Networking tips

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Even at work, you have a personal brand. What are people saying about you when you're not in the room? Are you giving off the right vibe to your colleagues and conveying the brand you want to convey at work?

Developing your personal brand is essential for the advancement of your career. It is what makes you special, and how you'll become more valuable to an organization.

Here are a few tips on how to develop your personal brand:

1. Get Clear On Your Unique Value Proposition

To become respected in your company or industry, you need to be very clear on what unique value you provide and how to connect that to your company's mission.

Most peopleâand I see it all the time with my interview coaching clientsâare not that clear on what makes them different from others. This is the reason they don't get the jobs or promotions they are after!

Your brand should be authentic to you so notice your emotions when performing certain tasks and activities. If it is something you have passion and energy for, it should become part of your personal brand.

Spend some time thinking about what makes you different from your peersâyour strengths, your passions, and your goals.

2. Ask For Feedback

What do you want others to experience about you?

You might want to write down 3-5 things you'd want others to experience when interacting with you and then ask a close friend or a trusted colleague to do the same. Are the answers similar? If so, well done. If notâyou have some work to do in terms of branding yourself the right way.

It is important to understand how others perceive you as this will enable you to start sending the right messages to your audience. And having a personal brand is definitely a requirement for leadership positions and will enable you to create more impact.

3. Be Consistent

Everything you do or post on social media ultimately contributes to your personal brand. Once you're clear on your personal brand, make sure that the way you dress, the emails you write, your body language, and so on are consistent with your brand message.

4. Use Social Media Effectively

Platforms like WordPress make it easier than ever to promote yourself to your target audience. I blog weekly, and I'd recommend that you post a couple of times a week on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter on topics that your audience will find educational (and will also highlight your experience).

Here is a quick guide on how you can position yourself as an expert so that you get the best opportunities in your business or career.

5. Promote Your Brand In Person

Utilizing social media to build your personal brand is great, but make sure you promote your brand in person, too. Whether it is participating in industry groups, giving talks, or offering to lead a project that highlights your talents, what can you do to promote your brand offline?

If you want to be successful, creating a personal brand isn't just an option; it's a necessity. Whether you aspire to get that promotion or land your dream job, creating a compelling and consistent brand will help you meet your goals.

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5 Tips For Building Your Personal Brand …

After months (maybe even years) of careful thought, you have decided that the time is finally right to make a career change. This is one of the biggest decisions of your professional life and it will have a significant impact on your quality of life moving forward.

Buckle up! This change won't happen overnight and it's going to be a roller coaster of a process.

As you navigate your way through the career change process, here are five mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Believing That A Career Change Will Be Easy

As alluded to in the opening paragraphs, the career change process is a roller coaster ride of emotions and there's nothing easy about it! Some people go into the process, think they'll apply for a few jobs, and just hope something will come together. Then, after the setbacks mount, they lose confidence and become frustrated.

You need to take a step back and taper your expectations.

The job market is as competitive as ever and, depending on how long you were at your previous job, the job search process has changed significantly. From the way you find jobs, apply for jobs, and interview for jobs, the process is not the same as it used to be.

Mistake #2: Not Doing Enough Research

Man looks at his phone while researching companies to work for

You've decided you don't want to continue with your current career path and have narrowed in on another career to pursue.

Guess what? That's not enough!

You need to research the industry you're going into to see how many of your professional skills will transfer over to the new career field. You also need to take a serious inventory of the skills that you're lacking and investigate your options for upskilling to gain those valuable skills. This may be the most difficult of all the career change challenges. However, addressing it early in the job search process will only benefit you more in the long run.

In addition to all of that, you need to have a strong understanding of the state of the industry you're targeting. Some industries, such as journalism, are struggling and seeing significant reductions in the workforce while other professions are in danger of being automated. It's important to make sure that the profession you're going into is better than the one you're leaving behind.

It's also important to research salaries for the profession, so there are no surprises as you go along in the process (more on that in a bit).

