Networking events are a great tool to take advantage of while looking for a new job opportunity. You can meet other professionals within your industry, grow your personal network, and identify leads that can help you during your job search. Below are 10 essential tips that will guarantee a successful event:
1. Set Goals
Before your next networking event ask yourself why you’re attending. If you’re looking for a new job opportunity, set goals that will help you during your search. Maybe one goal will be to connect with at least 5 professionals within your industry and another goal will be to pass out at least 10 business cards before you leave. When you set goals prior to the networking event, you have a greater chance of hitting them.
2. Personal Branding
Looking for a new job opportunity includes branding yourself and doing it well. So why are you awesome? Are you a rock-star graphic designer or did you intern for an up-and-coming startup? Instead of only telling people about the type of job opportunity you’re looking for also make sure to tell them why you’re awesome. That’s the part that stands out.
3. Business Cards
A networking event is all about connecting with other professionals. If you end up meeting awesome individuals at the event, you also want to make sure they have an opportunity to connect with you in the future. Luckily, if you don’t have business cards already, you can find them for dirt cheap online. So take the time to order new cards and pack a handful before the event.
4. Overdress vs. Underdress
It’s always a good idea to overdress vs. underdress. You never know who you will meet at a networking event so make sure to take the time to pick out a professional outfit. That way if you end up meeting a hiring manager who works for one of your favorite companies you can feel confident that you left a good impression.
5. Listen and Ask Questions
Practice being a great listener. People always appreciate someone who doesn’t only talk about them self. Instead, take the time to find out what other people do and why they attended the event. When a conversation flows both ways you will end up building stronger connections with the people you meet.
6. Set Reasonable Expectations
If you attend a networking event with unreasonable expectations you may be let down. Hoping to meet every person at the event may be setting the bar too high. Instead, set goals that aren’t too hard to accomplish. That way you can leave the event knowing it was a success.
7. Follow Up
Make sure to follow up with everyone you met the following day. Send them a quick email letting them know how great it was to connect and that you would love to stay in touch. Following up is a great way to reconnect especially after meeting a handful of people.
8. LinkedIn
Take the time to add everyone you meet on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is another great way to stay connected with professionals within your industry. Also, the more connections you have, the better LinkedIn works. More connections can mean more traffic to your profile, more recommendations, and a greater chance a hiring manager will see your page.
9. Get Involved
If you were the one hosting the event, can you imagine how many people you would meet? I’m guessing just about everyone. So if you’re feeling extra ambitious introduce yourself to the host and find out how you can help during the next event. If you decide to volunteer just imagine how many new connections you will make.
10. Schedule the Next Event
You did it! You went to a networking event and it was a total success. Now, make sure to plan the next one… or two. :) The more networking events you go to the greater the chance you will connect with the exact person who will help you find your new career.
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