4. Personal Introduction
(Verbal Commercial, Elevator Speech, 15 Second Pitch)
WHO YOU ARE (Name and Program)
My name is . . . and I am currently a (insert major) student at the University
of Calgary.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING (Snapshot of what makes you unique)
I am very interested in . . .
WHAT DO YOU WANT (What are you asking for)
I am at this event to . . . And I am interested in meeting some new people
and learning about networking.
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7. Are you one of these?
The Gripper
The Limp Fish
The Clam
The George W.
The Lingerer
The Double Gripper
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8. Let’s practice
Hello, my name is…
Shake hands with as many people as you can in the
next 5 minutes
Notice the different types of handshakes. What
different impressions did they make on you?
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9. Additional Tips
Keep attentive
Approach groups of three, not groups of two;
approach and stand quietly for 1 – 2 seconds
…make eye contact and enter
Keep up-to-date on current events so you can “small talk”
Ask quality questions . . . . listen more than you speak AND Have fun!
10. Quality Questions
What do you do?
What are you taking?
What do you enjoy about
your job?
What’s going on in the ____
field?
How long have you been...?
How did you get into that
field?
12. Dressing for the occasion
Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
- Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey) - Khaki or dark pants - Keep it classy… still. This is not the
- Long sleeve shirt (white or - Neatly pressed dress shirt same thing as “casual”
coordinated with the suit) - Polo/golf shirts are appropriate if - Be conscientious of your
- Leather belt you know the environment is casual environment
- Tie (Windsor knot) - Leather belt and leather shoes - What to avoid: Sandals, ripped
- Dark socks, conservative leather - Conservative watch pants, shorts, hats, anything dirty or
shoes - When in doubt, err on the side of wrinkled, anything too revealing
- Little or no jewelry caution (deep V’s or low-rise jeans)
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the aftershave
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13. Dressing for the occasion
Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
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14. Dressing for the occasion
Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
- Pant or skirt suit (neutral colours) - Khaki, dark or grey pants - This is not the same as weekend
- Coordinated blouse in a neutral - Neatly pressed blouse with buttons casual; no sweat pants, hoodies or
colour done up and tucked in strappy tank tops!
- Natural makeup - Leather belt and closed toe shoes; - Jeans are ok…but must not be
- Leather belt flat or moderate heel ripped, faded or too slim
- Hosiery is a MUST - Conservative and simple jewelry - What to avoid: Sandals, ripped
- Closed toe dress shoes (no (don’t be afraid of a touch of colour) pants, shorts, hats, flip flops,
platform shoes or sandals) - Avoid sleeveless tops and flip flops exposed tank tops, anything dirty or
- Conservative and simple jewelry in the summer wrinkled, anything too revealing
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the amount of
perfume/fragrance worn
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15. Dressing for the occasion
Business Business Casual Casual (Fridays)
ucalgary.ca/careers
16. Dressing for the occasion
Semi-Formal - Women Semi-Formal – Men
- Conservative & classy but dressier than the every day - Leave the tux at home
business attire - Keep it simple and with suit: a nice suit is the ideal
- Avoid short hems (anything shorter than a few inches wardrobe piece for a semi-formal event
above the knee) - If we are to get technical, day semi-formal calls for a
- Mid level neckline (avoid low neck line) grey or lighter suit and an evening semi-formal calls for
- Dress or skirt paired with a dressy top or blouse a darker suit
- Strapless tops or dresses should be avoided for - Combine the suit with a pressed dress shirt and a tie.
business functions Play with the patterns on shirts
- Silk, velvet, cashmere or high quality polyester fabrics - Do not underdress. No polo shirts or jeans.
preferred
- Heeled shoes (no platform); metallic or leather shoe is
a good choice
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17. Food and drink etiquette
Food Drinks
- Eat before the event if you’re hungry. Food at networking - Hold your drink in your left hand. You want to have your
sessions are meant to be a snack, not a meal. right one available (and not wet or cold) to shake hands
- Avoid messy foods. You never know what will be served with.
but if you are able to keep one hand free, that is ideal. - If alcoholic drinks are what’s on the menu, know your
- Don’t head for the food table with a large group of limit. Keep it to 1 or 2 drinks. Yes, open bars are nothing
friends. Space it out. Try to avoid juggling food. to put your nose up to but you’re here to network.
- Hold your food in your left hand & have a cocktail napkin
handy.
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18. Closing the deal
Every interaction is an
opportunity
Be direct!
