Networking is a common way for you to get your foot in the door. But done the right way it can also be rewarding. Here are some good tips to making sure that you leave a great impression when you network.
1) What you wear counts- most of the times it is casual, but there will be some dress codes. Some of the networking associations like to go to a pub for a meal so casual would be alright. If you are not sure ask the host.
If it is a restaurant do your research about the place.
2) Mingle- extend yourself.
The point of networking is to meet new people. So yes do mingle! Don't be shy!
3) Be likeable and approachable
That means being confident, open, friendly and honest. People will remember you for who you are. Practice your handshake at home, so when you go for things like this you'll know how to greet people.
That also means building rapport and adapting to situations.
4) Be ready to talk about yourself professionally
People will often ask you to talk about yourself. This is a great conversation starter. You can talk about the course you are doing, where you are from (many local students/workers will ask this), what organizations you are volunteering or working part time in etc. Do talk about the company you are working in (if you are working for one).
If you can, do have some business cards ready as that is the point of networking with others. It costs about $35 to print at Officeworks. For those that don't know what it is: it is basically a card with your contact details and your name on it.
5) Try and go to most networking events if you can.
Most of these are advertised in your campus and some student clubs also have these where some industry professionals give a spiel about their organizations.
Most universities (if not all) have a careers day every year. Try and get to these if you can as a lot of companies will be there.
Got any tips or networking events that are coming up? If so feel free to leave a comment below.
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| Its important to mingle with someone you don't know. |
1) What you wear counts- most of the times it is casual, but there will be some dress codes. Some of the networking associations like to go to a pub for a meal so casual would be alright. If you are not sure ask the host.
If it is a restaurant do your research about the place.
 |
| Most networking events are likely to have drinks and food of some sort. |
2) Mingle- extend yourself.
The point of networking is to meet new people. So yes do mingle! Don't be shy!
3) Be likeable and approachable
That means being confident, open, friendly and honest. People will remember you for who you are. Practice your handshake at home, so when you go for things like this you'll know how to greet people.
That also means building rapport and adapting to situations.
4) Be ready to talk about yourself professionally
People will often ask you to talk about yourself. This is a great conversation starter. You can talk about the course you are doing, where you are from (many local students/workers will ask this), what organizations you are volunteering or working part time in etc. Do talk about the company you are working in (if you are working for one).
If you can, do have some business cards ready as that is the point of networking with others. It costs about $35 to print at Officeworks. For those that don't know what it is: it is basically a card with your contact details and your name on it.
5) Try and go to most networking events if you can.
Most of these are advertised in your campus and some student clubs also have these where some industry professionals give a spiel about their organizations.
Most universities (if not all) have a careers day every year. Try and get to these if you can as a lot of companies will be there.
Got any tips or networking events that are coming up? If so feel free to leave a comment below.
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