Enjoy a (Networking) Party!

PNN Employment Tip - December 2011
 
With winter holidays upon us, it’s a time to celebrate by spending time with family, friends and…with friends of friends.  This offers excellent opportunities to meet new people.  You never know where those contacts will lead you personally and/or professionally.
 
Many career openings aren’t actually posted.  This means that you’ll need to meet the right people at the right time in order to hear about some of these jobs.  By attending social functions you are opening up doors for yourself.  But before you launch into your well-rehearsed ‘elevator pitch’, remember the social aspect of the party.  It’s not a job interview, so be subtle.
 
Here are some networking tips to consider when you are at your next social gathering:
  

• Remember the person’s name.  Nothing’s worse than meeting a great person, but then getting their name wrong.  Try using their name in the next sentence right after you introduce yourselves so it sticks in your memory.
• Make eye contact and smile.  Body language is crucial when you want to seem approachable.  By looking people in the eye, keeping your posture open and by smiling at people, you are inviting them to start a conversation with you.
• Ask questions to show you are interested.  You may think that you have nothing in common with someone, but the more you talk the more you’ll find mutual interests.  So why not start by asking them if they’ve been enjoying the snow, what their favourite holiday dish is, or if they have any hopes for the New Year.

 
And for a few more tips on successful networking at parties and gatherings visit SuccessRockets.com.