Mistake #3: Attacking The Career Change Process Alone

Woman at a networking event talking to colleagues who could help her with her career change

If you've neglected your professional network or don't have one, you may want to make that your first priority before starting your job search.

A career change is hard enough as it is, but very few people are able to accomplish it without a little help. This is where your professional network comes in handy. Talking to former colleagues, professional acquaintances, and mentors can not only help shape your career path, but they may also be able to recommend companies that may be a good fit for you and make some initial introductions.

If your professional network needs some work, try to reach out to colleagues to see if they're willing to introduce you to some professionals in their networks. In addition, you may want to look into attending some local networking events to meet new people.

Online networking tools such as LinkedIn also give job seekers an opportunity to run their own proactive job searches. If you've identified some companies that you're interested in, you can use LinkedIn to connect with people at those companies. You can also contact the recruiter for those companies.

Your networking efforts should run concurrently with your job search.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Your Resume

Job seeker on laptop shows a lack of interest in working on his resume

There may have been a time a long time ago when a one-size-fits-all resume was fine but it's not like that now. Every resume needs to be tailored to the specific job you're targeting. The modern-day recruiter handles so many resumes that they only have time to skim them.

You basically have six seconds to get that recruiter's attention, so all the relevant skills that you possess for that job need to be at the top of your resume.

There are still some people that fall into the trap of spending most of their time writing a good cover letter but using the same resume over and over again. Both documents deserve an equal amount of attention. It may take a little extra time but it beats being repeatedly passed over for job interviews.

Mistake #5: Expecting To Make More Money

Woman saving money during the career change process

If you're making a career change just to make more money, you may be in for a surprise.

Sure, depending on your industry and professional experience, there are some career changes that lead to instant raises.

But in many cases, any financial gain that comes from career change happens in the long term, not the short term. It's very possible that you'll have to take a pay cut initially until you prove yourself in your new position. This is especially true if a company takes a chance and hires you with little experience. The company wants to make sure you can do the job before it makes a significant investment.

That's why it's important to do salary research early in the process and plan accordingly.

The job search process isn't easy, but if you take the proper steps, it doesn't have to be miserable. Hopefully by avoiding these five mistakes, making a career change will be a little less daunting and intimidating. And (even though it didn't make the list) make sure you don't prematurely quit your current job before you've secured a new one (unless you have the resources) because even the smoothest career changes take a little time.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 BIG Career Change Mistakes

How To Expand Your Network For Job Search Success

Networking is vital to job search success. Networking can lead to referrals, identifying jobs that aren't yet posted, and securing informational interviews. They can also lead to future professional references.

These results can give you a competitive advantage and help you progress toward your career goal. Networking platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are tools that can help you effectively expand your network. Here's how...

Building Your Social Network

Online or offline, the goal of networking is to build relationships. Every social networking platform offers some means of connecting with new people. Interact with others and share posts that are thoughtful and relevant to your field. Engage your audience by seeking input and sharing your thoughts or review of industry-related topics.

Share these topics and post information on your own profile for your audience, but also get involved in groups on LinkedIn or chats on Twitter. There are thousands of chats and groups for a wide variety of industries, specialties, or job searching in general. Do some exploring and request to join the group or start following the Twitter chat.

In my experience, people are very receptive to newcomers on these interactive forums. These forums can be a great way to meet new people. After participating, you can begin to follow or request a connection with individual contributors. Depending on your location, there may be the possibility of meeting your connections in person. The social network is a platform to build these relationships and make that in-person connection.

It Takes Time To Build A Network

Woman builds professional network at a business networking event

Patience...patience...patience! All good things take time.

Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible. Those two skills can save you from many future career headaches. Not everyone will be willing to connect. Remember that networking is a two-way street. Prioritize your connections based on who has a job you'd love to do, or who works for one of your target employers, and focus your efforts strategically.

Always personalize connection messages to new people on sites like LinkedIn to let the potential contact know you're not arbitrarily clicking every "Connect" button in your suggested contacts. Keep connection messages brief and to the point. I'd recommend not going into personal detail this early on or putting potential connections on the spot; just invite them to be a connection or offer your email address as a point of contact.

