How to Choose the Right Networking Event

By : Anthony Balderrama

You might have heard how important networking is when you're searching for a job. Many of today's conversations about networking focus on social networking, and they are important discussions to have. Good, old-fashioned networking events still matter, though. You know, the ones with actual people whose hands you can shake and with whom you can have conversations? Yes, they still exist, and they can be boons to your job search.

Networking events are good places to make contacts and find job leads, experts say. Get your name out there and get as much face time as you can in order to publicize your job search. Logically, this leads to a problem: If everyone receives the same advice, won't everyone at the networking event be unemployed, too?

Possibly. While helpful conversations and friendships can occur between two job seekers at an event, most of the attendees probably would prefer to meet someone who is already in the industry and not competing for the same job openings. It's an understandable preference for a job seeker who doesn't want to waste his or her time, and it's a situation many networkers can relate to.

Research before you go

Before you write a cover letter or go on an interview, you research the company so you show up prepared. Networking events deserve the same attention, if for no other reason than to avoid wasting your time. Ann Middleman, principal of ADM Marketing & Research Consulting, recalls facing the same situation during a past job search.

"What people have to do is to get some information about the group and the event to determine whether this is some kind of job fair or a meeting where business people and corporate types will be there," Middleman says. "Sometimes the group has a lot of self-employed or freelance professionals. On the surface, this may not seem to be a good venue for job seekers, but I think it is."

In Middleman's opinion, job seekers might end up talking to professionals who are looking to hire freelancers or temporary workers. This situation puts the job seeker in a position to earn a recommendation and paycheck.

Freelance writer Marian Schembari says that digging deeper into a networking event can benefit the job seeker.

"Instead of attending a networking speed dating type of event or anything even remotely general, fine tune so you don't waste your time," Schembari says. "Check out organizations rather than specific events. If you're a woman in finance, [perform an online search for] that. Of course, these organizations cost money to join, so if you can't afford it, ask the president or events organizer when their next event is and ask to attend as a 'trial period.'"

Networking takes place everywhere

Job seekers often flock to networking events and bypass everyday situations where personal connections can be made. Granted, if you're a job seeker, the last thing you want to do is bore every person you meet with tales of your ongoing hunt for work. You can look outside of traditional events and still get your message out, says career coach Debra Heindel.

"I always suggest my clients attend events to network, rather than seeking out specific networking events," Heindel recommends. "They can volunteer in the community, attend a professional organization's luncheon, sit in on a lecture. Anything that will put them out into the community -- preferably the business community, but even that isn't imperative."

Heindel says job seekers need to focus on meeting people and the rest will fall into place.

"Get acquainted by asking questions focused on the other person and spend enough time with that person to allow them to remember you later," she says. "In the course of that meeting, the job seeker should always get a business card, because part of the process will involve the job seeker following up in a few days. Spending enough time for a relationship to begin is the key to this process, and too many networking mixers or meetings involve lots of people sharing business cards but no real time or relationship."

Think outside the box, with reason

Job seekers who take outlandish approaches to getting employers' attention get a lot of press, but how often do these tactics work? Instead, Vicki Salemi, author of "Big Career in the Big City," encourages job seekers to look for events that aren't just categorized as networking events.

"Target the companies you want to work for and [search online for] them in terms of any events they're sponsoring. Networking doesn't always take place at an after-work cocktail party," Salemi says. "Perhaps a company is sponsoring a 5K run this summer. Why not participate? You'll be guaranteed to meet a ton of employed folks at this company in a somewhat social setting and it will be easier to make key connections. Plus, in a more professional setting you can see if perhaps they are co-sponsoring a talk or luncheon or having a fabulous keynote speaker. Be sure to introduce yourself to others at the event and keynote speaker."

Ultimately job seekers need to know what they want, whether it's a dream employer or a specific industry, and then work backwards. Once you know what you're looking for, you can find ways to reach those professionals and work toward your goal.

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