, but they are actually an essential ongoing process you should use to develop your career. This lesson will help you develop these important skills so that you can increase your ability to add value to your home, the Church, and your community.

Networking

Professional networking can be uncomfortable for many. Feeling shy or inexperienced might make it hard to start conversations or meet new people. The idea of networking solely for personal gain may feel insincere to some. This discomfort often comes from a misunderstanding of networking. It's simply about building relationships without an agenda. Networking is an ongoing process. Genuine interactions lead to an expanding network.Think of networking as building relationships without an agenda. It's not about self-promotion but about personal and professional growth, aiding others along the way. Networking does not need to be self-serving; it's about creating a supportive community.In the Bible, Andrew and Philip (two of the original apostles) were followers of John the Baptist. John told them that Jesus was the “Lamb of God” (John 1:36). The next day, Andrew went to find his brother, Peter, and told him “we have found the Messias" (John 1:40–41). Philip also went and told someone else, Nathanael, and told him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" (John 1:45).So, because John knew Jesus—and who He was—he introduced Andrew and Philip to the Savior. Andrew then introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, and Philip brought his friend Nathanael. From this one bit of networking beginning with John and Jesus, we have one-third of the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Similarly, as disciples of Christ, we're called to share His message worldwide. This is networking. Overcoming aversion to networking involves genuine interest in others and helping them. Networking is a skill that can be developed through prayer and practice. It's about unity and showing genuine interest in others, which aligns with the principle of charity, the pure love of Christ.

Check My Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.

1. Networking is simply about ___________. ANSWER
   x

   building relationships without an agenda
2. Networking is not solely for ___________. ANSWER
   x

   personal gain
3. In the Bible, Andrew and Philip introduced others to Jesus, showcasing an example of ___________. ANSWER
   x

   networking

How People Really Get Jobs

If you had a network of friends whom you trust and whom you knew would do a good job, wouldn’t you hire them over strangers? You probably would. In fact, most jobs are not advertised; they’re filled through networking. Consider the following statistics the Find a Better Job Self-Reliance course:

How People Look for Work

• 65% - Advertisements
• 27% - Placement Agencies
• 8% - Networking

How People Actually Get Jobs

• 10% - Advertisements
• 15% - Placement Agencies
• 75% - Networking

Even though networking is the most effective way to find a job, most people waste their time using the least effective way to get a job—advertisements. Networking is leveraging a hidden job market. This hidden job market is only visible to people who are connected to a hiring manager’s network. The network extends beyond the people you know to the people they know (see image below). This means that sometimes you’ve got to network through several layers to make the right connections. For more information, you can view the video called How Jobs Are Really Filled (01:34 mins, How Jobs are Really Filled Transcript).

Clearly, networking is an essential task for finding a job, but it’s also an important part of belonging to a professional community. A simple tool that you can use to improve your networking is a "Me in 30 Seconds" statement. Me in 30 Seconds statements are exactly what they sound like. In professional circles, they are also known as elevator pitches because they are what you could share during the short time you are on an elevator with someone who might be able to help your job search.

A Me in 30 Seconds statement is not only helpful in networking situations; you can also use them as opening statements in job interviews when the interviewer asks, “Tell me about yourself.” Having a prepared and polished response can help you start your interview well. You might also use a written version of your Me in 30 Seconds statement as a summary statement for a LinkedIn profile or on your résumé.

The key steps to create an effective Me in 30 Seconds statement are outlined below, and come from the Find a Better Job course offered from Self-Reliance Services.

Me in 30 Seconds Statement

1. Name
2. What Job You're Looking For

3. Why You're Good At It

   1. Qualifications
   2. Example

4. Ask for Specific Help (see examples below)

   1. Who would you recommend I talk with?
   2. What opportunities do you know of for someone like me?
   3. What do you know about _____ (company, industry)?
   4. what businesses are in the area that are looking for _____ (job type or position)?
   5. Who do you know who does what I do?

