Hi networkers,

Last week, I made a post on my LinkedIn and wanted to answer from feedback.

In the post, I mentioned that I landed my first internship by building a good relationship with my recruiter, however, I didn’t exactly explain how I did that.

Some of you noticed too, and I got questions like:

“How did you convert your talks into a job offer?”

So in today’s article, I'll not only address that but also provide one valuable piece of advice that can elevate your networking game.

🏁 Here’s the route for this week’s run:

🎙️ Topic: Talk Your Way Into That Job

💡 Don’t Be Interesting, Be Interested

📍 Checkpoints: Networking Events to Stop By

TOPIC
Talk Your Way Into That Job

We all understand that a successful interview can land you the job, but why wait until then to let your networking efforts shine?

Over a year ago, before I had my 1st internship, I didn’t network. All I did was send out applications and hope for the best.

But after 60+ resumes & cover letters, I wasn’t getting anywhere. You can read that whole story here.

The point is, I didn’t get results until I reached out to recruiters via email, which then led me to coffee chats.

I shifted gears and began reaching out to recruiters via email, which ultimately led to coffee chats.

Through these conversations, I effectively turned dialogues into interviews and job offers by focusing on three key elements:

1. Consistency

2. Transparency

3. Likeability

Consistency: Networking is of little use if you never engage with the same person again. I made a point of staying in touch with recruiters after our initial coffee chats, which kept me on their radar.

Transparency: I was clear about my intentions. I explicitly expressed my interest in the roles I was pursuing. It's essential not to shy away from articulating your goals and aspirations.

Likeability: Building rapport is essential. Your ability to engage with and understand people is critical. Recruiters, like anyone else, prefer candidates they genuinely like.

These 3 factors helped me establish a rapport with the company, making the interview process smoother, as they were already familiar with me.

Follow the advice in the next section to for actionable steps ⬇️

TIP/TOOL OF THE WEEK
Don’t Be Interesting, Be Interested

Above is a quote from one of my favorite books - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Basically, Dale says that to get what you want from someone, you must be interested in them first.

People crave the feeling of importance. If you give them attention and make them feel valued, they’ll feel inclined reciprocate

When I first contacted my recruiter, I didn’t make it about me. I didn’t even mention that I was looking for an internship.

Instead, I asked about her diverse work experience, I asked how she made her career shifts, what it was like, how she felt, etc.

I made her the main character, and in doing so, I became the main candidate for the role in her eyes.

So, while there are countless strategies for networking, don’t worry about them.

Because if you only ever remember one, make it this one -

Don’t be an interesting person; be an interested person.

Actionable Step 

The next time you’re networking with a recruiter. Do these 2 things

1. Focus on listening and give the other person the spotlight by asking interesting questions about them.

2. Ask yourself, “What does this person want and how can I help them achieve it?”

See everyone next week!

-Michael

Networking Events To Stop By
📍Checkpoints📍 

BMO Capital Markets Open House Series

• Time: Oct 4 - 17, 5:00 - 6:30 pm EST (Virtual)

• Detail: 1st or 2nd-year undergraduates in North America looking for a Summer 2024 or a Summer 2025 internship opportunity. Are you looking to learn about BMO Capital Markets and our businesses?

• Register here

Schulich AI - Networking Mixer

• Time: Oct 5, 5:00 - 8:00 pm EST (Virtual)

• Detail: Join us for an exciting and engaging Networking Event hosted by the Schulich AI & Analytics Society! This is your chance to mingle with top-tier professionals and representatives from industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, Deloitte, etc.

• Register here / Members $10 & Non-Members $25

St. Michael's Hospital Online Job Fair

• Time: Oct 6, 8:00 - 4:00 pm EST (Virtual)

• Detail: Come join our team and amazing work culture! The IRT at SMH truly believes in supporting their members and upholding a cheerful work environment, in which our staff truly enjoy being part of the team!

• Register here 

REFERRALS
Share The Leap Sprint

1 Referral - Resume Template
2 Referrals - Cover Letter Template
3 Referrals - Notion Template

You currently have 0 referrals, only 1 away from receiving Resume Template.

Or copy and paste this link: https://www.theleapsprint.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER