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10 Rules to Networking at Events

1. Always wear a name tag with your name printed in clear view.
2. Start a conversation with someone you do not know, and introduce yourself.
3. Hand out and collect as many business cards as you can comfortably carry.
4. Avoid too much small talk. Converse with another person with whom you can support each other’s ideas, careers, etc.
5. If a conversation gets stale, end it gracefully.
6. Don’t wait for someone to suggest what they can do for you; instead, propose how you might help your new contact.
7. Don’t talk to one person for too long. If the conversation is productive, make an appointment for coffee or an information interview and move on to another person.
8. Don’t spend time with people you already know, except to introduce them to your new contacts.
9. Set goals for yourself. During each networking event, try to meet a certain number of new people, and set a target number of follow-up appointments.
10. Keep your contacts up-to-date. An occasional phone call or warm greeting at a future networking event will help solidify your new professional relationship.

Information Interview

The information interview is an opportunity for you to conduct research in your field of interest without the pressure of a real job interview. In this style of interview, you act as the interviewer. You set up the interview with an employee or employer to obtain information about current and future opportunities.

This is an opportunity to talk to people who are doing the kind of work you think you might enjoy doing. This technique can be used to clarify your career direction. It can also provide you with information regarding the current job market. But not only is it a chance for you to get information about specific jobs and employers, it’s an opportunity to showcase yourself.