Berks & Beyond Blog

When you walk into a job fair, do you get down to business, or freeze like a deer in the headlights?
Networking can be a powerful job search tool, but only when you have confidence in your interaction skills.  If yours could use a little boost, you’ll want to read this post by Jill Corkindale called 6 Networking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.  While originally intended for managers, the advice is useful for all types of job seekers.  Here are the 6 key points:

1. Figure out who you really know.  Spend 15 minutes compiling a list of co-workers, business contacts, school contacts and friends.  Use this as your initial contact list to mine for job leads and introductions to other friends.
2. Develop a good self-introduction.  When you introduce yourself, emphasize your interests and capabilities in potential new job opportunities – not just what you’ve done in the past.
3. Use STAR examples to demonstrate your skills.  To avoid merely reciting a laundry list of your assets, prepare a few STAR stories based on your work accomplishments:  Situation, Task, Achievement, Results.
4. Learn the art of working a room.  Don’t just show up to your next networking event.  Ask questions, exchange cards, and request additional introductions.
5. Never criticize a former employer.
6. Remember to say, “Thank you.”

When it comes to networking, Berks & Beyond is one of the most valuable contacts available.  Because we have long-standing business relationships with the area’s leading employers, we can quickly connect you with a great job opportunity.