Workshop 12 — Networking for Job Seekers · Facilitator Lesson Plan

For: CSC office staff, case managers, bilingual volunteers You don't need to be an expert in this topic. You need to be a calm bilingual presence who can read the room, follow this script, and route hard questions to the right resource.

1 · At-a-Glance

2 · Learning Objectives

After this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Name 5 people they already know they can tell "I'm looking for ___ work" — without feeling like they are 求人 (begging).
2. Send one message (WeChat to a friend, or LinkedIn to a stranger) using the bilingual script on Slide 9 / Resource Section 1.
3. Distinguish an informational interview (15–20 min coffee, "I'd love to learn") from a job interview (don't ask for a job).
4. Identify two LA Chinese-community channels they will use this week — a WeChat job group, a chamber/temple/church board, an ESL class, or a CSC referral.

Outcome 1 is the real win. If they walk out willing to tell five people they already know, the other 70% of jobs open up.

3 · Pre-Workshop Checklist (15 minutes before start)

Tech

• Open slides at https://networking-workshop.pages.dev/ — test the language toggle (top-right)
• Set language to match the room (default 中文)
• Click through the two reveal slides once — Slide 4 (poll → answer) and Slide 10 (Q1 → Q2 → Q3, each gated). You can't skip them with arrow keys until you reveal.
• Test the projector mirror
• Bookmark https://networking-workshop.pages.dev/ on your phone as backup
• Test WiFi by loading the resources page once

Materials

• Print ~20 copies of the resources handout (6 sections — scripts, WeChat groups, LinkedIn checklist, chambers, local resources, English phrases)
• Print this Quick Reference Card (section 12) and have it on the podium
• Sign-in sheet (bilingual) at the door
• Pens at every seat — they will use them on Slide 5 ("write 5 names")

Room

• Chairs in a U-shape if group ≤ 12; rows if ≥ 13
• Water available

Yourself

• Skim this lesson plan once (15 min)
• Read the bilingual script on Slide 9 out loud once — you'll model it for the room
• Look at Q&A in §8 — be ready for the top 3 (scams, English level, "what if I have no network")

4 · Audience Snapshot (read before walking in)

Most are 40–65, living in SGV (Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel) or Chinatown. They've been in the US 2–20 years. They speak Mandarin (some Cantonese, some Taishanese), read enough English to navigate Indeed but find LinkedIn intimidating. Many have already heard the word "networking" and bounced off it — it sounds like 拉关系 (pulling strings) or 求人 (begging favors), both of which carry shame. Several have been laid off from a restaurant or a small business that closed. They are NOT looking for career-coach abstractions; they want a concrete answer to "who exactly do I tell, and what exactly do I say?" Your job is to give them a script and five names.

5 · Cultural & Bilingual Tips for This Workshop

• Tip 1 — never translate "networking" as 人脉 in your voice. The slides do show 人脉 (the standard term, and the audience needs to recognize it) — but in your spoken commentary, use 联系 / 保持联系 (stay connected) and 告诉认识的人 (let the people who know you know). "Networking" in our context = staying connected with people who already know your work. Never 拉关系, never 求人. Say this out loud at least twice during the workshop.
• Tip 2 — reframe the ask, every single time. "Asking for a job" feels shameful in our culture. "Asking for advice / information / a 15-minute chat to learn" does not. Every time the topic of approaching someone comes up, frame it as 请教 (asking to learn), not 求工作 (begging for work). The informational interview is the unlock — it is exactly this reframe in action.
• Tip 3 — name the cultural friction out loud. On Slide 3 say: "我知道'人脉'这个词,有人听起来像'拉关系'。今天我们说的不是拉关系,是<strong>让认识您的人,知道您在找工作</strong>。" — "I know '人脉' can sound like pulling strings. Today we're not doing that. We're letting the people who already know you, know that you're looking." Naming the friction removes it.
• Tip 4 — bilingual cadence. When you say a key term, say the Chinese first, then English. Do NOT translate every sentence. Translate one key phrase per slide. Example pattern: "信息访谈 — informational interview — 不是面试,是请教 20 分钟。"
• Tip 5 — face-saving "if someone…" framing. Never ask "who here has been unemployed?" or "who has no friends in the US?" Use 如果有人… ("if someone has…") or 很多人… ("many people…"). On Slide 4 the poll is safe because it's about a past job, not a current shameful situation — still, if a participant says "I've never had a job in the US" treat that as completely normal: "正常 — 那今天就是第一步。"
• Tip 6 — give before you ask. This is the central cultural reframe for Chinese audiences. Networking feels less transactional when you offer first. Build this in: "下次见到朋友,先问他们最近怎么样,有没有需要帮忙的。" — "Next time you see a friend, ask how they are first, ask if they need help. Then naturally mention you're looking." This is also a thank-you-note point — Day 1 thank-you note, and Day 30 update ("I followed your advice, here's what happened, thanks again"). It transforms a one-shot ask into an ongoing relationship.

6 · Slide-by-Slide Script

How to use: One block per slide. Time budgets sum to ~30 min. Slide 4 and Slide 10 are interactive reveals — you MUST click the reveal button before the deck will advance. Don't fight it; that's the design.

Slide 1 · Title — 建立人脉 / Networking · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "欢迎大家。今天我们用 30 分钟讲一件事:大部分美国的工作不在网上,是别人介绍的。我教您怎么让认识您的人,知道您在找工作。" — "Welcome. In 30 minutes, one big idea: most US jobs are filled by referral, not online. I'll teach you how to let the people who already know you, know you're looking."

POINT TO: The 🤝 icon and the title.

ASK: "您最近一份工作,是怎么找到的?" — "Your most recent job — how did you find it?" (Take 2–3 quick answers. Don't go deep. Sets up Slide 4.)

WATCH FOR: Someone says "朋友介绍" / "a friend referred me." Light up — "对!今天就是讲这个。" That participant just taught the workshop's thesis for you.

IF SHORT: Skip the ASK. Just welcome and click.

