30 Preparing to Network: Networking Tools
Networking Cards
Giving someone your networking card is a great way to leave a lasting impression (and contact information!!) at chance meetings, job fairs, networking events, conferences, educational opportunities, and coffee-shop lineups.
- You can make free business cards using MS Word, Canva, or other websites.
- Be creative, select colours and styles that match your personality and your industry, and add a logo or design to emphasize your brand.
- Print your cards on cardstock using a colour printer, if possible.
- Printshops also have software that allows you to design and print business cards for a cost.
What to Include on a Networking Card
- Your NAME in a large, bold font
See image description. - Your PHONE NUMBER
- Your EMAIL ADDRESS
- Your title, diploma, or expected graduation date
- A few of your strongest skills (be sure that they are relevant to the type of job you seek)
- A link to your LinkedIn profile, digital portfolio, or another personal website (optional)
The 30-second Elevator Pitch
Suppose you were riding in an elevator with someone you were interested in working for. Could you effectively convince the employer of what you can contribute in a way that will make them want to hire you or learn more about you, all in a 30-second timeframe?
Your elevator pitch can be used in many situations, including job interviews (if asked the question: Tell me about yourself), cold-contacting, career fairs, employer information sessions, online and in-person networking, and even running into someone at the grocery store! This is a very strategic way to impress your connections, and it shows that you’re prepared by articulating who you are, explaining what you can offer and describing your goals.
To prepare your pitch, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you do?
- Introduce yourself by first and last name.
- Provide a brief overview of your present situation, i.e. what program you are taking and what level you are in, or what your current position is.
- What are your greatest strengths and qualifications?
- Explain accomplishments from your experiences and what skills you bring to the table. Use examples from your academic, employment, placement, and volunteer experiences.
- What are you looking for or looking to do?
- Make a connection between your skills and what you can offer the company.
- State your relevant career aspirations or goals.
- What are your next steps?
- Mention your desire to connect with this person, whether it be to email your resume, set up an information interview, or add them as a contact on LinkedIn.
Elevator Pitch Examples
Example 1:
As a Conestoga College student working towards my certificate in Medical Office Practices, I have in-depth knowledge of medical terminology and electronic medical records (EMR). In my current/previous position as Crew Member at McDonald’s, I developed skills such as teamwork and multitasking. I pride myself on being compassionate and flexible and look forward to contributing to a health office position using my Office 365 and verbal communication skills.
Example 2:
Hi my name is Ada Mohamed. I recently graduated from the Business Accounting program at Conestoga College. I have a wealth of international field experience from my home country. Recently, I was reading that your company has businesses all around the world and you are considered a global leader in accounting and payroll solutions. I would be interested in speaking with you further about some of my ideas, as I feel that my diverse perspectives on effective international business practices would be an added benefit to my next employer. I have some questions about your organization, would you have time to schedule a brief meeting to discuss this further?
Example 3:
Hi, my name is Kristy Goodwin. I am in my graduating semester at Algonquin College in the Early Childhood Education program, and I am so excited about a career where I can support children in such an integral time in their development. Recently, I completed my third field placement at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, and my supervisor was impressed with my ability to naturally incorporate play-based learning into my interactions with the children. Seeing as I am committed to fostering curiosity through exploration,
I look forward to expanding on these ideas in the next company I work for. I really enjoyed speaking with you today; can I send you an invitation to connect on LinkedIn?
Practising your elevator pitch frequently will make you feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar or unplanned situation and, ultimately, more confident about your skills.
Originally adapted from Preparing to Network in Be the Boss of Your Career: A Complete Guide for Students & Grads, copyright © 2021 by Lindsay Bortot and the Employment Support Centre, Algonquin College, which is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
Media Attribution
Sample networking card. © Ellen Dilgert, CC BY-NC-SA.
Image Description
Sample Networking Card
A text-based diagram illustrating the typical design of a networking card, with the following text on a light blue rectangular background:
Jeffery Singh
Health Office Administration Diploma April 2021
- Verbal communication
- MS Office & EMR
- Teamwork
Jeffery.singh@internet.ca
Kitchener, ON
(519) 123-4567
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