Careers

Love or hate the holidays, there’s no denying that this time of year overflows like Santa’s sack of toys with opportunities to network. For those of you in un- or underemployed situations, holiday get-togethers can be the perfect time to advance your job-search agenda. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to consider as you head out to your next merry-making mixer:

Do (and by that I mean MUST!)

• Bring business cards. Plenty of them. And hand them out freely. I know you’re reading this thinking – well duh! But I cannot tell you how many times I’ve met a marketer at a mixer who doesn’t have a business card. Or they “just ran out.” Smart networkers never run out. Ever.

• Tell people you’re on the hunt. No sense in being coy about it. The people you meet can’t help you find work if they don’t know you’re looking.

• Practice your personal positioning statement. Know it inside and out, and be able to adjust it for different listening audiences. How you describe what you do to a fellow marketer may be quite different from how you describe it to the president of a high tech start-up.

• Arrive early and work the room. If you are feeling awkward or uncomfortable, dig deep and resist the urge to grab a chair and slink down in it. Stand tall, be approachable, and if you find yourself at a loss for words, I have found that this one very small word can work magic: Hi.

• Follow-through on promises you make. If you need more time to complete a task – making an introduction, for example – simply ask for it. But be known as the networker who walks the walk.

Do Not (as in EVER!)

• Under no circumstances should you ever bring resumes to a holiday party with you. Seriously? What part of party don’t you get!

• And unless someone specifically asks you to, do not send your resume to everyone you met the night before. The exceptions are hiring managers and recruiters, and even then before you send, ask their permission.

• Everyone loves a winner unless you’ve just won the lampshade award for being over-served at a holiday party. Know your limit and stay well within it.

• Show up empty-handed, and by that I mean without a conversation-starter. Holiday travel plans, best or worst gift ever received or some recent industry news should suffice.

• Miss this opportunity to expand your network in a fun and festive way. However you celebrate the season, spreading peace, joy and happiness never go out of fashion.

Got more questions or comments, email Sima at sima@marketingjobwire.com

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