Slide 2 · Agenda — Three Topics · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "三个部分:一,什么是'人脉';二,您社区里已经有的人脉;三,网上的人脉,主要是 LinkedIn。30 分钟。" — "Three parts: what networking is, the people you already know, and online (mostly LinkedIn). 30 minutes."

POINT TO: The three numbered cards. Tap each.

ASK: (None — keep moving.)

IF SHORT: Read the three card titles only, advance.

Slide 3 · What Is Networking — 70% Donut · ⏱ 3 min

SAY: "看这个圆环。70% 的工作,从来不在网上招聘 — 是别人介绍的。30% 才是网上能看到的。" — "Look at the donut. 70% of jobs are NEVER posted publicly — they're filled by referral. Only 30% are what you see on Indeed or LinkedIn."

POINT TO: The green arc (70%), then the pale arc (30%). Then the two info cards: "What Is Networking" (left) and "Why It Works" (right).

ASK: "如果 70% 的工作不在网上 — 我们一直只在网上申请,会怎么样?" — "If 70% of jobs aren't online — what happens if we only apply online?" (Wait. Answer they'll give: "找不到 / can't find them." Exactly. That's the workshop.)

WATCH FOR: Skepticism — "70% 是真的吗?" / "Is 70% really true?" Source line is on the slide (BLS + LinkedIn report). Don't get into methodology. Say: "数字会变,但'熟人介绍'比'网上申请'多很多,这一点全部研究都同意。" — "The exact number shifts year to year, but every study agrees: referrals beat online applications by a wide margin."

ALSO SAY (cultural reframe, mandatory): "我知道'人脉'这个词有时听起来像'拉关系'。今天我们不讲拉关系。我们讲的是 — 让认识您的人,知道您在找工作。这不是求人,这是<strong>保持联系</strong>。" — "I know the word 人脉 can sound like 'pulling strings.' We're not doing that. We're letting the people who already know you, know that you're looking. That's not begging — it's staying connected."

IF SHORT: Skip the ASK. Just say the 70% line and the reframe line. Move on.

Slide 4 · Activity · "Where Did You Find Your Last Job?" · ⏱ 3 min

This slide is gated. Vote first, then click "揭晓答案 · Reveal Answer" to unlock the next slide.

SAY: "举手投票。您上次工作怎么找到的?四个选项 — 一个一个来,只举一次手。" — "Show of hands. Your last job — how did you find it? Four choices, one vote each."

POINT TO: Read each card out loud — Friend/Family ~50%, Online ~20%, Walk-in ~15%, Agency ~15%. HIDE the percentages with your body / hand if you can — make them vote first.

ASK & COUNT:

1. "朋友介绍 — Friend referred you?" Count hands.
2. "网上申请 — Online application?" Count.
3. "上门询问 — Walked in?" Count.
4. "中介或服务中心 — Agency or CSC?" Count.

Say the room totals out loud. Then click Reveal Answer.

REVEAL: "答案 — about 50% find jobs through a friend. 朋友介绍是最大的一块。" Tie this back to the 70% donut on Slide 3.

WATCH FOR: A participant whose hand was the only one for "online" looking embarrassed. Affirm: "网上申请也有用 — 我们今天会讲 LinkedIn。但'告诉朋友'是一起做的,效果更大。"

IF SHORT: Skip the count, just take 1–2 verbal answers and reveal immediately.

STRETCH (advanced): "如果您是雇主 — 看到一个朋友介绍的简历,和一个网上来的简历,您会先看哪一个?为什么?" — "If you were the employer, would you read the friend-referred resume first or the online one? Why?" (30 sec — surfaces why referrals win: trust + lower screening cost. Helps confident participants own the thesis.)

SCAFFOLD (beginner): The gated reveal IS the beginner scaffold — no one has to speak. If someone hesitates to vote, say: "举手没关系 — 您也可以只看,听别人的答案。" — "If you'd rather just watch, that's fine — listen to others vote." Then point only at the visual: biggest slice = friend. Repeat after me, three syllables: "朋 — 友 — 介 — 绍."

Slide 5 · Community — You Already Have a Network · ⏱ 4 min

SAY: "您不需要'认识'更多人。您已经认识的人,就是您的人脉。" — "You don't need to meet more people. The people you already know — that's your network."

POINT TO: Each of the four cards, one by one. Family · Church/Temple · Neighbors/Landlord · CSC counselor (the green accent card).

ASK & ACTIVITY: Pens out. "请拿出纸或者手机 — 写下 5 个名字。家人 1–2 个,教会或寺庙 1 个,邻居 1 个,以前的同事或同学 1 个。两分钟。" — "Take a pen or phone. Write 5 names. 1–2 family, 1 from church/temple, 1 neighbor, 1 former coworker or classmate. Two minutes."

Time them. Walk the room. Glance at lists — if someone has fewer than 3, say warmly: "够好 — 三个也可以开始。"

WATCH FOR: "我没有朋友" / "I don't have friends." Common, especially recent arrivals. Respond: "ESL 同学算 — 邻居算 — 教会的人算 — CSC 算。我们办公室也是您的网络。" — "ESL classmates count. Neighbors count. Church count. CSC counts. We're part of your network."

WATCH FOR: The CSC card is on this slide for a reason. Point at it: "CSC 每个月联系几十家在招聘的公司。<strong>免费</strong>帮您内部推荐 — 这就是为什么您今天在这里。" — "CSC reaches dozens of hiring employers each month. We refer you for free — that's why you're here today."

IF SHORT: Reduce to "write 3 names, 1 minute." Don't skip the activity entirely — this is where the workshop earns its keep.

Slide 6 · Community — Find Your People · ⏱ 2 min

SAY: "刚才是您已经认识的人。现在讲怎么认识新的人 — 在洛杉矶最有效的四个地方。" — "Those were people you already know. Now — four places to meet new people, the most effective ones in LA for our community."

POINT TO: Each card. WeChat job groups · Chinese chambers · Community events · Free ESL class.

SAY (specific): "<strong>微信招聘群</strong>每天发几十个工作 — 餐厅、超市、家政、办公室。<strong>请朋友拉您进群</strong>,搜索『洛杉矶招聘』『华人求职 LA』。" — "WeChat job groups post dozens of openings daily. Ask a friend to add you. Search '洛杉矶招聘' or '华人求职 LA'."

