What do you do if you're navigating networking events and job fairs after a layoff?

Treat yourself to more canapés than you'd usually allow, and temper your recent disappointment with a few cold drinks (all gratis, of course)

If you've been laid off and you're going to networking events or job fairs, here's what you can do: 1. Prepare: Get your resume ready and practice talking about your skills and experiences. 2. Research: Learn about the companies that will be there and the types of jobs they offer. 3. Connect: Talk to people at the event. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and be friendly. 4. Follow Up: After the event, reach out to the people you met. Send them a thank-you email and ask if they know of any job opportunities. 5. Stay Positive: It's normal to feel nervous, but try to stay confident and positive. Networking events and job fairs are opportunities to meet new people and find new opportunities.

Navigating networking events and job fairs after a layoff can be a challenging but important step in rebuilding the career. Here are some tips to help to make the most out of these opportunities: Set Clear Goals Update Resume and Online Profiles Prepare Elevator Pitch Research Participating Companies Attend Workshops and Seminars Network Strategically Follow-Up After the Event Stay Positive and Confident Seek Support from Professional Networks Consider Alternative Opportunities Note: Remember to stay persistent, proactive, and optimistic throughout the process.

Be honest about it, unfortunately with the current economical situations its not shocking news anymore. it could happen to the best talent, make sure you stay connected, active, reach out to your network and present your skills and what you can bring to the table Work on building unique skills and attitude towards work that will make you stand out in the crowd

Maintaining a positive outlook at networking events, especially post-layoff, is vital. Acknowledge your situation without dwelling on negatives. Emphasize what you seek and how your skills benefit potential employers. Positivity is infectious and fosters approachability, aiding in building new connections that may lead to promising opportunities.

Prepare a refined elevator pitch before networking events or job fairs. This concise, persuasive speech should spotlight your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Customize it for the global talent market, demonstrating adaptability and international perspective if relevant. A compelling pitch leaves a lasting impression, laying the groundwork for meaningful conversations with recruiters and industry peers.

In preparation for any networking events, it is important that your resume is updated, polished and contains any social media platforms that you use. A clear objective listed on your resume can also be beneficial in appealing to employers in a specific industry. Alternatively, leveraging transferable skillsets that you possess can be attractive to employers from various industries.

Before attending any events, make sure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and any other professional materials are up-to-date and reflect your most recent accomplishments and skills.

Before attending networking events and job fairs, ensure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and any other professional materials are up to date and showcase your skills, accomplishments, and the type of roles you are seeking.

Strategic Networking: Prioritize quality over quantity when networking. Instead of trying to connect with as many people as possible, focus on building genuine relationships with key individuals in your industry or target companies. Attend relevant workshops or seminars within the event to engage with professionals who share your interests. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to continue building connections beyond the event.

Updating your resume is essential for job fairs and networking events. Reflect your latest job experience, skills, and achievements. Emphasize global or multicultural experiences in line with talent acquisition trends. A clear, concise, and well-formatted resume captures recruiters' attention and serves as a tangible reminder of your qualifications post-event.

Before the event, research the companies and key individuals who will be attending. This will allow you to tailor your conversations and ask informed questions, showing your genuine interest in the opportunities they offer.

Approach each interaction with positivity and confidence. While a layoff can be a challenging experience, focusing on your future goals and what you can offer to potential employers or connections is crucial.

Attend Industry-specific Events: Look for networking events and job fairs tailored to your industry or desired career path. These events often attract employers specifically seeking candidates with your skill set and background, increasing your chances of finding relevant opportunities. Prepare targeted questions and research participating companies beforehand to demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for available roles.

Update your resume and LinkedIn in parallel, using the simple formula: I did X at Y which had Z impact on the company. Putting things in numbers and measurables is a HUGE booster. "I am a people first leader" doesn't quite say what you think it does. Saying "In my teams, as the lead, the turnover rate went down by X%, and team happiness was increased by X%" - that's what is the real juice you want to talk about. Especially relevant for roles commonly considered as "soft", like recruitment for example, which is de facto a full on numbers game alongside it being a delicate people business. Showcase that!

Be it an interview or networking - Always go prepared!! Do go through linkedin profiles of the speakers/guests: It gives you a conversation starter!

Define what you want to achieve from each event, whether it's learning about a specific industry, connecting with a particular company, or expanding your professional network. Having clear goals will help you stay focused.

Starting & Building on that conversation is a science for which you need to: 1: Know about the other person where LinkedIn comes in handy, its takes a couple of minutes to go through the profile. 2: You must have knowledge about the topic which is being discussed. Please do not get into trivial talk.

You should remain positive and proactive during this challenging time. Keep attending networking events, reaching out to your contacts, and applying for jobs

First impressions matter, so dress appropriately for the event. This will help you feel more confident and make a positive impression on potential employers and contacts.

While networking is an ongoing practice, this will certainly help when you want to apply for roles in other organisations through your own network or even through your second connections through friends or colleagues. Any candidate who is endorsed by someone known always stands a better chance of reaching the recruiters or hiring managers table.

After the event, send personalized follow-up emails to people you connected with. Express appreciation for their time and mention specific points from your conversation. Building relationships takes time, so be patient and consistent.

When engaging in conversations, listen actively to what others are saying. This not only helps you learn more but also demonstrates your interest and respect for the speaker.

Don't wait for things to happen. Also when you're in recruitment processes. Ask for that follow up, be proactive about your application, and if you don't get the treatment you deserve, move on. The market is extremely volatile atm and employers can cherry pick. That doesn't make for very good and candidate friendly recruitment processes, and unfortunately, leaves it up to the candidates to structure it.

Maintaining professionalism & avoiding desperation is key. Instead of directly asking about job openings, focus on discussing industry trends & market conditions. If your employment status comes up, confidently mention that you're exploring opportunities and researching the market. To network effectively, invest time in learning about the interests of those you meet. Discover their hobbies and activities outside of work. Finding common ground can foster genuine connections & potentially uncover shared interests beyond professional networking events. Demonstrate genuine curiosity and authenticity when sharing your experiences. Building relationships based on mutual interests and understanding can lead to new opportunities in the future.

Make sure to collect business cards or contact information from the people you meet. After the event, send personalized follow-up messages expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in any opportunities discussed.

Ask open-ended questions to learn about others. Show genuine interest in their experiences and perspectives. Active listening demonstrates respect and helps you connect

Look, being laid off is horrible. It's going to make you scared, and question a lot of things. You might need to get more flexible, you might need to take a job that's "below your seniority" or even, worst case, "below pay grade". You might also see a lot of others struggling, which is likely to bring you down or decrease urgency. You'll need to keep moving. The ugly truth: maybe your new job will force a larger life change, such as relocation. These are all possibilities. Don't make your pond smaller (and thus more stressful) than it has to be. All, of course, to the extent you are able to bend.