Build a Connection

It is one thing to connect with someone, another to build on it. When I meet someone new professionally I will often try and find a common connection. If it is a potential candidate I look at their resume to see if there is anyone in their past that we know mutually. Or if the person has a similar background to mine I will share some of my story. A new client I often will try to find some common connection. I have found it helps the conversation flow for me. People like common grounds, they seem more trusting and comfortable. Once the initial ground work is done, when speaking to people in the future I will try to remember tidbits of conversations, or bring up articles I have read on the company they work for.

What type of question do you ask when meeting a new business associate?

Approachability

I am currently reading "The Power of Approachability" by Scott Ginsburg. I saw Scott speak at the NEAPS conference in Hartford this past April. It is a book on networking, approaching others, and marketing yourself. He has great suggestions. A recommended read. He really gives great advice on how to connect with people. Without being salesy, a genuine approach. He discusses using open ended questions, carry your business cards, creating a "My card" to carry for people who don't have a card with them, body language, etc...

Have you read a book recently that inspires you?

Networking.... one of my favorite pastimes

Networking a definition I found in the dicitionary: meeting people who can be of help to you and being a help to them. Networking is a great tool to help you connect with other people. I love to help people thru networking. I have found over the years that often when people have a need for something they turn to me for help. It might be a suggestion for an electrician, where to get a certain type of food, or finding an old friend's current address. It's a way to stay connected, as well as figure out a way to connect other people together.

When I was out of work a few years ago, I knew I wanted to change careers. Losing my job was one of the best gifts I ever received. I was in a position to figure out what's next for me? When sharing my job loss situation with my immediate family the first thing my mom said to me was "you are the best networker I know, I have no doubt you will find a great job." In 3 weeks I found 2 jobs. Both thru networking. The one I chose was the recruiting job. It has allowed me to do many of the things I enjoy. Networking, helping others, and learning more about how people operate in life.

What is your favorite networking experience?

First impression

Remember your first interview with a company is also your first impression. Do your homework on the company, the hiring manager, their culture. Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for your industry or the industry you would like to join. If it's a big corporation chances are you will need to wear a suit on your first interview. If interviewing in the fashion industry, make sure you understand their brand. A premium denim company most likely would not want you to wear a suit. They want to make sure that the people they hire can convey their brand to the retailers they are selling. If you are in doubt what to wear, ask ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that simpler is better, there is no need to wear a lot of jewelry, cologne, makeup. You don't want to over power the person you are meeting.

Make sure you look the interviewer in the eyes when you meet them. A firm handshake is also key, they want to know you are confident and self assured. Even if you are nervous. Most people have some sense of nervousness, it is human nature. Make sure your answers go with the question asked, and you keep them to the point. Again, eye contact. When leaving the interview remember to thank the interviewer, shake their hand if it is offered. Write a thank you note to the interviewer within 24 hours. In many industries it is ok to email a thank you if you are given the business card. If you are not offered the card, hand write a note and make sure you have the proper title and spelling of the person you met. It is ok to call the company to ask for this information if you did not get it at the interview.

how did your last interview go?

Do you have the chemistry?

We spend our days working on making the right connection with our candidates and clients. It is not only about connection but it is also chemistry. In any working relationship an individual can have the skill set to fit the position. But if the chemistry with the co workers and hiring manager isn't there, it won't be a lasting relationship. People need to get along and respect each other at work. When you have those components you will get more from yourself and your co-workers will get more from you.

Just like in love...

what is your best chemistry experience at work?

Today's connections

Today was an interesting day. 3 different people I helped last year find a job all called me for multiple reasons. All either choosing to make a change or looking to make a change. This part of the job is often tenuous, understanding their reasons for changing helps me better understand their personal needs and why they want to leave our client. The more people we put in to a company the better it is to understand their culture and what they look for in a candidate. The same goes for a candidate, by talking to them in transition helps me find a new fit for them.

What motivates someone to make a change in their employer?

Everyone is a Mom

You don't need to have given birth to a child to be a Mom. There are all sorts of ways to be a Mom, you can parent a niece or nephew or young cousin by doing things with them. You can help or play with a neighbor's child and help them grow and learn about things they may not learn from a parent. You can be a foster parent, or a Big Brother or Big Sister. You can even mother someone by just helping them thru a time of need. Being a mother is helping nurture someone and watch them grow.

Connect in an interview

When coaching a candidate going out on an interview I will give them a few pieces of advice

If the person is young, or shy or hasn't interviewed in a long time. I remind them that no one knows them better than they themselves do. No one can speak to your strengths, what you know, your talents and your areas that need some development. Sit tall, smile, feel confident about you are talking about, remember it's you.

If the person is seasoned, I will still coach them on what the hiring manager will ask them, what they expect and most importantly do your homework. If the company has a web site, study it. Read the history, any recent articles, facts on the company, etc... We recruit for the wholesale and retail industries. I encourage the candidate to shop the line where it is carried, and if time allows I ask them to check multiple retailers so they can speak to the different mixes of product, placement of product. Sometimes the client will have not only a wholesale line but will have a retail chain. If this is the case, I tell the candidate to shop the company store too so they can see the entire collection and how it differs from the department store assortment.

Connecting with their culture....it is often key for our candidates to live, eat and breathe the culture of our client. Understanding the aesthetic is key. Look the part.

Six degrees

six degrees of everyone I think. it is interesting to see how we are all so connected to each other. On a daily basis I am amazed at how people are interconnected to one another. How when you meet someone you find out who you have in common. It sometimes is a great way to make the conversation more relaxed and real.

That movie really was true.