SAY (ESL is networking): "ESL 同学和您一样在找工作 — 互相交换信息。LACC、ESL Federation、图书馆都有免费课。同学也算人脉。" — "Your ESL classmates are job-hunting too. Trade leads. Classmates ARE your network."

ASK: "今天回家,您会去哪一个 — 微信群、商会、社区活动、还是 ESL 班?" — "After today, which one will you try this week?" (One quick answer, then move.)

WATCH FOR: Scam concern about WeChat groups. Don't get into it now — say "好问题。具体的我们 Q&A 时聊,资料 Section 2 也有警告框。" — "Good question. We'll cover it in Q&A; the handout Section 2 has the warning box too." Route, don't improvise.

IF SHORT: Read 2 cards (WeChat + ESL) only, advance. At 2 min, this is the default — hit those two cards and the ASK, skip the rest.

Slide 7 · LinkedIn · ⏱ 3 min

SAY: "LinkedIn 是网上的'职业版微信'。免费,有中文界面 — 招聘公司在这里找人。" — "LinkedIn is like 'WeChat for jobs.' Free, has a Chinese interface — recruiters search here."

POINT TO: Four steps top-to-bottom: Download · Build Profile · Add Connections · Search + Apply. Then the two info cards: Profile Tips · Open to Work.

SAY (face-saving): "您英语不流利没关系。用<strong>简单英语</strong>写,LinkedIn 自动翻译。雇主看您的<strong>经验</strong>,不看您的语法。" — "It's OK if your English isn't fluent. Write in simple English; LinkedIn auto-translates. Recruiters look at your experience, not your grammar."

SAY (the one critical setting): "最重要的一步 — 打开<strong>『Open to Work』绿圈</strong>。雇主才能搜到您。" — "The single most important step — turn on the 'Open to Work' green ring. That's how recruiters find you."

ASK: "谁已经有 LinkedIn 账号?" — "Who already has a LinkedIn account?" (Hands up.) For those with no hand up: "今天下午 CSC 可以帮您注册 — 10 分钟搞定。" — "CSC can help you set one up this afternoon — 10 minutes."

WATCH FOR: "Indeed 不就够了吗?" / "Isn't Indeed enough?" Answer: "Indeed 是 30% — 公开招聘。LinkedIn 是 70% — 雇主主动找您。两个都用。"

IF SHORT: Skip the show-of-hands. Just hit the 4 steps + "Open to Work."

Slide 8 · Informational Interviews · ⏱ 4 min

SAY: "这一页是今天最重要的一页。<strong>信息访谈 — informational interview</strong>。不是面试,是<strong>请教</strong>。" — "This is the most important slide today. An informational interview is NOT a job interview. It's asking to learn."

POINT TO: The four info cards. Then the green-vs-red comparison at the bottom.

SAY (face-saving reframe): "在我们的文化里,直接要工作 — 觉得难为情,像求人。<strong>请教 20 分钟,不一样</strong>。您问的是经验、建议 — 不是工作。对方愿意帮,因为没有压力。" — "In our culture, asking directly for a job feels shameful — like begging. Asking for 20 minutes to learn is different. You're asking for advice, not for a job. People say yes because there's no pressure."

POINT TO: The bottom red/green comparison.

• Red ✗: "您公司能给我一份工作吗?" / "Can your company give me a job?"
• Green ✓: "我想入这行,您建议我先学什么技能?" / "I want to enter this field — what skill should I build first?"

SAY: "看红色的 — 这样问,对方下次不会再见您。看绿色的 — 这样问,对方愿意帮,而且工作机会<strong>自然会跟来</strong>。" — "Red question: they won't meet you again. Green question: they'll help, and the job offer follows naturally."

ASK: "结束时问什么?" — "What do you ask at the end?" Read the tip box: "您能再介绍一两位同行让我请教吗?" / "Could you introduce me to 1–2 other people?" — "Every chat becomes the next one. 3 months → 20–30 industry contacts."

WATCH FOR: "我英语不够好,怎么做信息访谈?" Answer: "找<strong>会说中文</strong>的人 — LinkedIn 搜中文名字 + Los Angeles。或者请 CSC 帮您介绍。"

IF SHORT: Skip the 4-card grid; just hit the red/green comparison and the closing tip.

Slide 9 · Bilingual Script · ⏱ 3 min

SAY: "记住这个脚本。微信、电话、当面都可以用。中文版给华人朋友,英文版用 LinkedIn 发陌生人。" — "Memorize this script. Use it in WeChat, phone, or in person. Chinese for Chinese friends, English for LinkedIn cold messages."

POINT TO: Left column (Chinese, for friends). Read line by line, slowly:

1. "嗨,最近怎么样?"
2. "想跟您说一下,我最近在找 ___ 方面的工作。"
3. "您认识做这行的人吗?或者您公司在招人吗?"
4. "如果您看到机会,可以推荐一下吗?谢谢!"

POINT TO: Right column (English LinkedIn). Read once.

SAY (the give-before-ask reminder): "下次见到朋友,<strong>先问他们怎么样</strong>,再说您在找工作。不要一开口就要东西。" — "Next time you see a friend — **ask how they are first**, then mention you're looking. Don't lead with the ask."

SAY (thank-you notes): "记得两件事 — <strong>第一天</strong>发感谢:'谢谢您的时间。' <strong>第 30 天</strong>发更新:'按您建议,我联系了 ___。再次感谢。' 这样关系就在了。" — "Two thank-you notes — Day 1: 'thank you for your time.' Day 30: 'I followed your advice, here's what happened, thanks again.' That keeps the relationship alive."

ASK: "今天回家,您要发给谁?" — "After today, who will you send this to?" (One name. Don't make them say it out loud if they don't want to — just have them write it down.)

WATCH FOR: "我不会发英文。" Answer: "用中文版给华人朋友先 — 那是最重要的一步。英文版以后再说。"

IF SHORT: Just read the 4 Chinese lines. Skip the English column.

