Networking in a Nutshell

Two weeks ago (was it so long ago?)  I was delivering some sessions on networking as part of our Careers Fair in Carlisle.

The feedback we got on the sessions was pretty good, so here's a very brief summary of the key points that were covered:

• To give yourself a start, prepare a stock phrase you can use to introduce yourself - ideally something memorable.
• For formal events and one-off opportunities, consider an elevator pitch
• Prepare a list of key questions you want to get answers to.
• Think how you will end a contact and whether/how you will follow it up.
• Use a mind map to help you identify useful people you already know.
• People you meet will know other people who might be able to help.
• Arrange information interviews with experts in the field that interests you.
• Consider spontaeneous networking.  Some networking gurus keep contact details and make quick notes on everyone they meet!
• Business cards are highly useful (and often free) and CVs are pretty much expected at Careers Fairs.
• Social networking is vital - particularly LinkedIn
• It's a mutual process - working out what other people want will give you big clues about what you need to do.

Initially nerves are natural when meeting new people but basically networking is something we do all the time.  If you get the approach right, it becomes easy.

P.s. If you are a University of Cumbria student or graduate and would like to attend a group session on networking, please email us at careers@cumbria.ac.uk 

A Guide to Pocket Resumes

Having mentioned pocket resumes in an earlier post, I thought it might be useful to provide some information on how to make one. The following is an edited extract from another blog post with the same title from Six Degrees Recruitment, Carlisle:


This Autumn, we are thinking small. Shrink your resume and take it everywhere you go.

It’s called a pocket resume and whether you print it on a business card or plop it on your iPhone with an app, it’s a great way to share some of your strengths. Because of its diminutive dimensions, you won’t give most of your credentials when you give one away, but you will provide new connections and hiring managers with an appetiser size of your talents.

Whether you’re in the thick of a job hunt or just tip-toeing into a stealth search, a pocket resume could be a crucial piece for marketing yourself. Why? Because it’s concise, discrete and easy to use at both career fairs and professional networking events.

“It’s a great networking piece” and a way for people to be “clear, precise and memorable,” said Mark Connor, Managing Director of Six Degrees Recruitment. “It really forces you to think what is absolutely critical,” he said.

Your pocket resume needs to dovetail with your elevator pitch, and may even have some of the same elements and phrases. But because it is the size of a business card, it really must be concise.

So how do you create a pocket resume? Here’s a quick guide:

Here’s what we feel should be on the list:

• Your phone number and email
• Web address for personal website, or social media profile
• Three titles that describe you and what kind of work you’re good at – and are seeking
• Standout traits: bilingual, ability to create web apps, others
• A short memorable summary, for example: “a one-man geek squad”

So what do you take off? Plenty. “You’ve got to cut, cut, cut” to make it concise. That means you skip your work history and university degrees – unless of course they will open a lot of doors.

Make sure the type size is at least 9 point so 50-something recruiters and others can read it. We prefer a one-sided format so the recipient can jot down something about you on the flip side. Other experts say using both sides to sell yourself may be a good idea. If you’re in the arts or creative professions, you may want to express that a bit with the design or a tiny illustration. It may be a good idea to test yours on a variety of people with different perspectives to make sure it works and really captures your essence.

At upcoming networking events, you want people to realise you’re an expert, and “put an impression in that person’s head” and hands with your pocket resume.

Thanks to Mark Connor for permission to use this material.