If you look at career planning and job searching the way you would look at marketing your own business, then every opportunity to meet new contacts or acquire business information is an opportunity to expose your products (you) to potential buyers (employers).
Here are some events you should include in your job search. They were chosen based on the amount of information you can find there, and these typically have the most professionals attending.
• Professional association events. It can be easy to overlook the power of joining an association in your field of interest, but this is one group that shares your professional credentials and offers numerous seminars, training, special events and directories to its members. Dismiss the information they offer, and you could miss some great opportunities.
• Trade shows and industry events. These event usually showcase the latest industry trends and include workshops and guest speakers. Company booths are excellent places to gather information and meet company representatives. Your goal is to meet colleagues in the field and exchange information.
• Alumni association events. Staying connected to your fellow classmates is an excellent way to keep abreast of people’s promotions and learn about their career paths. When alumni groups gather, the meetings usually are more relaxed and more focused on getting reacquainted with one another.
• Job fairs. Most people can get frustrated at job fairs and end up leaving without a job opportunity. If you look at job fairs as huge networking events, then in addition to all the employers exhibiting, every job seeker can be a contact and source of information. Turn a job fair into an exercise in research. Attend with the intention of meeting people, asking questions and gathering material.
• Continuing-education seminars. Seminars provide the latest information on specific topics. Those who attend hold similar interests, and discussion groups often provide brainstorming ideas for solving industry-related problems. Meet the speakers, and comment on what you liked about their presentation, or add to it.
Attending events needs to be part of your career development as well as being included in good job-search plan. Keep in mind how important timing is when meeting others and discussing your situation. You can follow up on many of the connections made at these events with meetings or phone calls.
Be sure to plan ahead, so you know what you want to accomplish before you attend an event.
