A personal connection can make you stand out from the crowd of applicants when you go in for a job interview. It’s one reason why our LinkedIn feature – Who do you know? – is so popular among users. But with the focus on online networks—Facebook, Twitter, etc.—many forget that in-person networking is an important way to extend your professional circles and learn about potential job opportunities.
Here are a few ways to find networking events in your area:
Network, network, network – now, go get that dream job!
Here are a few ways to find networking events in your area:
- Meetup—Meetup.com is the largest network of local groups with more than 2,000 groups meeting every day around the world. It’s easy to search by location or topic.
- Professional Associations—Research the professional associations in your industry and find out when they meet. Great sites to try are the findnetworkingevents.com, ecademy.com and smarta.com.
- Trade Shows—Take advantage of the fact that many major trade shows offer free passes. Walk the floor, introduce yourself and work the “happy hour” that typically happens around 4 p.m. If you’re an excellent blagger you may even be able to score a pass to one of the after parties.
- Alumni Associations—Sign up for your university’s alumni association and attend any events in your area. Having something in common immediately makes breaking the ice a bit easier.
- Industry Publications—The websites of your industry’s key publications are great resources for very targeted networking mixers, classes and events.
Network, network, network – now, go get that dream job!
