The process of job hunting has significantly changed over the years since the growth of the internet and social media. It feels like a life time ago that we had to rely only on searching for job adverts in newspapers or registering with a recruitment agency to find new employment.
The networking we do as part of our business lives and at social functions can also be a great resource for job hunting and you will find a number of events to choose from including breakfast, lunch, conference, seminar and training events. Choosing the right one is crucial because it will dictate the mix of delegates you will meet there.
With job vacancies in mind, before you choose a networking event it is essential to create a plan with specific goals. You should identify exactly what type of vacancy you are searching for so that you have clear direction and focus. Use a note book and brainstorm by job role, job title, industry, location and size of business. This will help you choose the right event and ensure you meet who you need to connect with to find that perfect job.
Plan your events in advance, carefully adding dates to your diary to avoid missing events or having to make cancellations to attend other functions. Also it is wise to have a weekly or monthly networking budget because many networking events will carry a delegate fee.
Striking conversations may not come naturally to you so to help overcome this, prepare some questions before you leave the office. When you meet a delegate at a networking event you have a very short window to strike up a quality conversion. Mastering the art of pertinent conversation is imperative to success because you will need to determine as early as possible whether a delegate will be a helpful connection in your search for job opportunities.
Before heading to a networking event you should ensure that your Linkedin Profile is up to date with employment history and a professional profile photo. If you are networking to seek employment opportunities, expect your Linkedin profile to be viewed by potential employers after the event to corroborate your credentials, skills and work experience. This is because your Linkedin profile is basically an online CV.
After each event allocate a time slot to follow-up on all the business cards you acquired there as if you delay it shouts volumes about your level of commitment. Using the cards, establish who your key connections are and arrange a coffee meeting to grow the new relationships.
Be ready for any opportunities and never leave home without your business cards as networking for job vacancies does not only take place at events themselves. You can network on the train, in hotels, on training courses, and in the coffee shop.
Last but not least, always think about your business image when networking as success depends upon more than those striking conversations. It also includes your business image and how you want to be perceived.
When you meet a new delegate a networking event, they will make a judgement about you within 30 seconds and remember, that new delegate could potentially be your new employer.
You will be amazed at what details delegates remember about you from a networking event so the day before, go through your wardrobe and plan what you will wear. Remember that when you look successful you will be viewed as successful and as a confident business professional.
Written by Bella Rareworld, Corporate Networking Strategist, BellaNetworking Events. We help international clients by sourcing listsof UK networking events to attend whilst on business in the UK. We specialise in helping clients network with their target market or industry. Bella Rareworld has 60+ testimonials on Linkedin at http://www.linkedin.com/in/rareworld - For more info visit email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 845 269 8036. You can also follow us on Twitter & Facebook http://www.twitter.com/BellaNetworking - http://www.facebook.com/BellaNetworking
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