STRETCH (advanced): "把这个脚本改一改 — 同一个微信群里,<strong>以前的同事</strong>和<strong>不太熟的陌生人</strong>,您会怎么说不一样?" — "Adapt the script: same WeChat group, but one message is to a former coworker, the other is to a stranger you don't know well. What changes?" (30–60 sec. Advanced participants will land on: with former coworker, lead with the relationship ("好久不见,最近怎么样?"); with stranger, lead with context ("我也是 ___ 群里的,看到您发过 ___,想请教一下"). Real-world script-tuning, no new content needed.)

SCAFFOLD (beginner): Chorus the zh script. Read line 1 aloud — pause — "请大家跟我念一遍。" The room repeats. Do this for all 4 lines. Then point at the line they'll send first: line 2, "我最近在找 ___ 方面的工作。" Have them say only that line out loud one more time, filling the blank with their own job word. That single line is enough — they can send it tonight.

Slide 10 · Quiz · True or False (3 Questions) · ⏱ 3 min

This slide is gated three times. Reveal Q1 → Q2 appears → reveal → Q3 appears → reveal → advance enabled.

SAY: "三道题,举手投票。对就举手,错也举手 — 两次都可以。" — "Three questions. Raise your hand for TRUE or FALSE."

Q1: "大部分美国的工作机会都公开招聘在网上。" / "Most U.S. job openings are posted online publicly."

• Count "TRUE" hands. Count "FALSE" hands. Click reveal.
• Answer: FALSE. "70% 不公开 — 是熟人介绍的。"

Q2: "信息访谈时应该直接要求对方给您一份工作。" / "In an informational interview, ask the person for a job."

• Count. Reveal.
• Answer: FALSE. "信息访谈是请教,不是要工作。问问题,留好印象 — 机会自然来。"

Q3: "LinkedIn 只对英语流利的人有用。" / "LinkedIn is only useful for fluent English speakers."

• Count. Reveal.
• Answer: FALSE. "LinkedIn 有中文界面。雇主看您的经验,不看您的语法。"

WATCH FOR: People who got Q2 wrong (raised TRUE) — they had the cultural script of 求人 in mind. Reaffirm gently: "您觉得 TRUE 是有道理的 — 我们文化里讲究直接。但<strong>在美国</strong>这样会让对方紧张。请教 — 更有效。"

IF SHORT: Do Q1 and Q3 only. Skip Q2.

STRETCH (advanced): After Q1: "70%+ 不公开 — 也就是说只有 22% 左右的人是通过网上申请拿到工作的。对您的找工作策略,这意味着什么?您一周花多少时间在 Indeed,多少时间在<strong>告诉朋友</strong>?" — "If 70%+ are hidden and only ~22% land jobs through online applications, what does that mean for your weekly time budget? How many hours on Indeed vs. how many hours telling people?" (Advanced participants will land on the reallocation themselves — flip the ratio, spend more time on conversations than on applications.)

SCAFFOLD (beginner): Don't make the T/F verbal. Hand-signal version: thumb up = TRUE, thumb down = FALSE. No English needed. After each reveal, point at the visual answer and say only the 3-word takeaway: "Q1 — 朋友介绍。 Q2 — 请教,不要工作。 Q3 — 经验,不是语法。" Three phrases. Beginners can remember three phrases.

Slide 11 · CSC Services · ⏱ 1 min

SAY: "今天讲的所有事 — CSC <strong>免费</strong>帮您做。一对一辅导、雇主推荐、LinkedIn 设置、招聘会、ESL 班。" — "Everything in today's workshop, CSC does for free — 1-on-1 counseling, employer referrals, LinkedIn setup, job fairs, ESL classes."

POINT TO: The 5 service cards, then the phone number — 213-808-1758 — and 767 N Hill St.

SAY: "您今天就在 CSC。今天结束,直接来前台说<strong>『我想约职业辅导员』</strong>就行。免费,不需要证件。" — "You're already at CSC. After today, come to the front desk and say 'I want to book a job counselor' — free, no ID needed."

IF SHORT: Skip the 5-card recap, just point at the phone number and address.

Slide 12 · Resources + QR · ⏱ 2 min

SAY: "请大家拿一份资料 — 上面有<strong>脚本、微信群、LinkedIn 步骤、商会、英语短语</strong>。扫这个二维码看完整在线版。" — "Take a handout. It has the scripts, WeChat group names, LinkedIn checklist, chambers, and English phrases. Scan the QR for the full online version."

POINT TO: QR code, then the URL networking-workshop.pages.dev/resources.

ASK: "下一步 — 今天回家,您要做<strong>一件事</strong>。是什么?" — "Your one next step today — what is it?" Take 2–3 answers. Affirm each one. Even "我去问邻居" / "I'll ask my neighbor" is a win.

WATCH FOR: People who linger. They have a private question — maybe about a layoff, a scam they fell for, an undocumented family member. Stay 5 extra minutes after the formal close.

7 · Interactive Moments

Optional — question basket: Place a small basket by the door at the start with blank slips. Tell people they can write anonymous questions any time during the workshop. Empty it before §8 Q&A. Useful here because scam questions and "I have no friends here" questions often won't get asked aloud.

8 · Common Participant Questions (Q&A Anchor)

Rule: Never give legal, tax, immigration, or medical advice. Always route to a named resource.

Q1: "微信招聘群里有骗子吗?怎么辨别?" / "Are there scams in WeChat job groups? How do I tell?"

You say: "有 — 比较多。真的雇主不会让您先交钱、不会让您用 Zelle 转账到个人账户、不会承诺工资特别高。看资料 Section 2 底部的警告框 — 写得很清楚。如果不确定,把信息带来 CSC,我们帮您看。" Route to: Resources handout, Section 2 (yellow warning box). For one-on-one help, CSC front desk.

Q2: "我英语不好,LinkedIn 上别人会不会觉得我不专业?" / "My English is weak — will LinkedIn make me look unprofessional?"

