When you’re planning to attend a networking event during your job search, there are important things you need to know to brace yourself. Here are some tips to prepare for a job search networking event so you can take full advantage of its benefits.
Job Fairs Are Excellent Networking Events
A common networking event for job seekers is a career fair. Attending job fairs allows job hunters the opportunity to meet with potential employers in one location and help them expand networking contacts. This particular networking event can be overwhelming, especially for those waiting for the same employer while applying for the same job position.
Other factors can add to the ongoing pressure, like the dreaded on the spot interview and the already present confusion due to the number of applicants present. But if you come prepared to a job search networking event, you can take it as an advantageous benefit to your job search because you will have come well-equipped to face potential challenges.
There are several tips to prepare you for a job search networking event.
Smart Dress and Perfect Hygiene
Before you go to a particular networking event, you need to make sure that you have professional attire to wear to the said event. You do not need to dress overly formal, but you need a smart business suit and tie or a casual dress that will professionally present you. You will make a much better impression on employers when you appear professionally dressed.
And since a networking event is always packed with people, you need to observe good hygiene. Make sure that you are clean-shaven, showered and your clothes are freshly laundered.
Professional Business Cards
Networking events, like job fairs, are one of the best ways to enhance your networking contacts. When you attend these events, always make sure to have your business cards with you because you will never know who you will meet to expedite your job search. A business card is a fabulous method for people to remember you once the networking event is over. Also, collect other professionals’ business cards to keep in touch, grow your network, and broaden your job search.
Create A Short Elevator Speech
When attending a networking event for your job search, you will be meeting a lot of people. Have a brief one to two-minute speech to communicate as needed to sell yourself to potential employers and other individuals.
An elevator speech should sum up who you are as a professional and what type of work you’re interested in. It should be a couple of minutes long. Practice your speech ahead of time so you won’t stutter or be too nervous when you have the chance to use it in front of an audience.
What job fair tips do you have? Comment and share below! Need additional preparation? Reach out to Candace for help!