One of the reasons that this formula works is that it clearly connects what you're looking for (step 2) with what you are good at (step 3) so that when you ask for help (step 4), people can quickly figure out how to help you.

Check My Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.

1. Most jobs are filled through __________, not advertisements. ANSWER
   x

   networking
2. According to the text, what percentage of people actually get jobs through networking? ANSWER
   x

   75%
3. In a "Me in 30 Seconds" statement, don't just say what your qualifications are, give an __________. ANSWER
   x

   example

Managing Your Network

Your network generally falls into two categories: social and professional. The social network comprises friends, family, and social acquaintances, while the professional network includes colleagues and those in similar fields. This section discusses how to maintain both networks effectively.

Social Network
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are commonly used to stay connected with loved ones. However, they can impact your career if not used carefully. A survey by CareerBuilder.com revealed that employers often screen candidates' social media profiles. They look for positive things like cultural fit, qualifications, and creativity. They may not like your profile if it has negative things like inappropriate content or criticism of past employers. Be careful what you post. Assume everything you post is permanent.

Professional Network
Professional associations exist in most industries, offering networking opportunities, education, and certifications. Joining these associations not only expands your professional circle but also enhances your skills and industry knowledge. Local chapters often seek volunteers, providing valuable networking chances. Engage with professionals in your field, seeking advice and mentorship. LinkedIn, a professional networking site, is another valuable tool. It allows you to connect with colleagues, showcase your skills, and access articles and groups related to your industry.

Résumés vs. LinkedIn
Differentiating between a résumé and LinkedIn is important. While résumés target specific employers, LinkedIn is about your professional community. Use LinkedIn not just for job applications but also for networking and professional development. Adapt your résumé content for LinkedIn, focusing on how you add value. Use relevant keywords to attract recruiters' attention.

Interviewing

Interviews can be uncomfortable, but the Lord has promised, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). This section will cover the seven interviewing steps from the Find a Better Job course offered from Self-Reliant Services. Self-reliance courses are available through your stake. You can also access the materials through the Gospel Library app or online on the Self-Reliance Services page.

The Interview (02:52 mins, The Interview Transcript) is a fun dramatization of poor interviewing skills. Watch it if you can and think what principles the video is depicting. While the mistakes of the three interviewees in the video are overstated, there are aspects that most of us can relate to. To avoid these mistakes and hone your interview skills, Self-Reliance Services suggest the following seven steps to help you nail the interview:

1. Prepare before the interview
2. Open the interview effectively
3. Me in 30 seconds
4. Use high-impact statements
5. Turn negatives into positives
6. Ask questions
7. Close the interview

Prepare Before the interview

One of the things that make interviewees nervous is not knowing what questions they’ll be asked. But the reality is that you have plenty of information to anticipate what questions you’ll be asked. The job posting is the first place to look for potential interview questions. Interviewers are likely to ask you about the organizations goals as stated on the posting. Additionally, most interviewers use questions like the list below.

• Tell me about a time that you disagreed with a supervisor and how you handled it.
• Tell me about a difficult problem you solved.
• What are your strengths?
• What is your greatest professional achievement?
• Tell me about a failure you experienced at work and what you learned from it.
• What type of supervisor do you work best with?
• What do you expect from us as an employer for you to be successful?
• Why do you want this job?
• Why should we hire you?
• What qualifies you for this position?
• What is your greatest weakness?

Open the Interview Effectively

The start of the interview is when your potential employer is forming most of their opinions of you. It’s essential that you get off on the right foot. Consider the following interview dos and don’ts:

Do

• Dress one level above the company's dress standard
• Arrive 5-10 minutes early
• Use positive body language

Don't

• Dress too casually
• Be late or more than 10 minutes early
• Use negative body language

Study the image below. The person on the left in both pictures is there for an interview. What kind of impression is the job seeker making in each picture?