You say: "完全不会。LinkedIn 有中文界面,雇主看到您是双语,是<strong>加分</strong>。用简单英语写工作经验,LinkedIn 自动翻译。我们 CSC 有 LinkedIn 设置辅导 — 10 分钟帮您设置好。" Route to: CSC LinkedIn Setup service (Slide 11) · Resources Section 3 (10-step checklist).

Q3: "我刚到美国,真的没有朋友 — 怎么办?" / "I just got here. I genuinely don't have friends. What do I do?"

You say: "正常 — 很多人刚来都这样。三步:一,ESL 同学是您的人脉 — 报一个免费课 (LACC, ESL Federation, 图书馆)。二,教会或寺庙 — 华人教会有招聘版。三,CSC — 我们是您的人脉,不是开玩笑。今天下午就来约辅导。" Route to: Resources Section 5 (LACC, ESL Federation, LA Library) · CSC counselor.

Q4: "我没有合法身份 (或没有 SSN) — 还有用吗?" / "I'm undocumented (or have no SSN) — does any of this work?"

You say: "我不能给法律建议。但今天讲的人脉方法 — 告诉朋友,加入社区,信息访谈 — 跟身份没关系。CSC 帮所有人,不问身份。具体能做什么工作,跟 CSC 辅导员单独谈。" Route to: CSC counselor — explicitly say "we don't ask status." Do NOT recommend any specific employer.

Q5: "我 60 岁了,还有人愿意雇用我吗?" / "I'm 60 — will anyone hire me?"

You say: "会。华人企业、家政、餐厅、零售 — 很多公司喜欢有经验、稳定的员工。LinkedIn 不强调年龄,强调经验。CSC 有专门给 55+ 的 SCSEP 项目 — 可以问一下。" Route to: CSC counselor — ask about Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) eligibility.

Q6: "如果朋友介绍我去他公司,我没拿到工作 — 会不会让朋友难堪?" / "If a friend refers me and I don't get the job — won't they lose face?"

You say: "不会。雇主知道介绍不等于保证。重要的是<strong>面试后发感谢信</strong>给朋友 — '谢谢您的介绍,虽然没成功,但学到很多。' 朋友反而会更愿意下次再帮。" Route to: Resources Section 1 (thank-you script row).

Q7: "信息访谈对方拒绝怎么办?" / "What if they say no to the informational interview?"

You say: "正常。10 个人您问,可能 3–4 个答应。礼貌道谢,问下一个。不要解释、不要道歉。LinkedIn 上一周发 5–10 个请求,数字会自然出来。" Route to: Slide 9 script · Resources Section 1.

Q8: "我能不能跟今天来的其他人交换微信?" / "Can I add other people here on WeChat?"

You say: "可以,完全可以!您们都在找工作,正好互相交换信息。这就是 ESL 同学是人脉的道理。" (Then announce to the room: "如果大家愿意,workshop 结束后留 5 分钟互相加微信。" — Let them network with each other. This is a beautiful workshop moment.) Route to: Each other. Stay 5 extra minutes.

9 · Recovery Plans

If the internet fails:

• Use the printed handouts — they cover scripts, WeChat group names, LinkedIn 10-step checklist, chambers, local resources, English phrases.
• Open the bookmarked workshop URL on your phone — the slides also work offline (service worker caches them).
• Skip the QR scan demo — point to the URL printed on the handout instead.

If only 3 people show up:

• Sit in a circle. Run it as a conversation.
• Skip the show-of-hands on Slide 4 — ask each person directly how they found their last job. Way more powerful with 3.
• Spend extra time on Slide 5 — actually help them write 5 names out loud.
• Q&A becomes the bulk of the time. That's a win, not a failure.

If 25+ people show up:

• Move chairs into clusters of 4. Slide 5 ("write 5 names") becomes pair-share — turn to your neighbor, swap one name each.
• Use the mic if available; project clearly if not.
• Stay at the door 5 extra minutes after — you'll get the private scam/status questions.

If the group is silent:

• Wait 7 full seconds before re-asking.
• Reframe with "如果有人…" / "if someone…" — removes personal exposure.
• Share your own answer first. "我自己上一份工作是 ___ 介绍的。" — model the answer length.

If one participant dominates:

• "好的,谢谢分享。我们听听其他人的看法。" — "Thank you. Let's hear from others."
• Walk physically toward another part of the room while saying it.

If someone gets emotional (mentions a layoff, a scam they fell for, family pressure):

• Don't moralize. Don't problem-solve in front of the group.
• "谢谢您告诉我们。等一下我们单独聊好吗?" — "Thank you for sharing. Can we talk one-on-one after?" Then actually do it.
• Route privately to a CSC counselor.

If you're running long (>5 min over at halfway):

• Skip the IF SHORT items in the slide-by-slide.
• On Slide 5, cut "write 5 names" to "write 3 names, 1 minute."
• On Slide 10, do Q1 and Q3 only — skip Q2.

If you finish early (5 / 10 / 15 min spare):

Don't default to "any questions?" — silence will eat the time, and the room came for concrete action. Run one of these activities matched to your spare-time budget.

• 5 min spare — Round-the-room one-word check: "用一个词说说,今天回家您要做的<strong>第一件事</strong>是什么?" / "In one word — what's the first thing you'll do when you get home today?" Examples: "微信。打电话。问邻居。注册 LinkedIn。" Take 8–10 quick answers. Affirm each. Closes the loop without dragging.
• 10 min spare — "Send the message now" rehearsal. Open WeChat on the projector. Type the Slide 9 zh script with a real blank ("我最近在找 ___ 方面的工作"). Then give participants 5 quiet min to type — not send — their own version on their own phone, with their own job blank filled in. Voluntary share of one line, facilitator affirms before close. Full script is in §13.
• 15 min spare — Use the first sub-block of the 60-Min Variant (see §13) — the LinkedIn Open-to-Work + profile photo setup. It stands on its own as a hands-on block.

If a question goes runaway long:

• "好问题。让我先记下来,我们在 1-on-1 / 资源页面里看更深。" — "Good question. Let me write it down — we'll go deeper in 1-on-1 / on the resource page."
• Write it visibly on a whiteboard or paper "parking lot," or drop it in the question basket. Move on.