You can say something as simple as, "Hi Jane, I've enjoyed following your contributions to XYZ Group and agreed with your review of the Acme Co article you posted. I am also a (insert job title here) and would like to connect with you. Please let me know if I can be of any help. Thanks."

A short and simple message with a personal reference and offer to help shows that you are trying to form a mutually beneficial relationship.

Gaining Credibility

Man on phone builds his professional network

By building relationships you can become a resource on certain topics for your network. Gaining credibility takes time, but let the process happen naturally. Conduct research, search for best practices, gain more experience, and get in contact with people that share their experience.

This is where actively participating in Twitter chats or LinkedIn groups can help build your knowledge. Sharing ideas with others that are passionate about their field can keep you motivated and engaged in your line of work. After developing these relationships, opportunities can arise off-screen as wellâassisting in a volunteer effort that was coordinated online or attending a networking event, speaking event, or job club that was promoted online. Read the information about the events your network is posting and try to commit to going when your schedule permits.

Impress Hiring Managers That May Google You

A recruiter on her computer does research on a potential job candidate

A hiring manager may look you up on Google at some point in the job search process. If you actively network across platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter, or attend events in person, your Google search results page may show these stories and profiles.

Any site you join for professional networking purposes should serve as a complement to your resume. That means whether you post blogs, tweets, or share information on LinkedIn, all your content should be professional and error-free. These can validate your candidacy and make you stand out among the competition.

As you start networking, you'll learn more about your field, gain skills, and build confidence. Build relationships and help others in your search. Use social networking for job search success and foster relationships that can help you discover your next opportunity.

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How To Expand Your Network For Job …

13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To Know

It's that time of year again when job seekers think they should stop looking for a job throughout the holiday season. No one will be hiring anyway, so you may as well take the rest of the year off, right? Not true, according to HR and job search experts.

Although some companies may have no budget left for hiring, others still have openings they need to fill by the end of the fiscal year. That means it's unwise to assume a company won't be bringing on new candidates unless they announce a hiring freeze.

The savvy job hunter maintains job search momentum throughout the holiday season and finds fresh ways to leverage networking to open doors with hiring employers. After all, there are increased opportunities to network offline throughout this period, and each event you attend offers the gift of connecting with people you haven't met or haven't seen in a while.

Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual networking has become an essential part of your career, allowing you to continue to grow your professional network from the comfort of your own home. Over the holidays, attending a few virtual networking events will be easy, since you should already be familiar with them from your experience working from home or attending some in the past.

As you launch your own holiday networking campaign, make sure you avoid these ânaughty" tactics and follow the "nice" holiday networking tips instead.

"Naughty" Holiday Networking Strategies To Avoid

Two professionals network at a holiday office party

1. Focusing only on your search needs. Leverage a give-to-get strategy instead by cultivating your relationship with the people you encounter in your holiday merrymaking. Ask them astute questions about their workplace needs, and look for ways you can help.

2. Asking for jobs, information, or leads without offering to give one or more of the same first. Above all else, the holiday season is a time to connect in meaningful ways with people you already know and those you don't. You can't do this if your sole focus is on you.

3. Pushing your job search agenda on influential contacts. If you focus on proving your usefulness first, you won't have to push your agenda at all.

4. Sending out networking requests disguised as holiday greetings. Remember: you don't have to ask for something each time you connect with your network. Focus on giving something every time instead.

5. Expecting quick responses from anyone about anything. The closer we get to Christmas and New Year's, the more delay you can expect in any job-search-related communication. Accept this and move on.

Focus your holiday energies on leveraging these "nice" door-opening strategies even Santa would love...

"Nice" Holiday Networking Strategies To Try

Group of professionals at a holiday networking event

1. Attending a wide variety of holiday events and being prepared to make connections. Whether you're going to parties or open houses, joining a friend for a company event, or enjoying dinner with one or more friends, use every outing to gather insight and information. Replace your usual holiday networking outings with virtual networking events if you have safety concerns (or just like the convenience of it).

