Making the Most Out of #Networking Events

All #JobSeekers need to be attending industry-related professional networking events. Aside from making great connections, they’re also great opportunities to stay on top of things going on in your industry and learn – especially if the event has guest speakers and panelists to discuss specific topics surrounding the theme of the event.

A common question I hear from a lot of #JobSeekers is “Dean – how do I get the most out of attending professional networking events?”

Here are my tips for getting the most out of attending a professional networking event:

Go For the Right Events

Not all networking events are created equal. Do some research and ensure you’d have a good chance of making some great professional contacts at the event. Context is also important in how you connect with others – so if the event is about a specific product related to your industry, then start the conversation from there, instead of discussing your career and asking others about theirs right off the bat.

If You’re an Entry-level Job Seeker – attend every event you can

Look – if you’re fresh out of school, I first need you to get used to talking to strangers and getting out of your comfort zone. So, go to any and every industry-related event you can attend – especially the free ones and talk to as many people as possible. Now, context still matters, but pull the “I’m a new grad” card as much as you can when meeting people while you can still get away with it. Everybody empathizes with being a “new grad” at some point in their lives, so take advantage of that. Others more senior to you will in most cases be more than happy to provide you with advice and tips, so don’t jump into asking for jobs right away, but see who you can connect and keep in touch with – who knows, you might even find yourself a mentor.

Show Up Looking Professional

Even if the event dress code is casual, its still possible to show up in casual attire but still look sharp and professional. Perhaps I’m old school, but even if it’s a casual dress code event, I’d recommend showing up in business casual. Don’t pour cologne or perfume all over yourself either, where the scent is louder than the conversation taking place.

Know WHY You’re There

What’s your goal at the event? Is it to learn about something new? Is it to connect with experts in a certain area to ask some questions you had? Is it to network with people who might be interested in hiring you? Whatever your goal is – know what it is! This will help you determine who you need to spend more time talking with and ensuring you connect with versus spending too much time with the wrong people. Certainly, be professional and polite with everyone you meet – but don’t lose track of your end goal at the event, whatever that is!

Follow-Up is YOUR Responsibility

After you exchange contact information with the right people you’ve been wanting to connect with, take full responsibility for following-up with them after the event. Don’t let too much time pass – they might forget who you are, especially if they met a lot of people themselves! I’d recommend sending an email later on the same day or the next day at latest. From this point onwards, you also need to take responsibility for nurturing the contact and meeting up for coffee/lunch or whatever the case is to maintain communication.

Its NOT just about you

Its easy to get caught up in our own wants and needs and completely forget that the person you’re speaking to at the event might have their own goals for the event as well! Be sure to ask others about themselves as well. Why did you decide to attend this event? Are you here for the speakers? Who do you want to meet? How can I personally help you? Who can I connect you with? Ask about others – its not just about what others can do for you!

Thanks for reading and be sure to Comment/Like/Share!

Wishing you the best in your #JobSearch!

Dean Kulaweera - #TechRecruiter

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