10 · Closing & Next Steps (last 5 minutes)

SAY (verbatim): "今天就到这里。三件事请记得:1) <strong>大部分工作是别人介绍的</strong> — 70%。2) <strong>告诉您认识的 5 个人,您在找工作</strong> — 这是最重要的一步。3) <strong>信息访谈 — 请教,不是求工作</strong>。下一步,请大家:1) 拿走资料,扫二维码看完整资源。2) 想约一对一辅导员的,跟我说一下,或者直接去前台。3) 如果今天发现一位想加微信的同学 — 现在就加,我们再留 5 分钟。"

Translation: "That's it. Three things to remember: 1) Most jobs are filled by referral — 70%. 2) Tell 5 people you already know that you're looking — that's the most important step. 3) Informational interview = ask to learn, NOT ask for a job. Next steps: 1) Take the handout, scan the QR. 2) See me (or the front desk) for a 1-on-1 counselor. 3) Add each other on WeChat now — we'll stay 5 more minutes."

Hand out: Resources handout. Point to:

• Section 1 (scripts) — "Use this tonight."
• Section 2 (WeChat groups) — "Ask a friend to add you."
• Section 3 (LinkedIn checklist) — "If you don't have an account, this is the 10 steps."

Send them to:

• https://networking-workshop.pages.dev/resources — the participant resource page
• CSC front desk — to book a 1-on-1 job counselor (free, bilingual, no ID required)
• CSC LinkedIn setup help — 10-minute walk-in session

11 · Post-Workshop Tasks (within 24 hours)

• Save the sign-in sheet (scan or photograph)
• Note attendance + brief mood in the workshop log
• Send the "thank you for attending" WeChat message to any participant who shared contact info — include the slides URL and resources URL
• If anyone asked a question you couldn't answer, write it down for the next staff sync
• If anyone lingered with a private concern (scam, layoff, status), make sure they were routed to a CSC counselor — confirm an appointment is on the calendar
• Empty the question basket (if used) — anonymous questions go to the next audit pass
• Flag any slide that confused the room — note it for the next audit

12 · Quick Reference Card (print this page)

One sheet. Clipboard. Lectern. Glance during the workshop.

Workshop 12 — Networking / 建立人脉 · 30 min

Agenda strip:

1. (slides 1–2) Welcome + Agenda — 2 min
2. (slide 3) The 70% donut — 3 min
3. (slide 4) Activity: how you found your last job — 3 min
4. (slides 5–6) Community: who you know + where to meet new people — 6 min
5. (slide 7) LinkedIn — 3 min
6. (slides 8–9) Informational interviews + script — 7 min
7. (slide 10) T/F quiz × 3 — 3 min
8. (slides 11–12) CSC services + QR + close — 3 min

If running long: cut Slide 10 Q2 first; convert Slide 5 "5 names" → "3 names, 1 min"; convert any pair-share to "think 30 sec + raise hand."

If you finish early:

• 5 min spare → round-the-room one-word check ("您回家第一件事?")
• 10 min spare → §13 Finish-Early "Send the message now" rehearsal (WeChat zh script on own phone, don't send)
• 15+ min spare → §13 60-Min Variant Sub-block 1 (LinkedIn Open-to-Work + profile photo)

The ONE reframe to nail (say twice):

• Networking ≠ 拉关系. Networking = 让认识您的人,知道您在找工作 (let the people who already know you, know that you're looking). Stay-connected, not transactional.
• Asking for a job feels shameful. Asking for advice (信息访谈) does not. Same outcome, different door.

Top 5 questions you'll get:

1. Scams in WeChat groups — how to tell? → Section 2 warning box.
2. My English is weak, will LinkedIn make me look bad? → Chinese UI; recruiters look at experience, not grammar.
3. I just arrived, I have no friends — what now? → ESL classmates, church, CSC. They count.
4. I'm undocumented — does any of this work? → No legal advice. Networking advice itself is status-neutral. Route to CSC counselor.
5. I'm 60+ — will anyone hire me? → Yes. Ask about SCSEP (55+) at CSC.

Emergency phrases:

• Silence: "如果有人…" (if someone…)
• Redirect: "好的,谢谢分享。我们听听其他人的看法。"
• No answer: "好问题。让我跟同事确认一下,我们再联系您。"
• Out of scope (legal/immigration/tax): "这个问题最好问律师 / CSC 个案经理。我可以帮您联系。"
• Cultural reframe: "不是拉关系,是<strong>保持联系</strong>。"

Three numbers/facts to know cold:

• 70% of US jobs are NEVER publicly posted (filled by referral). Source: BLS / LinkedIn report.
• ~50% of hires come from a friend referral specifically. (Slide 4 reveal.)
• CSC: 213-808-1758 · 767 N Hill St, LA 90012 · free · bilingual · no ID required.

The single action they should leave with:

• Tell 5 people they already know — this week — that they're looking for ___ work. Use the Slide 9 script. Day 1 thank-you, Day 30 follow-up.

If something breaks:

• WiFi out → printed handout + phone backup (slides cached offline by service worker)
• Projector dies → walk slides 3 (70% donut), 8 (info-interview red/green), 9 (script) around the room as printouts
• Question I can't answer → "我跟同事确认,联系您。" + write it down
• Cultural pushback ("人脉就是拉关系!") → "我理解 — 但今天我们讲的是<strong>保持联系</strong>,不是求人。请教 20 分钟和直接要工作,完全不一样。"

13 · 60-Minute Variant (when you have a full hour)

Use this when: Your slot is 60 minutes instead of 30+10, OR you finish the 30-min core with significant time remaining, OR the room asks for hands-on practice. The variant ADDS 30 min of applied work after the 30-min core — it does NOT re-run the same slides.

Don't lecture longer. The 30-min core is calibrated to LEP-adult attention. Extra time goes to practice, not more teaching. Networking is muscle memory — the message has to leave their thumb, not stay on the slide.

Finish-Early Extension (10 min) — "Send the message now"

The single biggest gap between understanding the Slide 9 script and using it is the friction of opening WeChat at home alone. Close that gap in the room. They draft the message here, with you next to them.

