Host a Networking & Interview Skills Workshop

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Time Needed: Less Than 2 Hours

Skills Needed: Public Speaking/Meeting Facilitation, Education/Training

Causes: Community, Education and Literacy, Employment

Project Categories: Geared for 50+ Volunteers, Relevant Experience Appreciated

Created By:

AARP

Introduction:

Do you want to help job seekers refresh their image and put their best self forward when networking and interviewing for a job? Host a networking & interview skills workshop for the members in your community. This hands-on workshop will help job seekers create and practice their own personal elevator pitch, learn “power poses” to increase confidence and physical presence, and prepare for tough questions at job interviews. This is a great workshop for those looking for a job or for anyone who is interested in professional development and refreshing their networking and interview skills.

The Basic Steps

Step 1: Plan for the workshop

The recommended group size for participants is 25-45.
Venue Considerations
Since some job seekers are employed but looking to change jobs, we suggest choosing venues and times that will appeal to this demographic.
- Avoid senior centers or other venues associated with an older demographic.
- Schedule during lunchtime, after traditional working hours and/or on weekends.
Seating
Round tables are best to foster interaction amongst participants but any seating setup will work.

Step 2: Prepare your materials
The 60-minute version can be run with or without the presence of technology. See Supplemental Materials section to download workshop presentations.

Step 3: Promote the event
Share the event on your social media networks and local job boards. Post flyers in libraries or community centers — wherever you are permitted to do so in the community.
If you have other volunteers helping with the workshop, ask them to leverage their networks — personal, professional, hobby groups, etc. — through email, social media, word of mouth and phone calls.

Step 4: Measure your impact (Optional)
Number of attendees
Keep track of how many people attended the event.

Step 5: Event follow up
Follow up with participants and the community to share your success (make sure to include the metrics noted above).
Acknowledge and thank everyone who helped. Post a notice of future events that so that you can further engage them in community service efforts. Ask your attendees for feedback to help you improve upon your success for future events.

Additional Resources

Creating an Elevator Pitch
Learn how to summarize your personal brand in the time it takes to ride an elevator in this interactive video.
http://www.aarp.org/ElevatorPitch

Interviewing: 4 Toughest Questions
Learn how to answer the toughest interview questions and get feedback on your responses from the interview panel in this interactive video.
www.aarp.org/InterviewQuestions

Create a Personal Networking Card
Use our online tool to create a free networking or business card to use in your daily life.
www.aarp.org/NetworkingCard

Customize Your LinkedIn URL
Create your own customized LinkedIn URL so it is easily shareable.
https://aarptek.aarp.org/create-a-custom-linkedin-url-for-your-online-profile

LinkedIn for Online Networking
Explore the many features of LinkedIn that will allow you to enhance your online profile and expand your online network.
https://aarptek.aarp.org/workandjobs

AARP Job Board
Access AARP’s job board for experienced workers and search for jobs by keyword, location distance and AARP Employer Pledge Program organizations, who have publicly affirmed their commitment to an age-diverse and inclusive workforce.
www.aarp.org/jobs

AARP Learn@50+
Learn more about in-person events, webinars and online interactive videos on important issues, such as work and jobs, technology literacy, and family caregiving.
http://www.aarp.org/learnat50plus