2. Preparing a two-sided business card for on-the-spot networking. Present your personal branding statement on side one, and showcase your experience, credentials, and impacts briefly on side two. If a two-sided card is too small, try a fold-over card that allows you to print text inside and out. If this is still too small, why not try a postcard instead?

3. Building a holiday list. Like Santa, you need to know what everyone on your target list is seeking. Ask the contacts and job seekers you meet how you can help them, and keep a record of their responses for immediate follow-up. Look for ways to refer job seekers to recruiters and companies, and suggest recruiters and companies to job seekers.

4. Proactively referring potential candidates to recruiters, companies, and hiring managers. Be the star in your network by preparing a brief intro about job seekers you know and feel comfortable recommending, then offer their contact information (with permission, of course) to recruiters and companies that match the job seekers' search targets.

5. Following up promptly. Don't let those holiday connections go to waste! Make sure you follow up with new members of your network soon after meeting them, to let them know how nice it was connecting with them, and to keep the communication lines open.

6. Using the period between Christmas and New Year's to re-contact all previous interviewers. Let your past interviewers know that you're still available. I've known more than one candidate who reopened an opportunity by proactively reaching out during an otherwise slow period.

7. Sending out New Year's greetings to influential contacts in your network. Include a short, brand-driven message about your value proposition, assuming that you have previously sent a holiday message with zero branding included. This strategy allows you to refresh the memories of your influential contacts with your candidacy as they put the holidays behind them and return to work in the new year.

Remember persistence and assertiveness are always in season. When paired with smart search strategies, your holiday networking can yield a bounty of new gifts in the new year.

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Networking is something most professionals struggle with. But the truth is, your network is your net worth.

If you don't have a strong network, your career will suffer. It will also make your job search more difficult than it needs to be.

Need help building your professional network? We can help!

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13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To …

18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

I think one of the hardest things about networking events is just getting a conversation going with someoneâwithout being awkward about it. Approaching someone new can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. So, what are some natural and easy ways to break the ice?

Here are some tips and tricks for starting a conversation at a networking event:

Go Fishing At The Food Table

While waiting in line for food, start chatting up the person next to you. This is a great opportunity to get a conversation started because you already have something in common: the food. Everyone is thinking about the same thing. What am I going to try? What looks good? So instead of just standing there in silence, start a conversation.

Here are a few conversation starters for this situation:

"Oh man, everything looks so good. I'm not sure what to get! What are you thinking?"
"Yummy, they have ____! Have you ever tried it?"
"Hmm, I'm not quite sure what that dish is...do you know?"

Who knows, you might leave the buffet with a better plate of food AND a new contact! That's a win-win in my book.

Find A Loner

If you see someone standing alone in the corner, clutching his or her drink, and looking miserable, don't be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself. Typically, these people need a little help getting the conversation going.

Here are some icebreakers:

"Man, these networking events can be so crazy. Mind if I join you over here where it's a little quieter?"
"Wow, there are a ton of people here! The food must be good, huh?"

If someone is standing alone, he or she is probably feeling uncomfortable or unconfident. If you initiate the conversation, it could make them feel more relaxed and willing to connect.

Compliment Them

Woman looks to start a conversation at a networking event

Everyone loves compliments, especially when they are feeling insecure (and many people do feel that way when attending networking events). If you're struggling to start a conversation with someone, find something to compliment.

Here are some ideas:

"Yum, that drink looks good. What is it?"
"Cute shoes! Where did you get them?"

Talk About Sports

Group of professionals at a networking event

People love talking about sports. If you're a sports person, use it to your advantage!

See someone wearing a Red Sox cap? Say something like, "Red Sox fan, huh? Did you catch the game yesterday?" Overhear a group of people talking about last night's game? Express your interest in the conversation by saying something like, "Are you talking about ____?" and then chime in.

Just Say Hello

Man starts a conversation at a networking event

Sometimes, the easiest way to meet someone is to offer a handshake and say, "Hi, I'm Peter."