• Setup (1 min): "现在我们做一件事 — 把 Slide 9 的脚本,真的打进微信。<strong>不要发</strong>。先写,看一下,改一下。" — "We're going to do one thing — actually type the Slide 9 script into WeChat. Don't send yet. Just write it, look at it, edit it." Open WeChat on the projector. Open a chat with yourself or a CSC colleague (a safe target).
• Activity (7 min): 1. Facilitator types live (2 min) — on the projector, type the 4-line zh script with a real blank: "嗨,最近怎么样?想跟您说一下,我最近在找 <strong>___</strong> 方面的工作。您认识做这行的人吗,或者您公司在招人吗?如果您看到机会,可以推荐一下吗?谢谢!" Pause at the blank. Ask the room: "我应该填什么?" Take one example out loud — "餐厅服务员" / "office admin" / "家政" — and fill it in. They see the blank fill. 2. Quiet draft (5 min) — "现在请大家拿出手机,打开微信。给您 5 分钟,写您自己的版本 — 填您自己的工作。<strong>不要发</strong>。" Walk the room quietly. If someone is stuck on the blank, kneel down and ask: "您想找什么工作?" Help them fill that one word.
• Debrief (2 min): "谁愿意念一下您填的那一句?<strong>只要一句话。</strong>" — "Who'll read just one line of yours? Just the one line with your job word." Take 2–3 voluntary shares. Affirm each: "好 — 这就是您今天晚上要发的。" — "Good — that's what you send tonight." Don't critique. Don't grade English. The point is they typed it once already; the second time will be easier.

60-Minute Variant — Applied Block (30 min, added after Slide 11)

A live, paired drill that gets every participant to (a) a working LinkedIn profile with Open-to-Work on, and (b) three connection requests actually sent, and (c) a concrete 5-name commit list from Slide 5 with a send-this-week plan. By the end, the workshop has moved their job search forward — not just informed it.

Time: 30 min (35 if you include the 5-min close)

Materials added:

• A printed 5-name commit sheet (one per participant — 5 numbered rows: "Name / How I know them / What I'll say"). The handout's Slide 5 page works if cut down.
• One CSC staff WeChat / LinkedIn QR code on the projector so they have a guaranteed third connection (see Sub-block 2).
• A spare phone or tablet at the front in case someone's phone dies or has no WiFi.
• The Slide 7 LinkedIn 4-step graphic, kept visible on the projector as a reference.

Sub-block 1 — LinkedIn: Open-to-Work + profile photo · ⏱ 10 min

The two highest-leverage settings, done live on their own phones.

• Setup (1 min): "拿出手机,打开 LinkedIn app。<strong>没有账号的</strong>,看屏幕一起注册 — 用 Google 或邮箱,1 分钟。" — "Phones out, open LinkedIn. If you don't have an account, follow my screen — Google or email, 1 minute." For anyone genuinely stuck, pair them with a neighbor who already has LinkedIn open.
• Open-to-Work toggle (4 min): Walk the projector through it step by step — tap profile photo → tap "Open to Work" → tap "find a new job" → fill in job titles (use the simplest: "Office Assistant," "Server," "Driver" — whatever they wrote on Slide 5). Toggle "All LinkedIn members" so the green ring appears. Say: "绿圈出来了 — 现在雇主可以搜到您。这是今天最重要的一个按钮。" — "Green ring is on — now recruiters can find you. That's the single most important button today."
• Profile photo (4 min): "现在我们换头像。<strong>不要</strong>用风景、宠物、卡通。用一张<strong>您自己的脸</strong>,白墙前,自然光。" — "Now the photo. No landscape, no pets, no cartoons. Your own face, white wall behind, natural light." Pair them up — one person takes a portrait of the other against the room wall, switch. Upload right then. Tip for face-saving: "不需要完美 — 一张清楚的脸,比没有照片好 10 倍。" — "Doesn't need to be perfect. A clear face is 10× better than no photo at all."
• Debrief (1 min): Three quick show-of-hands — "绿圈打开了的请举手 — 换了头像的请举手 — 还没注册成功的请举手。" — "Green ring on, hands up. New photo, hands up. Still not registered, hands up." The last group gets a follow-up at CSC front desk after.

Sub-block 2 — Send 3 connection requests, live · ⏱ 10 min

Most participants will never send their first request alone. They send it here, with you in the room.

• Setup (1 min): "现在我们发<strong>三个</strong>连接请求 — 真的发,不是练习。三个对象 — 一位家人,一位 ESL 同学(或邻居),一位 CSC 工作人员。" — "Now we send three connection requests — for real, not practice. Three targets: a family member, an ESL classmate (or neighbor), and a CSC staff person."
• Request 1 — Family (3 min): "找一位在美国的家人 — 表弟、女儿、堂哥,谁都行。如果搜不到,跳到下一个。<strong>发请求的时候按『加便条 — Add a note』</strong>,写一句:'Hi 表哥,刚加入 LinkedIn,想跟家人都连上,谢谢。' — Send." Walk the room. If someone says "我家人不在 LinkedIn," say: "好 — 跳过,下面三个里我们用一位 CSC 同事补上。"
• Request 2 — ESL classmate / neighbor / former coworker (3 min): "搜一位 ESL 同学,或者邻居,或者以前同事的名字。加便条:'Hi, 我是 ___,我们以前在 ___ 一起 ___。最近在找 ___ 方面的工作,想跟您连上,谢谢。' — Send." If they have no one in mind, say: "想不到也没关系 — 等下我们用 CSC 工作人员补两个。"
• Request 3 — CSC staff (2 min): Project the CSC staff LinkedIn QR code (have it ready — typically the CSC career counselor's profile). "扫这个二维码 — 这是 CSC 职业辅导员的 LinkedIn。加便条:'参加了 5/23 的 networking workshop,想保持联系,谢谢。'" — "Scan this QR — it's our CSC career counselor's LinkedIn. Add a note: 'I attended the 5/23 networking workshop, would like to stay connected, thank you.'" This guarantees every person leaves with at least one accepted connection within 24 hours.
• Debrief (1 min): "三个请求都发出去了的请举手。" — "Hands up if all three requests sent." Affirm: "您今天晚上回家,LinkedIn 通知会响 — 这就是人脉。" — "Tonight your LinkedIn will buzz with notifications. That's the network."

