Networking Events: 7 things Job Seekers need to remember

We're constantly being told about the importance of "networking" as part of the Job Search process, and one of the first places everybody looks to are Professional Networking Events or events with possible networking opportunities. But does it make sense to attend these events and how do you make the most out of them? In this week's Newsletter, I'm sharing a few tips for you to consider before you decide to attend any event!

• Attend the RIGHT events. Not all events were created equal and not every paid (or even free) event is worth attending. It might be worth for some people, but it might not be so for others. I constantly hear from Job Seekers about how they attended such-and-such event and it wasn't worth it. When I inquire more about what they were hoping to accomplish at the event and then asking what exactly the event was - there's usually a clear disconnect. If you're an IT Professional, you'll probably increase your chances of connecting with the right people (i.e. Recruiters, Hiring Managers, etc) if you were to attend a Tech-focused networking event or industry related event. It might not make sense to attend a general networking event. See what I mean? So just because an event might sound appealing, it doesn't mean you'll be able to meet the right people. Also check out the event program. Is there sufficient opportunity to network? Are there designated times/areas to network? Or is it just listening to speakers and attending workshops? Research these things!
• Who will be there? Going from the previous point, let me expand more on the importance of researching WHO will be there. Research the event, find out if it will be attracting the type of people you want to be connecting with, and THEN decide if it makes sense to attend. Look - it pretty much comes down to WHO ELSE will be there. It could be the greatest and most entertaining networking event on Planet Earth but if the people in attendance bear no relevance to you, what use is there in attending? There's no one for you to network with. Now I'm not just speaking about fellow attendees. I'm also speaking about exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, etc whom you might have the chance to interact with and who will attract fellow attendees you can network with.
• Be prepared to be curious. The greatest mistake you can do at a networking event - ANY networking event for that matter - is focusing entirely on what YOU want and what YOU need help with. This is a common error and one we've all committed at some point. Especially if we're unemployed and desperately in need of a job, for example, its kind of tough to not constantly be thinking about meeting someone and seeing if they would take our Resume or help us out with a referral. I want you to resist that reflexive temptation and instead flip it around and be curious about those you meet. The more interest you show in others, the more others will show interest in you. This has been a "networking mantra" I've tried to live by as much as possible. By showing curiosity and interest in others, you're able to learn more about them, what they do for work, what brought them to the event, etc which will provide you with important details as to whether it makes sense for you to spend further time with this person. And if you do, chances are they will reciprocate and start asking about you. If you're just going in, introducing yourself to others and going right into talking about what you want - you might not see much success.
• Pack a few copies of your Resume. Now you're not going to be shoving your Resume in people's faces left and right, but you do want to be prepared to share it if you happen to build rapport with and connect with the right person and they happen to want to see you Resume at some point. As they say - its better to strike while the iron is hot! And if they volunteer to help you out with an opportunity at their Organization, for example, and ask you to send them your Resume - why not show it to them right there and get some instant feedback? Or what if you happen to connect with an actual Hiring Manager who is showing interest in you? So be sure to carry a few copies of your Resume with you in case such an opportunity presents itself. Its better to have something and not need it, rather than need something and not have it - in this case, your Resume!
• Be clear on your desired outcome. What do you hope to achieve by attending the event? Who do you hope to meet and connect with? No one else can answer these questions for you. And if you're not sure about these things, you'll end up wasting time at the event. This particular point might sound selfish, but it needs to be said. While you want to be polite, courteous, and professional with everyone you meet - you need to maximize your time with the RIGHT people. Spending a lot of time with the wrong people is not effective networking on your part. I'm not saying ignore people and be rude or dismissive. This is about making the best use of your time at the event. Met someone from a totally different industry who doesn't know anyone remotely relevant to your field or industry? It probably doesn't make sense to spend more than a few minutes with them, wish them the best, and continue networking with others. Met a peer in your industry who does work similar to you? You probably want to invest more time in this interaction. See what I mean? Who you invest time with at these events is extremely important.
• Where the REAL relationship-building takes place. Real, genuine connections will not take place at the event itself. Building a relationship takes time and effort, and that will occur outside of the event in most cases. People can be slow to trust and not feel comfortable referring you or introducing you to others in their network. That is something you have to earn. This is why so many of you run into a stone wall when you message others on LinkedIn and in your very first message request referrals. Why? Why on Earth would you expect someone who barely knows you to put their own reputation and credibility on the line by introducing you to their valued contacts, without knowing if you're a reliable and trustworthy person? So even when you make those connections at the networking events, don't expect people to right away trust you. You made contact with them - but know you need to put the effort into building the relationship. Send follow-up messages post-event letting them know it was great meeting. Send them a link to something which would help them based on what you learned about them. Invite them to a coffee. Invite them to other events taking place which might interest them. Take full responsibility for staying in touch and building the relationship.
• Be LinkedIn ready. Prior to the event, make sure your LinkedIn profile is completed and good to go. This is one of the quickest ways to connect with someone during an event. Have your professional picture on your profile ready so they remember you after the event when you message them. Fill in the detail on your profile, including the Summary area, as well as your current and past professional experience. After speaking with them and you have some good rapport going on, ask to connect on LinkedIn. Put a personalized note in the invitation so they remember who you are and that you met at this event. LinkedIn is another great channel to use for building the relationship with them and staying in touch from this point onwards.

Previous posts:

?? Article: Why Job Seekers need to 'follow-up'

?? Vote on my LinkedIn Poll - how long does it typically take for Job Seekers to find a job? Just a few more days left to vote!

?? Why Job Seekers should ALWAYS have a "wish list" before Job Searching

?? Summary of Gartner's Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2023

?? Check out my AMA (Ask Me Anything) post where Job Seekers posted Job Search related questions and I shared my advice.

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That's all for this week; if there are any topics you'd like me to cover in a future edition, let me know in the comments - see you next time and don't forget to Like, Comment, + Subscribe!

Dean Kulaweera - IT Recruiter | Director, Recruitment & Sales |?Tech Recruiters 360