markewicken in featuredNetworking

“How do you start your ‘networking’ conversation?” …A graduating student’s biggest nightmare.

The best chance you have to landing your first job is to network, network, network. Unfortunately most graduates don’t know how to open a conversation. When you are introduced to, or meet a person who you want to develop a relationship with (and ultimately get some job search advice or best of all a lead or referral)…alway ask the question: “How did you get your start in your business?” or “How did you get your first job out of school?’ Then, sit back and listen.

People love to talk about themselves and you, showing an interest in their career just opened up a conversation that will lead to all sorts of valuable information and help.

Most people will be generous with their advice. Take it…and of course always thank them afterwards with the appropriate follow-up.

This is how you develop your network.

Next Read: Your references are important »

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markewicken: Mark Wicken is a marketing professional with over 30 years of advertising, communications and strategic planning experience within the retail and packaged goods industries. He has been a senior member of agency management teams with both account and brand management responsibilities. His strengths have always been on innovative thinking, solid organization and strong interpersonal skills. Starting in the advertising agency industry, Mark held senior account management positions at several multinational agencies including Leo Burnett, Foster, Caledon, Vickers & Benson and Saffer Advertising, and has been responsible for the management of accounts like IBM, McDonald’s, Esso and General Motors. Mark moved from his agency roles to the Client side and held the position of Divisional Vice President of Marketing for Domino’s Pizza International and Director of Marketing for KFC, Hardee’s and Sbarro restaurants in the Middle East. In 2002 he established The Mark Wicken Group, a business specializing in executive search, training and consulting within the marketing, advertising and communications industries. In addition to executive search, Mark has devoted much of his lifetime to teaching, education and youth development. He is President of MusicFest Canada ‘The Largest Annual Music Festival in North America’ and has been an instructor at the International Academy of Design and The Toronto Film School since 1998. Mark graduated from The University of Toronto, took post-graduate studies at Northwestern University, and is married with two sons.