Sub-block 3 — Slide 5 5-name commit list + send plan · ⏱ 10 min

The LinkedIn block proves the digital muscle. This block proves the WeChat / phone-call muscle — the one that actually finds them a job in the SGV.

• Setup (1 min): Hand out the printed 5-name commit sheet (one per person). "回到 Slide 5。您写过 5 个名字 — 现在把它们写到这张纸上,加两件事:<strong>怎么认识的</strong>,和<strong>这周哪一天发消息</strong>。" — "Back to Slide 5. Your 5 names — now write them on this sheet, with how you know them and which day this week you'll message them."
• Write the list (5 min): Walk the room. For each participant, glance at the sheet: - Empty "what I'll say" column? Help them write one line — copy from Slide 9 script, fill the blank. "把您要找的工作填在空白处。" - All 5 days are "Monday"? Suggest spreading them: "一天发一个,五天发完。一次发太多,您会累 — 也会觉得是骚扰。" - Fewer than 3 names? Don't push for 5. Say: "三个名字 — 这周发完。下周再加两个。够好。"
• Pair-share the plan (3 min): "找旁边一位,跟他说<strong>第一个名字</strong>和您要说什么。听的人不评价 — 只听。" — "Turn to a neighbor. Read out the first name and what you'll say. Listener doesn't judge — just listens." 90 sec each direction. The act of saying it out loud to one person makes it real.
• Debrief (1 min): "谁愿意分享 — 您第一个要联系的人,和您要说的第一句话?" — "Who'll share — who's the first person you'll message, and what's your first line?" Take 2–3 voluntary shares. End with: "把这张纸贴在冰箱上。每发一个,打一个勾。" — "Stick this sheet on your fridge. Tick one off after each message."

Close (5 min, optional — if you have 65 min total):

Round-robin one-line share from each participant: "<strong>这周我要做的一件事是 ___</strong>." / "This week I'll do ___." Don't let it spiral. One line each. Then point at the §11 / Slide 11 CSC services — "卡住了 — 来 CSC 前台。我们 follow up。" — "Stuck — come to the CSC front desk. We follow up."

When to use what — quick rules

Differentiation in the variant

• For advanced learners (already on LinkedIn, decent English): Skip Sub-block 1's profile photo and jump straight to Sub-block 2's connection requests — and add: "今天再发 3 个<strong>信息访谈请求</strong>,用 Slide 8 的'请教 20 分钟'框架。" — "Send 3 informational interview requests today, using the Slide 8 'ask for 20 min to learn' frame." For Sub-block 3, push them past 5 names to 10, with at least 2 being people they're nervous to ask (estranged former boss, distant cousin in industry, etc.).
• For mixed-proficiency rooms: Pair an advanced participant with a beginner during Sub-block 1 (LinkedIn setup) and Sub-block 2 (connection requests). The advanced person becomes the unofficial tech support — they get the reinforcement of teaching; the beginner gets a peer who speaks their language. For Sub-block 3 (5-name list), keep them separate — the list is personal.
• For beginner-heavy rooms: Cut Sub-block 2 (LinkedIn connection requests) entirely. Expand Sub-block 1 to 15 min (just account creation + Open-to-Work toggle — skip the photo, do it at home with a family member). Expand Sub-block 3 to 15 min — the 5-name commit list is the single most important deliverable for this group. Add an extra column to the sheet: "<strong>语言:中文/英文?</strong>" — most messages will be in Chinese, and that's correct.

Routing & boundary

Same rules as the 30-min core: no legal, tax, immigration, or medical advice. Hands-on activities focus on profile setup, script-rehearsal, and document-reading — NOT decision-making about an individual's case (whether to disclose status on LinkedIn, whether a specific WeChat group is legitimate, whether to accept a specific job offer). When a participant raises an individual-case question during a sub-block, drop it into the question basket or write it on the parking lot — and route to a 1-on-1 CSC counselor (213-808-1758 · 767 N Hill St) at the close. The variant ends, like the core, by naming the named follow-up: CSC counselor, CSC LinkedIn setup walk-in, SCSEP for 55+, VITA for tax questions, an immigration attorney for status questions.

14 · Flashcards & Activities · 随身卡片与活动

There is a 6-card take-home deck for this workshop — vocabulary, a dialogue, a fact sheet, tips, useful info, and a diagram. 这个工作坊有一套 6 张随身卡片:关键词、对话、数据、小贴士、有用信息、图示。

Print 打印: 打开卡片 Open the deck · 直接打印 Print now. Prints 2 cards per landscape sheet (3 sheets per deck). Print one deck per participant, plus 1–2 spare decks for games; cut along the dashed lines. 每人一套,另备 1–2 套做游戏用。

Hand them out at the close (§10) — the deck is the take-home companion to the written action plan. 在结尾(第 10 节)发给大家,和写下的行动计划一起带回家。

Best-fit activities for THIS workshop (full menu of 8 at the flashcards page) · 这个工作坊最适合的两个活动(完整 8 个活动见卡片页):

1. 对话练习 · Dialogue Role-Play (对话卡 dialogue · 3 分钟) — 两人读对话,中英各一遍,换角色,再换成自己的情况。 Pairs read the dialogue in both languages, switch roles, then swap in their own situation.
2. 真的假的 · True or False (数据卡 facts · 2–3 分钟) — 讲师读句子(有对有错),对的举手,翻卡核对 — 和 slide 7 的投票一样。 Facilitator reads true/false statements; hands up for true; check the fact card (same format as the slide-7 quiz).

Always close with · 收尾必做 — 带走一张 Keep One Card (whole deck 整套 · 2 min): each participant picks the ONE card most useful to them right now and tells a neighbor why. 每人选一张对自己最有用的卡,告诉旁边的人为什么 — 给他们一个具体的、带得走的东西。