Simply introducing yourself with a smile and a dash of confidence can work wonders.

Keeping The Conversation Going

Group of professionals network at a conference

I know what you're thinking. Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but how can I keep the conversation going after the initial question? It's easy! Talk about something else you have in commonâthe event itself!

Here are some ideas:

"I'm Gina, by the way, nice to meet you..."
- "So, is this your first time at one of these events?"
- "So, how did you hear about this event?"
- "What a great place for an event, huh? Have you ever been here before?"

After that, try learning more about them. Questions can include:

"Are you from the area"
"What line of work are you in or trying to get into?"

Next step: get them talking. Remember, people generally like to talk about themselves. So, once they tell you what they do, ask questions about it. Here are a few:

"That's very interesting..."
- "What drew you to that line of work?"
- "What do you like about your job?"
- "Why are you interested in working in that industry specifically?"

BONUS: Your Exit Strategy

Professionals smile at a networking event

It's that time: your drink is dry and you're ready to move on. When the conversation starts to wind down, don't try to force more. Remember, you're there to mix and mingleâdon't chain yourself to one person all night.

If you'd like to exit a conversation, try one of these lines:

"Alright, I'm going to get some food now that the line has died down a bit. It was great meeting you!"
"Have you met Lisa She works in your industry as well. I'm sure you both will have plenty to talk about. I've got to say hello to someone, but I'll be back."
"Well, I think it's time for me to head out. I would love to talk with you again, though! May I have your card/contact information?"

Remember these conversation starters (and enders) during your next networking event to get the most out of your time there. Happy networking!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date and was inspired by the author's personal experiences and the advice of Susan RoAne, author of How to Work a Room.

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

Top 10 People You Must Have In Your Network To Find A Job

So, you know it is important to have the two Qs as you build out your network: quality and quantity. But have you considered the importance of having a well-rounded network?

In this labor market, having a strong network is critical to your career success. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect with them, and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. This article focuses on who should be in your network.

Here are the top 10 people that should be in your network, no matter if you're looking for a job or happy in your current positionâbecause every job is temporary!

Who Should Be Part Of Your Network?

There are 10 types of people you should have in your network:

The mentor
The coach
The industry insider
The trendsetter
The connector
The idealist
The realist
The visionary
The partner
The wanna-be

1. The Mentor

This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their successes as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.

2. The Coach

The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.

3. The Industry Insider

Man shows an article to someone in his network

This is someone in your chosen field who has expert-level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed on what's happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.

4. The Trendsetter

This is someone outside of your chosen industry that always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.

5. The Connector

This is a person who has access to people, resources, and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.

6. The Idealist

This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how "out there" your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flesh out your dreams in high definition, even if you don't have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.

7. The Realist

On the flip side, you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is the person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations are a little to unrealistic and need some grounding. These are not people who knock down your dreams; rather, they challenge you to actively make your dreams happen.

8. The Visionary

Woman works with two people in her network

Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.

9. The Partner

You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities, and information.

10. The Wanna-Be

Young professional gets help from her mentor at work

This is someone you can serve as a mentor. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing someone is watching.

Obviously, you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on that fit into the roles listed above.

Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities. Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work and the connections to land your dream job? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps. Happy networking!

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Top 10 People You Must Have In …

How To Use The Holidays To Become A Better Networker

Perform you find it difficult to get inside contact with people throughout your network (especially close to the holidays)? And/or people struggling to grow your own personal network overall? Even using your present strategy?

The holiday season can be the wonderful time of yr for many individuals. This is a new great time to loosen up, reconnect with friends plus family, and celebrate! Youâre probably going to end up being seeing people that you havenât spoken within quite a few time.

With that being said, this allows you this PERFECT chance to brush upward on your networking abilities and reconnect with these types of individuals PLUS others!

In this teaching, youâll learn to:

Begin networking having the people who are around you PLUS develop new connections
Pinpoint the various ways in which you may get started together with your marketing strategy
Create meaningful relationships that will assist you enhance your job search

Sign up for our CEO, J. To. O'Donnell, and Director associated with Training Development & Training, Christina Burgio, for this particular live event on Wed, November 9th at twelve pm ET.

