About
GenYNetworking.com, a microsite of Come Recommended, is here — along with our amazing panel of experts — to guide and help you (Gen Y job candidates and those who employ them) build a strong professional network online and off. Join us as we explore both sides of the generation gap. Whether it is expanding upon students’ online habits to connect with professionals IRL (in real life) or showing employers the world through the eyes of Gen Y and its affect on business, we will tap into what it takes to bring these very different mindsets together and start on the road of workplace success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Networking
Find a Job – Answers for Gen Y Candidates
Can networking really help Gen Y candidates find jobs?
Yes. According to a 2009 Challenger, Gray & Christmas survey, networking is the most valuable tool in your job search. It’s still all about who you know. The benefits of networking usually payoff in the long run, so take time to build real relationships and establish trust with your contacts.
What is networking?
Networking is a lifestyle. You network every day with your mangers, co-workers, classmates, professors and friends. Expanding that network and meeting new people, and fostering relationships within the professional community is business networking that can help you secure a job.
What is a networking connection?
A networking connection is anyone you know (think neighbors, friends, professors, managers, etc.). Most of us have many weak connections (a friend of a friend, a former classmate we haven’t seen since high school, our mom’s boss). Effective networking happens when you have a large base of weak connections and a large group within that base of close connections who can serve as references, mentors and people who can support and help you in your job search.
Find a Successful Gen Y Candidate – Answers for Employers
How can employers convince Gen Y that their company is the right fit for them?
It is not so much about convincing as it is about building a mutually beneficial relationship. Gen Y wants to know their values and opinions are valued and that employers are willing to be flexible and open to their ideas.
How can an employer reach out to top-notch Gen Y candidates?
Successful Gen Y candidates are probably already working, interning or have impressive past experience and are involved in many different activities. Employers can meet them in volunteer organizations, at events hosted by young professional associations and extracurricular activities at colleges and universities. Simply by Googling their name, an employer can get a feel for the quality of a candidate.
How can employers reach out to Gen Y candidates online?
Share information. Gen Y will appreciate the valuable content you provide to their network. Share information about the job search or open positions you know of, so you become established as someone willing to help Gen Y look for jobs. Also, share information that tells a little bit about your personality. If you make your online presence a little bit personal, Gen Y candidates might feel more comfortable connecting and chatting with you. (Hint: Come Recommended‘s exclusive online community is a great place to network online with Gen Y candidates!)
Networking Events
What type of networking events should Gen Y candidates and employers attend?
Gen Y candidates can start networking by joining a young professional organization in their community. Some charge a small fee, but others are free. They will offer networking events and volunteer opportunities were you can start networking with new people. Once you get a feel for networking with your peers, expand your circle and network at multigenerational events, career fairs and join a mentorship program.
Employers should think about job fairs, networking events and professional development conferences held at or near colleges and hosted by young professional organizations. Connect with the Gen Y candidates you meet after the event on online professional networks to keep in touch.
Can they avoid “sleazy” networking events where people try to sell stuff?
Get referrals from the network you already have of the events they attend. If you go to an event that someone you know is hosting, or if they are already part of a group, they can introduce you and you’ll feel more at ease. Remember, it doesn’t have to have the word “networking” attached to it for it to be an opportunity to make connections. Attend events in the community and make an effort to meet new people.
Should candidates bring their résumé and should employers bring literature about their company to a networking event?
No, you should only bring your smile, confidence and 60-second pitch. It definitely wouldn’t hurt to have a business card, but focusing on being memorable and having a clear message to communicate with future employers or employees is key. You will look awkward and “salesy” holding a bunch of material.
What are the main benefits of attending an organized networking event?
Everyone else is there to network and interested in meeting new people, so that should put you at ease. Employers attend networking events to look for potential future employees, and well-connected people in the community often attend successful networking events.
What should a Gen Y candidate wear to a networking event?
It never hurts to ask what you should wear to a networking event. Get a hold of the contact person for the event and ask what the appropriate dress is. Look nice, but don’t overdo it.
Networking Online
Can candidates find jobs using social media?
Yes. However, it is recommended that you use your social network to keep in touch or build new relationships with others in the “real world.” If you are an influencer online and provide value to your online networks, your online contacts might refer you for a position. Companies are also using social media as a space to post jobs.
Can candidates/employers ask to talk with or meet someone in person whom they only know online?
Yes, a lot of networking was done via cold calling, but in today’s world you should never have to truly “cold call” a company. You can research and connect with employers or employees online. Send a very personalized message so they know why you are reaching out to them.
Where does Gen Y “hang out” online?
Everywhere, but they prefer potential employers connect with them on professional sites like LinkedIn, Come Recommended or Twitter.
General Networking Tips
What are some common mistakes to avoid when networking?
Do not take without giving back. Gen Y candidates especially need to be creative in thinking of ways they can add value to their potential employer’s networks. A common mistake people make is forgetting networking is a two-way street.
Gen Y candidates need to have confidence in their work and show off their abilities, but still be moldable and eager to learn new things. A common mistake Gen Y makes is coming off as overly-confident and arrogant to older generations.
Anything else Gen Y and employers should remember about networking?
Follow-up with all your connections as often as possible. Gen Y needs to stay on the minds of their connections so, when a job opportunity does come along, they remember them as an excellent candidate. Employers need to follow-up with Gen Y so they know you are interested in them and their potential.
Both parties need to remember to ask each other a lot of questions and be open to new ideas and opinions.