Use Your Me in 30 Seconds

One of the first questions you’re likely to be asked is to tell the interviewer about yourself. Adapting the Me in 30 Seconds statement that you will practice next week is a great way to respond to this question. But instead of asking for referrals like you would with networking, you close it by showing interest in the company or position.

Use High-Impact Statements

Last week, you learned how to create high-impact statements for your résumé . These statements help you show, or demonstrate, how you can add value rather than telling what you did at a job. We’ll use a similar process for responding to interview questions by claiming a skill or experience, giving an example, showing what the results were, and then matching it to the needs of the employer. Verbal high-impact statements are similar to a Me in 30 Seconds but instead of being used to introduce yourself they are used to respond to interview questions:

1. Claim a skill or experience

   1. I am...
   2. I can...
   3. I have...

2. Give an example

   1. For example...

3. Give a result

   1. As a result...
4. Match the skill to the needs of the employer

Consider the following example of how to effectively use a high-impact statement.

Interviewer: “Tell me about a time you provided great customer service.”

Job Seeker: (1) “I am very skilled at customer service. (2) For example, when I worked for YZ Sales, we had a long-term customer who did not get what he had ordered. When he called me, he was upset and threatened to cancel all of his business with us. I took time to listen and understand his situation and then provided a solution that worked for him. (3) As a result, we not only retained the customer but saw considerable growth in our business as his orders soon increased by 200%. (4) I am confident that I can put these same customer service skills to work for you."

Turn Negatives Into Positives
During interviews, employers often raise concerns about your background or experience. Don't avoid these questions; address them honestly and positively. For instance, if you lack experience, emphasize your eagerness to learn and any relevant skills you've acquired. Here is an example: "During my time away from the workforce, I focused on personal growth and community leadership. I've served in various roles, including leading volunteer teams and studying business administration. I'm excited to apply my skills and continue learning."

Ask Questions
When given the chance, ask thoughtful questions about the company and position to demonstrate your interest and preparation. Avoid discussing salary or benefits unless prompted.

Close the Interview
Close the interview positively by making eye contact, thanking the interviewer, and inquiring about next steps. For example, you could say, "I appreciate the opportunity to meet and look forward to hearing from you," showing your enthusiasm and interest in the role.

If possible, watch the video called Amy Nails Her Interview (01:54 mins, Amy Nails her Interview Transcript) and then answer the Ponder and Record questions below.

Check My Understanding
Answer these questions to see what you remember from reading the text above.

1. To maintain both social and professional networks effectively, one should be careful about what they post on __________. ANSWER
   x

   social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram
2. The best way to respond to a question about your experience is to use __________. ANSWER
   x

   high-impact statements
3. During interviews, addressing concerns about your background or experience with honesty and positivity can help you __________. ANSWER
   x

   turn negatives into positives

Informational Interview

One way to network is to schedule and conduct an informational interview. An informational interview is like a job interview, only that your primary goal isn’t to get a job, but to gain information. Think of this as a more formal way of networking. In an informational interview, you seek to know more about the person’s place of work and industry, or field. As you ask, listen, and learn, you can discover new insights that may direct your job searching. You can also develop a relationship with the person and perhaps learn the names of other people whom you could interview in the future. Thus, your network can grow.

Take time to read Seeking Inspiration Through Information, which gives five steps to conducting an informational interview.

One of the options in this week’s Application Activity is to schedule and conduct an informational interview.

W03 Gathering Prep

 
What will you do this week, in preparation for the gathering, to exemplify the Learning Model principle of “Teach One Another?” Communication is key to a successful learning experience as well as successful networking. As you prepare for the gathering this week, build a relationship with someone in your network by saying hello or briefly visiting. Remember, networking is all about building relationships.

Ponder and Record
After reading this lesson, ponder the following questions. If desired, record your thoughts in a learning journal.

• Why is networking something you should always be doing?
• Why is networking more effective than looking through advertisements for a job?
• What professional associations are you interested in? How could you get involved with them?
• How could good interview skills help you in other areas of your life?