Get Hired - 5 Secrets for Building Networks that Lead to Jobs

Game-Changing Job Search Strategies as an Applied Anthropologist

Introduction to the Webinar Series

• Jeff Martin introduces himself as the Director of Communications for the American Anthropological Association, sharing a light-hearted moment about working from home.

• The webinar series is designed for individuals whose job opportunities have been disrupted by COVID-19 and runs through July on Thursdays.

• Upcoming topics include "This is Not Your Parents' Resume" and "Facing the Interview Squad," scheduled for July 23 and July 30 respectively.

Accessibility Features

• Closed captioning is provided to ensure accessibility; participants are guided on how to enable it during the Zoom session.

• Attendees are encouraged to introduce themselves before speaking and utilize the chat room for questions, fostering community interaction.

Engagement and Resources

• Participants are instructed to format their questions in the chat by starting with "question" followed by their inquiry, enhancing clarity during discussions.

• A poll will be conducted to gather information about attendees’ backgrounds and needs, aiding in tailoring future content.

• All resources, including Q&A sessions and recordings, will be made available on the AAA website post-webinar.

Networking Strategies: Insights from Elizabeth Briody

Overview of Networking Topics

• Elizabeth Briody introduces herself as a consultant with Cultural Keys and outlines her presentation's focus areas related to networking strategies.

Key Concepts in Networking

• The discussion includes creating professional networks, exploratory networking practices, daily networking habits, value of connections, and leveraging LinkedIn effectively.

Importance of Weak Ties

• Briody references Mark Granovetter’s article “The Strength of Weak Ties,” emphasizing that weak ties can bridge different networks crucial for job searching.

Practical Application of Networking

• She advises ensuring both strong and weak ties know your elevator pitch and that you are actively seeking work opportunities. This facilitates informational interviews through these connections.

Networking and Informational Interviews

The Value of Weak Ties

• The speaker shares personal consulting experiences, highlighting the effectiveness of weak ties in networking. A strong tie (Ann) connected them to a weak tie (Chloe), leading to a successful project.

• In another instance, a casual acquaintance (Elie) introduced the speaker to Bob through weak ties, demonstrating how these connections can yield opportunities.

• A third example illustrates a failed connection through multiple weak ties, emphasizing that while weak ties are valuable, they should not be too distant from oneself.

Utilizing Informational Interviews

• The speaker introduces informational interviews as a tool for job searching, encouraging leveraging weak links for insights and advice.

• Key questions for learning about someone's work include inquiries about their daily tasks and challenges faced in their role.

• For career advice, essential questions involve critical skills needed for the job and understanding the hiring process within an organization.

Conducting Effective Informational Interviews

• During an informational interview, it's important to insert your elevator pitch naturally without dominating the conversation; focus on gathering information instead.

• Maintain a relaxed atmosphere by interspersing questions throughout the discussion and connecting challenges mentioned by the interviewee to your own experiences.

• Adhere strictly to time limits set for interviews (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes), ensuring respect for both parties' schedules. Follow up with a handwritten thank-you note afterward.

Systematic Job Search Strategies

• Keeping a log of contacts is crucial during job searches; it aids motivation and recall of interactions with potential employers or mentors.

• Suggested log elements include contact details, date of discussions, background information on individuals met, advice received, and follow-up actions required.

Ann Reed's Networking Insights

• Ann Reed introduces herself as a customer researcher sharing her journey in exploratory networking and its unexpected outcomes.

• She discusses recognizing diminishing returns in academia and emphasizes finding professional opportunities that align with personal values and impact goals.

• Reed highlights the importance of identifying one's skills during informational interviews while considering economic needs and geographic limitations post-COVID.

Networking and Career Development in Anthropology

Importance of Networking

• Engaging with professionals outside academia is crucial for career development in anthropology. Networking should extend beyond the field to include various domains of interest.

• The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) offers a mentoring program that connects individuals with practicing anthropologists, providing insights into different areas within the field.

Identifying Interests and Goals

• It's essential to hone in on specific interests, such as business anthropology or user experience research, to guide your networking efforts effectively.

• Establishing both short-term and long-term goals can help shape your career path. Informational interviews with professionals who have transitioned from academia can provide valuable perspectives.

Utilizing LinkedIn for Connections

• Leveraging LinkedIn to reach out for connections and informational interviews can yield surprising results; many professionals are willing to share their experiences.

• Connecting with local organizations, like small business development centers, can lead to practical insights about market needs related to qualitative research skills.

Researching Methodologies and Approaches

• Calling local market research firms helps understand their methodologies, revealing potential strengths you may have over competitors focusing on quantitative methods.

• Joining professional organizations like EPIC (Ethnographic Praxis in Industry Community) provides resources and networking opportunities that are beneficial for career advancement.

Communicating Your Value

• Educating others about the relevance of anthropology in business contexts is vital. Emphasize skills such as empathy, listening, and qualitative research during discussions.

