Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

Recommended Tool Creating and Using An Elevator Speech Learn how to distinguish yourself in multiple environments and when every moment counts with an effective elevator speech. http://md.careers/E-18 5. Take a research approach to networking. The most successful networkers are naturally interested in other people and they also know that people love to talk about themselves. The desired outcome of networking is to build relationships. The task is much more effective if you give your contact your attention and a real interest in what he or she has to say. Ask permission to take notes and document everything they say. Think of yourself as a researcher instead of a nuisance and put both you and your contact at ease. 6. Develop your “Power Questions.” Your primary goal of networking at this stage of your career may be to gather data that can lead you to your ideal practice.Afteryouandyour contact arecomfortable and past the “research” stage, you will need to ask questions that can open the door to other contacts or opportunities. The following “power questions” are effective because they honor and show respect to your contact and the answers may lead you to an opportunity you wouldn’t otherwise have: Tell me about your own career path. How did you get to where you are today? Now that you know my mission, do you have any ideas for me on how to proceed with my search? What do you think of my strategy? Is there anything else you would do if you were me? Are there any additional resources that I may not have identified yet that you think I might need to accomplish my mission? What would you do if you were in my shoes? 7. Request the privilege of someone’s time and expertise. When you have your Circles of Gold ready, your elevator speech rehearsed, and your power questions prepared, you are ready to go after the big prize – a networking appointment. Make a call, send an email, or knock on a door, but remember to ask for the privilege of their time to discuss their ideas, opinions, and recommendations (IOR) for your job search. Be sure to share your life-purpose statement (Stage 4) that communicates your passion and vision which is much bigger than your desire just to get hired somewhere and make some money. 8. Conduct a Circles of Gold conversation. Once you have an appointment scheduled, keep the appointment and arrive on time. If meeting in person, dress professionally, as you would for an interview. SECTION II: T MINUS TWO YEARS CAREER AND LIFE PLANNING GUIDEBOOK FOR MEDICAL RESIDENTS 164