CAN'T GO TO LIVE? Which okay. You'll have entry to the recording as well as the workbook after the program!

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How To Use The Holidays To Become …

Are you interested within learning more about and what will get you noticed in LinkedIn? Do you would like expert advice on the best way to stand out on the particular world's biggest networking system? If so, we are usually here to help A PERSON today!

Join us for LinkedIn Hot Or Not! each Thursday at 1 evening ET / 10 feel PT.

What to be able to expect?

A 30-minute RESIDE show hosted by our own CEO & founder M. T. OâDonnell
In this session, an individual have the ability for you to share your personal LinkedIn user profile and obtain a FULL survive review (i. e., exactly what looks good, areas to help improve, how to enhance it further, etc. )

Cannot make the live treatment? Don’t worry about it! A recording will certainly be available.

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How To Get Rid Of Your Networking Anxiety

Will this thought of attending some sort of networking event give anyone crippling anxiety? Are people worried youâre wasting your own valuable time on a good networking strategy that isnât on your side? If so, most likely in the proper place!

The good thing is that not one of us are given birth to with a natural expertise for networking, even often the people who enjoy this.

Like a business-of-one, you need to marketplace yourself. Networking is your skill that anyone may learn. To do so, everyone just need to make use of the best strategy!

With this training, youâll understand how to:

Create a highly effective marketing strategy that gets one results faster than using to countless jobs
Identify dream businesses you'd love to function for
Turn out to be a more confident marketer and grow your existence online

Join our TOP DOG, J. T. O'Donnell, and even Director of Training Advancement & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live occasion on Wednesday, October nineteenth at 12 pm AINSI QUE.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You will have access to your recording as well as the workbook right after the session!

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How To Get Rid Of Your Networking …

5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending A Job Fair

Most job fairs run between January and May. When spring rolls around, things usually ramp up because most employers want job openings filled before summer kicks off.

If you are among the job seekers attending job fairs, then take down these tips to prepare for it and make the most of your time there.

Many employers have a presence at job fairs to increase brand awareness, but also to save time in the screening process. Job fairs offer an opportunity for employers to conduct initial screenings of potential candidates on the spot. Due to COVID-19, virtual job fairs have become more popular and allow employers and job seekers to meet safely, going around geographical barriers.

Employers have an idea of what they are looking for in a candidate for each job opening, so anyone who appears to make the cut can be interviewed to advance the process along right then and there.

Job seekers who come prepared will strike up opportunities quickly, so here are five things you MUST do before attending a job fair.

1. Research Ahead Of Time

Woman research companies that will be attending a job fair

There can be hundreds of companies to talk to at each job fair, but that doesn't mean you'll have the time to reach out to all of them. Research ahead of time which ones you want to approach so you make the most of your time there. (You should always have your interview bucket list readyâa list of the companies you would love to work for someday!)

When you know your targets, you can also start to customize your materials. It'll help to look at the company's website so you see what job openings they have and the requirements/job descriptions for each position.

This information can help you tailor your resume and what you communicate when you meet with the individuals at the job fair. It'll also help you write your disruptive cover letter when you formally submit your job application.

2. Plan To Approach The Employer (Even If They Aren't Recruiting For The Job You Want!)

Two job seekers talk to an employer at a job fair

Job fairs are great for networkingâit's not simply about dropping off your resume. You want to start conversations with the right contacts.

If there is an employer you desire to work for, but they're not recruiting for the job you want, it's still important to go over and talk to them. You never know when the position may suddenly open up.

The contacts there may also direct you to information in regards to who's leading the department you want to work in so that you can follow up with that individual directly. It's all about connections!

The key to connecting with others is to engage in conversation. Ask insightful questions! Be someone they will remember at the end of the day or use it as an opportunity to open the door to more conversation.

3. Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready

Employers are looking to hear what you can do for them, so come prepared with a quick pitch on your skills and experience, as well as how it can help solve their problems.