• Actively connecting with recruiters on LinkedIn has proven effective for job placement; enhancing your profile increases visibility among potential employers.

Personal Journey into Qualitative Research

Transitioning from Academia to Practice

• Elizabeth Wirtz shares her journey as a qualitative analyst at EMIC within the Veterans Affairs system, highlighting her work's focus on healthcare delivery improvements.

Acknowledging Support Systems

• Recognition of institutional support from CADRE at Iowa City emphasizes the importance of resources available during one's professional journey.

Storytelling Through Networking Experiences

• Wirtz reflects on her Ph.D. research focused on maternal health in Kenya and how networking played a pivotal role in transitioning her career towards working at the VA.

Networking and Career Development in Anthropology

Building Connections Through Networking

• The speaker discusses their journey to effect real change through anthropology, highlighting the importance of networking with graduate advisors, particularly Riall Nolan, who connected them with Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

• Their involvement with EWB led to a graduate research position at Purdue University focused on designing an interdisciplinary course in human-centered design, facilitated by connections made with faculty like Sherylyn Briller.

• During their postdoctoral fellowship funded by the National Science Foundation, they worked closely with Dr. Elizabeth Briody and shared career aspirations that helped shape their professional path.

Job Search and Leveraging Networks

• The speaker actively communicated their job search goals to mentors who provided leads; one significant opportunity arose from an email forwarded by Dr. Briody from Jane Moeckli at EMIC.

• Excited about a role in medical anthropology at the VA, the speaker reached out expressing interest and eventually secured the position after leveraging various network connections throughout their academic career.

Informational Interviews and Professional Associations

• They utilized connections made during graduate studies to conduct informational interviews about working within the VA, emphasizing proactive engagement in understanding potential career paths.

• Joining organizations like the National Association of Practicing Anthropology (NAPA) was crucial for cultivating a diverse professional network beyond academia.

Unexpected Opportunities and Network Mobilization

• The speaker reflects on how unexpected opportunities can arise from networking; they did not initially consider working for the VA but found it essential for their current role through established connections.

• They highlight being part of a large network of over 80 anthropologists at the VA, showcasing how vital these relationships are for discovering career opportunities within anthropology.

Redefining Networking as Praxis

• The speaker redefines networking from a utilitarian task to an integral part of professional life that should be practiced consistently rather than viewed as a discrete activity aimed solely at advancing one's career.

• Key insights include viewing networking as praxis—an ongoing process embedded into daily activities rather than just strategic interactions during specific events or meetings.

• They emphasize expecting unexpected outcomes in careers and encourage casting wide nets when seeking diverse opportunities that may lead to fulfilling roles.

Cultivating Relationships for Long-Term Success

• Mobilizing networks requires clear communication about personal goals; maintaining relationships is crucial for long-term success in any field, especially anthropology where collaboration is key.

• The importance of deliberate cultivation and management of networks is stressed; building personal relationships should be seen as a long-term commitment rather than short-term gains.

Conclusion

The session concludes with encouragement for attendees to actively engage in networking practices as they navigate their own career journeys.

How Networking on LinkedIn Led to a Job Opportunity

Introduction to the Speaker's Journey

• The speaker shares their personal story of landing a research position with Mars Pet Health, emphasizing that they were not actively seeking a job.

• A connection on LinkedIn, whom the speaker viewed as an expert in ethnography, reached out for a discussion about a research opportunity.

The Interview Experience

• The speaker recounts meeting the connection for lunch in Houston, where they felt confused about being chosen for an interview among more experienced candidates.

• When asked why they were selected, the connection cited mutual connections on LinkedIn as a factor contributing to trust.

Building an Effective LinkedIn Profile

• The speaker began developing their LinkedIn profile after starting their master's program at the University of North Texas, despite having no prior experience in anthropology.

• They emphasized making every research opportunity count as experience while focusing on growing their network during this time.

Networking Strategy Development

• Based on findings from a 2009 Career Survey of Master-Level Anthropologists, the speaker created a networking strategy centered around connecting with colleagues and friends.

• They prioritized attending events at UNT and volunteering at conferences to enhance in-person connections.

Expanding Connections Boldly

• The speaker advocates for connecting with anyone related to anthropology or qualitative research on LinkedIn without hesitation or shame.

• They stress the importance of including relevant industry labels in profiles to improve visibility and encourage bold outreach efforts.

Finding Community and Passion

• Attending the first business anthropology summit helped the speaker find like-minded individuals and ignited their passion for promoting others' work on LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways for Leveraging LinkedIn

• The speaker summarizes three essential steps:

• Brag: Highlight all experiences; nothing is irrelevant.

• Be Bold and Generous: Support others by giving recommendations and sharing original work.

• Build Your Network: Connect widely before needing assistance; don’t limit connections only to those met in person.

Conclusion

• The narrative illustrates how effective networking can lead to unexpected opportunities, reinforcing insights from previous surveys about networking efficacy.

