Networking at Events: A Beginner’s Guide

Networking can be pretty confusing: where to start, what to do, where to go? Here are some ideas for you to explore!

As a graduate jobseeker, you’ve probably already heard of your fair share of seniors, peers and career advisors chanting: “Network, network, network if you want to succeed!”. Yet, ironically, networking events can be incredibly daunting, turning even the most eloquent of us into awkward stutterers. After all, aside from the need to obtain information from new acquaintances, you’re also pressured to juggle building new connections, strengthening old ones and maintaining a professional image in front of potential employers. With so much multitasking going on — with your future at stake, too — it’s understandable why you may find yourself so anxious during such events. How do I start a conversation with someone? Can I join that group that started theirconversation fifteen minutes ago orwould it be rude? Wow, that’s a big shot CEO — should I even approach him fora conversation? Ack, awkward pause — what do I saynow?! That said, the rewards you reap from good networking are definitelyworth the effort it takes to overcome all this apprehension! Here are some tips to help you boost your networking skills:

Networking is not something that comes naturally to anyone, not even the most extroverted of us. It is, in fact, a learnable skill that requires constant practice. Of course, that’s not to say that you should start talking to your reflection in the mirror! Most of your contacts can typically be divided into the following categories: Casual networks: contacts who you've met at open networking events or mixed industry events Knowledge networks: contacts from professional associations that cater to the improvement and regulation of a specific industry Strong contact networks: contacts from groups established exclusively for building professional relationships Online networks: contacts who you know from social media platforms

Use these categories as a guideline to help you expand your networks but remember: you don’t necessarily need to collect contacts in all four categories to succeed in your job search. Instead, expand the different categories according to the need of your desired job.

For example, if you’re looking for employment as a social media strategist, you mightfind itmore beneficial foryou to

96 | SIM CAREER GUIDE 2020 have more contacts from the knowledge and online networks instead of casual networks. Alternatively, marketingpeople might find the opposite to be more useful. That said, you can flex your interaction and networking muscle with any of these contacts as you’ll be using the same skills. The ability to make small talk, for instance, is a crucial skill that you’ll need to have when networking. You can start by practising with friends, people you meet during student club activities or recruiters at career fairs. Try to keep abreast of current issues as they are good conversation starters. When in doubt, ask the other party questions about themselves. We all love talking about ourselves, after all! Your university’s careers services centre may also organise workshops or courses on successful networking. These events are almost always free to current students, so whynot attend one ortwo to clock in some hours of guided practice? Start early because you can’t learn how to be a good networker overnight. It takes plenty of trial-and-error to find an approach that works best for you. Ultimately, it’s all about rehearsing to the point that you’re confident enough to carrya conversation duringanynetworking session while still being yourself.

Although it’s true that the purpose of networking is for you to obtain a favour or opportunity from your contacts but the sentiment behind these relationships is very real. You need to develop not just familiarity with your contacts but also trust before you can request anything from them. In other words, networking is a long-term investment of trust and confidence between individuals. There are three primary components to this: Visibility: your contact needs to know who you are Credibility: your contact needs to know your intentions, character and capabilities Profitability: your contact needs to know that they can trust you enough that they’re willing to help you

Recruiters don’t expect new graduates to be overachievers but they want to see your interest in them and their company as well as your sincerity in applying. Make it a point to show up at multiple company events. Approach them and make your interest in the company clear and consistent. If possible, always take the time to catch up with the same individuals who you’ve approached before so that you can develop a rapport with them.

Who knows? They might be the one to put in a good word on your behalf when the time is right! The same basic rules of building relationships still apply: never lie and avoid “overselling” yourself. Not only it is detrimental to your relationship if they discovered your falsehood but it also damages your professional reputation as well!

The average person’s attention span while performing a task lasts no more than 10 to 20 seconds. So remember that you only have a limited time span to highlight your selling points before the other party’s focus turns elsewhere. Come prepared with a 30-second “elevatorpitch” so that when recruiters ask you the ubiquitous “so what do you do?” question, you won’t be floundering around for an answer. Be sure to include the necessary information — who you are, what you’re studying or where your interests lie — and keep it concise. Alternatively, prepare two or three introductory points about yourself if you don’t feel like giving a 30-second pitch. It’s really not that hard, too.

Just choose something that you would be excited to talk about and portrays you as a knowledgeable and capable person.

Introducing yourself is only the easy part. Once you’re done with that, you’ll be faced with the next challenge: sustaining a conversation. It can be quite a draining experience in itself.

There are a lot of ways to go about this but one of the key suggestions is the “ED” rule. Rather than trying to make yourself interesting, be interestED instead in the other party. Remember, you’re here to learn, gain information and to build connections, so it’s always advisable to listen to other people instead of talking about yourself. “But hang on a second,” you might say. “Aren’t we supposed to promote ourselves at networking events?” Well, do you think that recruiters would forget a polite and attentive graduate who’s always interested to hear more about their company? Promoting yourself and standing out are not solely a verbal exercise. Sometimes your actions speak louder than words.

That said, don’t get too star-struck at networking events either! Be sure to chime in with clever quips now and then to showcase your intellect. You want to show your interest and learn a thing or two from them but do not let them undermine your competency either.

Another way to establish your reputation as a great conversationalist is also by connecting with others on a level beyond business. Recruiters and company representatives are also people with hobbies and interests and are often happy to meet others who share the same passion. Bond over common interests, such as food, movies, fashion or sports teams. Put your observation skills to use, too. Distinctive cufflinks, keychains and jewellery can evoke interesting topics that leave an impression on your contacts! Use this opportunity to also show your keen eye for details.

If you’re nervous, speak to the other students, interns or the event organisers to test the waters first. Find out what are good small talk topics that you can use to approach the “big shots”. If no one seems interested in your talk about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, then maybe you should leave that out.

It may be a good idea to stay away from touchy subjects like politics and religion, too. These are topics reserved for deep discussions over a cup of coffee between close-knit friends, not new acquaintances.

This is one of the most important aspects of a networking session and yet the one most often forgotten! Remember, there is really no point in attendinga networkingsession ifyou’re not going to make the effort to follow up with any new contacts you’ve made. If you’ve promised to do something for someone, such as to give them a call, send an email or connect person A to person B — do it as soon as you can. There cannot be more emphasis placed on this. Keeping your promises in a timelymannerhelps you build your reputation as a prompt and responsible character. Also, if you helped connect a contact in your network with someone else who can benefit them, they’re bound to return the favour in the future too!

Put the business cards you’ve collected to good use as well, especially ones from recruiters. Write a proper email thanking them for their time and insights, and sign offwith a memorable detail from your conversation so that it leaves an impression on them. This way, they’ll be less likely to forget you if you bump into them again in the future.