10 job seeker power tips to make the most of networking events

Are you like my friend at networking events? He plants himself by the roast beef buffet and rarely roams beyond the horseradish sauce to avoid talking with strangers. Networking at events can be scary and frustrating, but it is so essential to do! Studies show networking is THE best way to learn about and land positions. So, take the following networking event tips to heart ... they can help you ... Get a Job!

10 job seeker power tips to make the most of networking events

1) Pick worthy events that include ...

• People who can help you (as well as people who you can help).
• People who can influence hiring decision makers.
• Hiring decision makers.

Don’t minimize this tip! Don't waste time and money attending networking events with the wrong people.

2) Have a purpose for each event. For example, your purpose could be to meet three hiring managers in your field. But regardless of your intended purpose, be pleasant and engaging to all. You never know from where or from whom your next job will come.

3) Seek to learn who is attending in advance.

• Research target people who you expect to attend (on LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, their company web site, etc.)
• Make a list of the specific people who you want to meet at an event. Jot down their titles, companies, etc. Bring the list with you (discreetly) to help you make the most of your mingling. 
• Look for an electronically posted list of event attendees or ask the event coordinator for a list.
• Search for people talking about attending on Twitter. Many event promoters use a hash tag (pound sign) as in "JobLinkUpEvent#" so you can follow tweets specifically about that particular event). 
• Watch for when people mention they plan to attend events on a LinkedIn group discussion or in their LinkedIn network updates.

4) “Meet” target people via email, social media or phone before the meeting. By getting acquainted with them in advance, you will feel much more relaxed when meeting them in person.

5) Dress appropriately and be prepared.

• Wear comfortable shoes so you can stand without pain.
• Women should carry a light purse or none at all.
• Bring business cards, notepad and pen or carry a mobile device to capture contact information.
• Print your name large and clear on your name tag. Place it on your upper left chest so it is not blocked when you shake hands.

6) Establish your presence at the event ...

• Be friendly to the event host, speaker and registration workers.
• Stride confidently into room toward a congested area. Don’t hide by the food/bar!
• Introduce yourself to a person by saying your name and field.
• Repeat other people’s names until you can say it correctly. This will help you remember their name.
• Make good eye contact with those you engage in conversation. Don't let your eyes wander off in search of target person while ignoring the person in front of you.  
• Have a mutual connection introduce you to target people when possible.
• Be a "wing man" to a friend and vice versa so that you can bring each other into group conversations. 

7) Engage people in conversation.

• Be memorable by being interested! Ask questions, listen well, respond in a way that shows you are 100 percent engaged in what they have to say. 
• Seek to establish common interests or to recall past experiences where you may have crossed paths.
• Honestly compliment others or talk (positively) about the event.
• Be friendly and welcome loners into conversations. Remember that you are not the only person who is uncomfortable at the event.
• Wait before interrupting a conversation.
• Remember names and introduce people to each other.
• Have a business card available, but don’t blanket the room with them.
• Ask for other peoples’ cards. Write notes on back of their card to jog your memory about the person and to ensure you send them promised information.

8) Let's eat!

• If a meal is served, try to sit at a target person’s table within comfortable talking distance.
• Introduce yourself to the table. Prepare a brief statement that includes your name, field and why you are glad to meet them.
• Don’t overeat or drink.
• Be aware and make adjustments if you are talking too much or too loudly.
• Make the rounds at the end of the event to reconfirm commitments.

9) Follow up

• Email people within three days to fulfill commitments or to ask for their help.
• Strengthen new relationships by asking people to coffee or lunch. Download my Informational Interview Success Sheet for step-by-step guidelines to make the most of these meetings.

And the single best way to wow the crowd at networking events ... 

10) Offer to help and then do it! When you focus on how you can help rather than focusing on your own discomfort at networking events, you will not only become a better networker, but a better person who others will seek out, befriend and recommend.

• Tell people about job leads. Follow up by emailing them a link to the open position.
• Help the event planners if they seem overwhelmed.
• Provide sales representatives and small business people with business leads.
• Offer to send people helpful articles based on your conversation with them.
• Make mutually beneficial introductions and introduce people to influential people who can help them.
• Speak highly of people at the event to build their confidence and recommend them later for positions ... believe me, by doing so, they will remember you fondly forever.

What other tips could help job seekers network well at events? 

Share them on the LinkedIn discussion board that might have brought you to this blog or here on the Get a Job! Tips blog by using the Contact Us feature. 

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