Energizing Your LinkedIn Presence

Introduction to the Speaker and Topic

• The speaker, a policy analyst for Wicomico County Board of Education in Salisbury, Maryland, introduces the topic of enhancing one's LinkedIn presence.

Job Opportunities for Anthropology Graduates

• A search on LinkedIn reveals 1,766 job postings containing "anthropology" and 1,032 with "qualitative research," highlighting job opportunities available for those with an anthropology background.

• Emphasizes the importance of having a LinkedIn profile as a vital resource for professional networking and job searching, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Building an Effective LinkedIn Profile

• Suggests selecting a professional photo and meaningful background graphic instead of the default blue screen to enhance visual appeal.

• Recommends detailing work experiences using relevant keywords related to anthropology and including skills such as qualitative and quantitative research.

Engaging Content Creation on LinkedIn

• Encourages posting articles related to anthropology or business topics like diversity or human resources to attract attention to one’s profile.

• Advises sharing articles from others that resonate with your interests; this helps expand your network visibility through likes and shares.

Writing Original Articles

• Motivates individuals to write their own articles on LinkedIn despite initial hesitations about writing skills; emphasizes that no formal citations are needed.

• Highlights the use of hashtags (e.g., #anthropology, #HR) when posting content to increase visibility but cautions against using more than five hashtags due to spam policies.

Networking Strategies on LinkedIn

• Stresses the importance of connecting with strangers by sending friendly connection requests; encourages users not to feel intimidated.

• Discusses utilizing INmail features on LinkedIn for reaching out directly to recruiters or company VPs regardless of connection status.

Consistency in Posting

• Recommends posting content at least once per week, noting that Sunday afternoons/evenings tend to be optimal times for engagement.

Networking and Job Search Strategies

Setting Goals for Networking

• Individuals are encouraged to set specific networking goals, such as making ten new connections or publishing an article weekly, to enhance accountability and track progress.

• Engaging in informational interviews is recommended; reaching out via INmail can facilitate conversations about career interests with professionals in desired fields.

Success Stories and Unexpected Opportunities

• The speaker shares a personal success story of securing a phone interview with Walmart, highlighting the unexpected interest from large companies in diverse backgrounds like anthropology.

• Emphasizes that proactive efforts on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to surprising job opportunities, reinforcing the importance of maintaining an active online presence.

Addressing Concerns About Qualifications

• Acknowledgment of numerous questions regarding feelings of inadequacy among job seekers, particularly those transitioning from academia or recent graduates lacking experience.

• Discussion on how even newly graduated Ph.D. holders may feel underqualified due to perceived lack of experience compared to job postings' requirements.

Navigating Job Ads Effectively

• Advice on interpreting job ads: if qualifications seem daunting (e.g., years of experience), candidates should consider reaching out to current employees for insights into the role.

• Highlights discrepancies in job ads where requirements may not align with actual industry standards, suggesting that applicants should critically assess their fit before applying.

Importance of Networking During Job Searches

• Encourages networking as a strategy for overcoming qualification concerns; connecting with individuals within organizations can provide clarity and potentially open doors.

• Suggestion to directly contact hiring managers or relevant personnel when interested in a position but unsure about meeting all listed qualifications.

Job Application Insights

Understanding Job Descriptions and Qualifications

• It's important to communicate your skills and experiences when applying for a job, even if you don't meet all the qualifications listed. Expressing your willingness to learn can be beneficial.

• Keith shares his experience with a Walmart job application where he felt underqualified based on the description but was intrigued by the title "senior data analyst, social sciences."

• He reached out to the recruiter to inquire about compensation, which led him to apply despite not fitting the typical profile expected for that role.

• Keith emphasizes that job descriptions may not accurately reflect what employers are truly seeking; thus, it's advisable to apply even if you feel underqualified.

Networking and Recruiter Engagement

• Daniel raises two questions: how to identify recruiters in specific fields and how to balance personal branding while remaining open to various opportunities.

• Ann suggests using LinkedIn's feature that allows users to signal their availability for recruiters, especially after conducting informational interviews.

• She advises candidates transitioning into new fields (like business) to reframe their existing skills in ways that resonate with potential employers.

Key Takeaways from Networking Strategies

• A summary of networking strategies includes:

• Identify members of both personal and professional networks who could lead you to job opportunities.

• Utilize weak ties effectively as they can connect you with different networks.

• Conduct informational interviews to clarify your goals and understand employer expectations.

• Establish a presence on LinkedIn or other networking platforms.

• View networking as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time effort.

Upcoming Webinar Information

• Participants will receive an evaluation via email post-webinar. Feedback is encouraged for future improvements.

• Materials from previous webinars will be available on the AAA website shortly after this session, including recordings and resources.

• Two more webinars are scheduled: "This is Not Your Parents' Resume" and "Facing the Interview Squad," encouraging attendees to register.