Job Recruiting

Networking at Parties

Posted in Networking Tips

Having a network of contacts is important for every career person as it can provide them with different job opportunities.  And with the uncertainty that the financial crisis brings, people would have to go through great lengths to get job referrals.

If you do not have your own network yet, you have to start building it right away by attending parties or other social gatherings.  You never know who you will meet, the people your contacts will know, or what they can do for you.  This is the time when you should be open and social to reap the benefits of knowing people who know people.

Check the guest list

Before attending the party, you need to check the attending guests.  Knowing the guests at the party will allow you to plan ahead about whom you want to talk to and exchange phone numbers and e-mail addresses with.  Meet up with potential clients, talk to guests whom you think might be offering a job you are interested in.  Creating a plan saves you time in networking the right people.

Make a good impression

First impressions are often the lasting impressions.  How you present yourself to a prospective client can make or break your networking efforts.  Always put your best self when meeting people for the first time.  You need to dress well, keep your eye contact, drink only a bit to loosen you up, and listen more to people.  Listening to your prospective clients shows that you are genuinely interested in what your new friends are saying, giving you a better chance of meeting your goals when it comes to networking.

Maintain a correct posture

When meeting with new people for your network.  Stand up with your back bones straight to suggest that you exude confidence throughout the conversation, even if you feel nervous or awkward.  Understand that many people at that same party are probably nervous as well.  Be the one who starts the conversation if you need to.

Follow up

You are most likely to get a handful of network contact.  If they leave you their contact information, they are likely expecting to hear from you.  Follow up on your acquaintances by calling them the following week and reintroducing yourself to them, just in case they have forgotten about you.  Remind them what you were hoping to get or learn from them, and be gracious about it.  Treat each contact with respect because you will most likely to bump into him or her again in the future.