Networking is a great tool when it comes to finding a starting point for your career, or if you are at the time in your life when you are changing careers. Networking comes from places like intern and career fairs, job interviews, internships, summer jobs, and more.
However, how do you know which people are the ones who can really help you get a foot in the door? How do you make an impression when there are hundreds of other applicants trying to do the same thing? Well, sometimes it’s easier to know what not to do to make sure you do the right thing.
Here are seven networking faux pas you want to make sure you steer clear of when at networking events:
- Don’t be late – sometimes individuals who shy away from networking go for being “fashionably late” at large network events. However, getting there early offers a more laid back atmosphere where people haven’t formed into groups yet.
- Be proactive – Do not wait for people to come to you… it won’t happen. Start by asking questions, and getting to know the people you’re talking to. Don’t fight your quiet side, just let it die slowly. Work with your personality so you feel comfortable. Trust me, whoever you’re talking to will know if you’re at ease or not.
- Stay away from multitasking – Don’t try to memorize a person’s name, company, job title and handy tips they’re telling you all at once. Really listen to what they’re saying, and determine if you can see yourself making a relationship with them. If so, as you leave (after getting a business card) jot down a few notes to yourself on the card so you can remember the individual later.
- Be prepared – Don’t tell employers what you do, tell them about the results you make. Impress them with a certain niche you have, or some group or office culture item you created. The hard part is doing all that in 2-3 breaths. You don’t need to sell yourself to the employer right there, just get them intrigued enough so they want to learn more down the road.
- Follow-up – The whole point of networking is to keep in contact with an individual, so make sure you follow up. Within 2 days of meeting, you should send an email, call their office, or send a personalized letter thanking for their time and giving them more information about something the two of you discussed.
If you use these tips to stay away from networking faux pas you should be on your way to finding people who can help find you a job.