So many people tell me they think they should attend as many networking events as possible when they’re looking for a job. They seem to look at networking events from the numbers side: If they attend enough events, they’ll eventually find someone who will lead them to a good job opportunity.
Networking events are part of a good job-search plan, but think more broadly when you think of networking.
Attending networking events can help your career in many ways. You meet people and find those with whom you share a common interest, and you learn about trends in an industry, meet vendors or increase your knowledge in a specific area.
But I encourage you to think more of networking in much broader terms. Think of networking in terms of building relationships rather than attending events. Often, the good job opportunity comes along when you’re simply having a conversation, with no formal agenda.
Participating in training and development events also are excellent ways to meet those in an industry that interests you.
If you are adding networking events to your job-search plan, remember that time is a consideration. Focus on those events where you are most likely to meet people in your field or with whom you share a common goal.
Avoid being pulled into every event just to meet people. These events can be time-consuming and, to some degree, energy draining. The more you meet people who share your interests, the more momentum your search tends to build.
Make the most of these events by doing some advance research so you know who will attend, the topics that will be presented and the speakers on the agenda. This lets you prepare the questions you will ask to keep conversations moving.
Before you go, practice your introduction and have an attitude that you are there to give information as well as receive it.