Ask for a card … and use it
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20. Ways to follow up
Connect on Linked In
Send an email
Make an appearance
Make a call
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21. Follow-up e-mail (reminder)
Good Morning David,
It was a pleasure to meet you at last night’s Networking Gala.
I was inspired by your story of working your way up from a
Communications Assistant to the Director of HR at Telus.
I hope that we have the opportunity to cross paths again in
the future.
Sincerely,
Colleen Bangs
3rd year, BA – English Literature student
University of Calgary
ucalgary.ca/careers
22. Follow-up e-mail (action item)
Good Morning David,
It was really good to meet you at last night’s Networking Gala.
You mentioned that there might be some summer
opportunities in your department that I might be interested in
so I have attached my resume for your reference and will
keep my eye on your HR site.
I hope you enjoy the Stamps game this weekend!
Sincerely,
Colleen Bangs
3rd year, BA – English Literature student
University of Calgary
ucalgary.ca/careers
23. Moving on …
What’s the worst that can happen?
Be patient
Follow through on your word
Keep a mental inventory for next time
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24. And that’s a wrap ….
THANK YOU!
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Hinweis der Redaktion
Networking is more about listening and asking good questions and balancing this with your responses Networking allows you to establish professional relationships and is considered a dialogue, over the long term. The goals of networking include creating connections, sharing information, following up are the keys to successful networking. Networking never stops, even if you get a job. It’s a life skill.
Once you decide who to contact, you will need to be prepared with what you will sayWhen you introduce yourself you want to provide a snapshot of who you are and what you are interested in and then finally your reason for talking to them Make these unique to you and practice them What you say will adapt and change depending on who you are talking toThis slide provides an example of a possible approach to introducing yourself and requesting an information interview
Does anyone know the origin of the handshake?The handshake has been around since the 2nd.One tale is that medieval knights would show and grip each other’s’ hands to show that they were not concealing weapons and meant no harm to each other. Other cultures have explained it as an exchange of energy between two people.Why do we handshake today? Today, handshaking is used to greet another person, congratulate, or “seal” a deal. People even judge others based on their handshakes. A firm handshake implies power, strength, and knowhow. Whereas a weak handshake can imply weakness, uncertainty, and uninterested. Some say that you can really get a good read on someone’s character by shaking their hand. Always accept; except for injury / cold, religious beliefs, etc.Come from behind table/deskSmile, make eye contactRight hand, fingers together, thumb up, palm straight, elbow held close to body and bent 90 degreesFirm and short; 3 seconds, don’t pump Avoid grasping elbow or using 2 handsAvoid standing to close (more than 18 inches)
Quality questions:1. What are your job responsibilities? 2. What is a typical day like? 3. What are some of the challenges you face in your position? 4. What do you like about the job? 5. What do you dislike about the job? 6. How did you get the job you have? 7. What skills do you need to be successful in what you do? 8. What opportunities do you have for advancement? 9. What are the opportunities to find other jobs like yours? 10. What is the work environment like at your company? 11. How are lawyers regarded in your organization? 12. What resources are available to learn more about your position (websites, organizations, magazines, books)? 13. Are there any courses/workshops worth taking to learn more? 14. Is there anyone else you can suggest speaking with? Follow up any networking meeting with a brief note of thanks. Include
Practice your introduction pitch, handshake and quality questions.
Now you have learned how to network, you need to know how to leverage the work that you have done. Correct that handshake if needed, be confident.
The impact of networking is dependent on the follow upAre you on Linked In? Create a profile (show Heywood’s profile and tell the story about meeting him). The possibilities on Linked In are endless, a great place to ask questions and join professional groups.Create a personal business card with your name, program, year of study, phone number and email address. This way when you ask for a business card you can exchange cards.
Select an action item based on your interaction. If an event was suggested try to go, if they asked about your resume send it, if they said to give them a call to chat more about something do so within 1-2 business days.
Address the person in the way that they introduced themselves (Mr. Cataford, David, Dave). You have the business card, this is an invitation to make contact. Don’t be afraid to remind your new contact that you met.
if there was a connection made during your conversation - leverage it, if an action was requested of you – follow through
If you are tentative about some of the more direct follow up items just ask yourself, “what’s the worst that can happen?” If the answer is that nothing will change then take the risk. Tip: after you leave an event take a moment to scribble down any points that you want to remember about a new contact on their business card. You never know when you will run into someone again.