Networking practice (10 minutes)

Goal: Practice elevator pitches

Imagine you are at a networking event. Half of the class will be a recruiter and the other half will be junior developers. Split yourselves into two groups by forming a circle and assigning each person to the R and D (Recruiter / Developer) teams one by one. Pick up a sticker, write on it R or D according to your role, and pin the paper on your top. A volunteer or one of the trainees should keep time.

1. Move around the room and mix for 15 seconds.
2. Stop and pair with someone with the opposite role. 
3. Developers introduce themselves using their elevator pitch.
4. After about a 1 minute long chat, start moving again.
5. Change pairs like this for 5 minutes.
6. Change roles.
7. Repeat the first 5 steps.

Online version:

You will need breakout rooms to accommodate all pairs, e.g. if there are 30 trainees in the class, there should be 15 breakout rooms.

Everyone writes their role before their names, e.g. Recruiter Emma, Developer John. Recruiters are assigned to rooms. Participants can move between rooms. During the first half, developers visit different rooms occupied by recruiters.

For the second half, participants change their roles (and rename themselves). Those with the recruiter roles stay in their rooms. Developers move around.

Brag for your pair (30 minutes)

Goal: Express the strengths of another person

Pair up with someone you know well, someone you worked with together before. One of you will act as an interviewer, and the other will be an interviewee. Interviewers ask the following questions to their pair. The interviewees answer these questions not for themselves but for their pair. Interviewees pretend to be in the shoes of their pair and show off their pair’s strengths, skills, and achievements. Each of you should play both roles, so pay attention to time and don’t spend more than 15 minutes each. Put timers on your phones and don’t spend more than 2 minutes for each question.

Interview questions:

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself
2. Can you tell us about an achievement you are proud of?
3. What is your biggest strength?
4. Which soft skills do you need to improve further?
5. Why do you want to become a professional developer?
6. What can you contribute to our team?

What is your value for a company? (20 minutes)

Goal: Express own professional value

Work as a class. Study this job advertisement. Identify the pain points for the company. Remember, it’s not easy for employers to find the right candidate. Recruiting is expensive and hard for companies. Knowing how to present yourself correctly makes it easier for hiring managers to see that you are the right fit for their company.

• What is the emphasis in the advertisement?
• What qualities would the best candidate have?
• What does the company need?
• How can you help solve their problems?
• What value will you add when you join their team?

Brainstorm about how junior devs create value for companies (e.g. by being proactive, by learning fast, etc.). List these traits for junior devs on a board.