I attended a luncheon hosted by WFIC (Wisconsin Foundation for Independent Colleges). Essentially, this program was a chance to network with various insurance professionals throughout the Wisconsin area. Being that graduation is in exactly two months and I still don't have a job, or a lead on a job, I'm taking every networking opportunity I get.
I learned during the luncheon that rhetoric and persuasion is a significant part of selling yourself. I probably knew this before, through the readings and our class discussions, but it's an entirely different realm when you're actually "out in the field" putting rhetoric to work.
And I'll shamelessly admit that I pulled out a few persuasive ploys, especially during a conversation with a company I was particularly interested in. Initially, I knew that I needed to get him to like me. (I really need a job, okay?!) I accomplished this by asking him about himself before jumping in and talking about myself. I established a relationship with him by doing this because it showed that I cared about him and what he does. Once we had a conversation about his background and skills, he moved on to asking me questions. I tried my very best to answer in ways that would compliment his previous answers. For example, I told him that I have strong public speaking skills, "just like you had mentioned, you feel that is a very valuable skill, and so do I." Be relating new conversation to old, it showed (I hope) that I was interested enough in him and our conversation to remember what we had just said, and that I wasn't just trying to talk myself up.
And then I made the dumbest mistake I probably could have made, so take note and avoid what I'm about to say. By the time we had sat down for lunch, I was so comfortable with this professional that we had moved past the 'interview' stage and were casually talking about school and classes. When he asked me about my course load, I preceded to tell him all about Rhetoric and Persuasion, how I'm learning to persuade audiences, sell myself...basically manipulate. Good choice, Liz...tell someone who you're attempting to persuade to hire you that you're actually taking a course in manipulation.
I guess, in conclusion, I realized it's best to use persuasion and rhetoric---not talk about it...oops. I ended up making a joke out of my error and he laughed--he didn't seem fazed but I can't help but think I just shot myself in the foot.
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2 comments:
Hey, we do what we can. Great job on bringing the conversation back to points he had already made, people love that. Good luck!
Networking... to get a job thats what we have to do and if that means sucking up to them buy asking about themselves or brining the conversation back to points they made then thats what we have to do. its all about working people. People love it when you show interest in them, so it is a good idea to play off that. Be friendly and polite and even if you don't get the job they will still appreciate your attitude and personality... at least thats the second goal after the main goal of getting the job.
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