10 Tips for Networking / Recruiting Events
April 24th, 2008
With school coming to an end, recent graduates are searching for jobs and if they've done any research, they know that the best way to find a job is by networking.At some point or another we've all been to a career fair or a networking/recruiting event. Many people (both candidates and recruiters) find these events stressful. Here are some strategies to make this a more pleasant and fruitful experience! These strategies are from the candidate's viewpoint and later on we'll talk about the recruiters' standpoint.
1. SmileWe're all drawn to happy, positive people. When you walk in and maintain a smile, you're instantly more inviting and approachable; the recruiters will want to talk to you. A smile conveys confidence, positivity and is one of the most important things I recommend!
2. Don't Drink too Much
I'd be lying if I said I've never attended a recruiting event just for the free drinks. However, I've never been [really] hammered at a recruiting event and only once have I seen someone acting stupid at a networking event after drinking too much; obviously he wasn't getting a call back.
3. Talk to the Recruiters
This should be obvious, but I've seen many people at these events stand around talking to their buddies rather than connecting with the recruiters/company employees. Although some recruiters will approach you, it's your responsibility to approach them.
4. Be Nice to Everyone
The other extreme is only talking to the recruiters. Although this is your primary objective, it doesn't hurt to make friends with some of the other people at the event. Being nice also means giving others the opportunity to speak to the recruiters and not hijacking conversations.
5. Find Common Ground
If you have something in common with the recruiter, make sure to take advantage of it. You'll be amazed at how quickly that person will open up. It could be that you went to the same school, were part of the same association, enjoy the same sport, anything. Having something in common will give you an edge and give the recruiter something to talk about.
6. Have Something Interesting to Say
Rattling off a laundry list of accomplishments followed by your GPA is not interesting. Choose a couple of accomplishments you're most proud of and discuss how those skills/lessons learned would be useful to the firm.
7. Don't Ramble
Some people ramble when they're nervous because they feel they have to say something at all times. This is not true. You should be clear and concise; if what you have to say is interesting enough, the recruiter will probe you for more information.
8. Ask Pertinent/Relevant Questions
The conversation is a two way street. You shouldn't be doing all the talking; you should be asking questions not only about the job you're going for, but about their experiences as well.
9. Collect Business Cards
Ask for a business card after you've spoken to someone and have hopefully built
some rapport. Quick tip: If you're collecting lots of cards, take a few seconds to write some quick notes on the back of the card about the person you just met. These notes are very handy later on10. Follow-up by Email
This is something most people do, so the recruiters will receive several: "Thanks, it was nice meeting you! Keep in touch."-type emails. You need to stand out: write something more specific about the conversation you had. Your email should be brief, but memorable.
If you want some more networking tips, here are a few recent posts:
College Students Fail When They Ask For Jobs Instead of Relationships
How to Work an Event
A New Approach
I'll have a follow up post about how I applied these concepts to the last networking event I was at...as a student.
Have you got some tips/tricks to share about making it through a networking event?
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