Your elevator pitch is essentially your personal branding statement. It's important to know what you bring to the table as a business-of-one. If you can clearly explain how you'll add value to the company at the job fair, you'll stand out in a sea of other potential job candidates.

4. Dress Like You're Going For A Job Interview

On-the-spot interviews happen at job fairs, so dress the part and be ready with copies of your resume in hand. As you introduce yourself, be mindful of your body language, including your handshake, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice.

Employers take notice of job candidates who smile and exhibit enthusiasm. They want to see a candidate with a strong desire to work with them, not someone who's simply swinging by randomly. Some may also screen your interest level by asking common interview questions like "What do you know about us?" and "Why do you want to work for us?" So, be prepared!

5. Plan To Follow Up

Man on laptop types a message to an employer

Like a job interview, you should plan to send a follow-up note to the contacts you meet. It's a chance to help keep you top of mind and it gives you an opportunity to reiterate why you have what they are looking for. You should also send a connection request on LinkedIn for the same reasons.

Before ending each conversation, be sure to collect business cards from the people you speak with and take good notes so you know how to best personalize the follow-up note.

Approached the right way, job fairs can open many conversations and doors to job opportunities. If you do these five things, you'll be well-prepared for any job fairâand you'll definitely stand out from the competition!

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending …

Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If You Hate It)

After a long day at work, sometimes all you want to do is sit on the couch, eat a bag of chips, and zone out watching television. The thought of attending a networking event seems so daunting. Not only do you have to give up free time, but you also may have to talk with strangers.

With this type of mindset, it's easy to see why so many people are apprehensive about the concept of networking. However, when you avoid networking, you miss out on so many great opportunities.

While networking can feel uncomfortable at first, it's actually a huge investment in yourself. Many people avoid networking simply because they're not used it, but like anything, practice makes perfect.

Here are the top reasons why you should embrace networking:

Take Networking As A Challenge

Building networking skills not only builds confidence but it also plays an important role in professional development, career planning, and potential job searches down the line.

The best way to build these skills is to embrace networking as a challenge. Like going to the gym to reach a fitness goal or taking online courses to further a career, you take on this challenge in order to achieve a long-term goal.

Flex Your Networking Muscle

Young woman networks with colleagues at work

When you're working out at the gym you don't see instant results. You have to put the work in. Networking is the same way. The results won't be instant but every step you take puts you in a better position.

Make networking a habit. Try to attend some sort of social function each week to keep those networking "muscles" flexin'.

Make Networking Part Of Your Routine

A simple change of attitude could go a long ways in changing your outlook about networking. The hardest part is getting started!

Put Yourself Out There

Start by putting yourself out there and attending local networking events reach out to a well-connected colleague to help introduce you to other professionals both in and outside your field.

The more this is done, the easier it becomes. Soon, you'll see your network slowly grow. Having a large professional network can lead to new friendships and mentorships.

Most importantly, this network could eventually turn into future job references, LinkedIn endorsements, and job opportunities.

You never know when you'll be looking for a new job. So, get off the couch, meet some new people, and see where your network takes you.

Rethink Your Networking Strategy

Don't be a selfish networker. While networking can work to your advantage, remember that it's important to help others, too. This is especially true when connecting with someone on LinkedIn. Don't ask for favors right away. Show your value as a connection first.

How's Your Networking Etiquette?

Take inventory of your networking habits. There may be simple ways to improve.

No matter where you are in your career, you shouldn't pass up networking opportunities. We hope these tips help you embrace networking, instead of fearing or dreading it.

Need more help with your career?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If …

Come along intended for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! Within this interactive group session, you will exercise your networking plus presenting skills so an individual can become a more assured connector!

Our virtual event requires place via Zoom exactly where you're able to discuss unique experiences and trade information, advice, and recommendations with a selection of like-minded professionals.

Join our own CEO, J. T. O'Donnell, and Director to teach Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this reside event every Friday in 1 pm ET or 10 am PT.

We hope in order to see you there!

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship