Conference tips?

10 Comments

1. Deb AllenMarch 18,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

   This is a great idea, and way to market yourself in person to companies as well as individuals. Absolutely go with a mindset to network, bring personalized business cards and resumes, but don't lug around a big bag full of them. Carry a padfolio, introduce yourself to companies and individuals. Learn what you can about their business plans/structure, also be prepared to do some research on orgs that you might be highly interested in beforehand if you can, I know most conference websites will list who will be sponsors and presenting. There may well be a job fair component or a way to upload your resume for companies to access after the event. Good luck!

2. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 1:53PM UTC

   Great advice which I have been looking for. Thanks!

3. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

   Good idea to prepare for networking. Develop a list of companies you want to meet, do a little homework on them (beyond their website) and prepare a "smart question" or two to lead off the conversation. (I don't know what field you're in, but say you're in marketing: something like "I hear you're looking to expand your customer base to a younger demographic. What strategies do you envision for using social media to reach that target market?") Don't launch into "I'm looking for a job, here's my resume" - it's a turn-off and they'll just send you to HR. Only once you've made a "connection" conversation-wise, you can ask, "who at your company is spearheading that initiative?" and contact that person with an email with the subject line "referred by XXX" (the person you spoke to.) Good luck!

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 11:09PM UTC

   Thanks so much for your advice!

5. Tami L CannizzaroMarch 18,2024 at 3:16PM UTC

   Industry conferences are a great way to meet new people and build relationships, possibly rekindle old ones.

   Keep in mind, the key to networking in general is to offer your help to those you meet. Networking is more about simply getting to know someone vs getting to "can you help me find a job". Ask open ended questions about that allow the person to talk about their choice of career, the company they work for (so you get insight), or their involvement in industry organizations/events. It's difficult for someone we've just met to help us with our job search because...they just met us and don't really know us, especially how we work, our skills, capabilities, work ethic, etc. Sometimes you "click" with a person and they will volunteer to help; or you will work to build the relationship over time.

   Do bring copies of your resume and business cards, just in case there are recruiters or hiring managers on site!

6. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 11:08PM UTC

   Thanks so much for your response. I think these are great tips for new people I interact with. I’m definitely network avoidant, so I need all the help I can get!

   I’ll be running into quite a few people I’ve met and/or worked with over the years. These are the people I’d want to talk with about my job search but don’t quite know how to bring it up. I’m hoping it will come up organically.

7. Tami L CannizzaroMarch 19,2024 at 8:20PM UTC

   You're welcome! It's great that you will reconnect with people you know, and it's relatively easy to get to your "I'm looking for a new job" discussion. Again, start out by asking about them, things you don't already know: Where are they now or what are they doing? What is it they like about their role/company/etc.? You can sort of pause the conversation with "That's great! I'm so happy for you". They should organically turn this back to you with, What are you doing now? Which is your cue to say, "I'm at XYZ as a XXX Manager and have really enjoyed my time, yet I'm ready for my next opportunity. In my next role I'd like to do XXXX. Would love to chat more with you about what I'm looking for/my skills and share my resume, if that's okay." OR something like this. And of course offer to do the same for them whenever they need it. Now, if they don't organically turn the conversation towards you to ask about your work, be proactive and share that you are starting a job search. They may just assume you are fine or be overwhelmed with all the people around and forget to ask about you. Worst-case scenario, you've reconnected and you can follow up with them after you get home. Good Luck!

8. AnonymousMarch 20,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

   Amazing! Thanks so much for the additional advice!!

9. AnonymousMarch 18,2024 at 11:42PM UTC

   Show up and show your worth, be helpful, informed and share insights. People will want to connect with someone who can help them vs if you just open with you need something from them (aka a job)

10. Jacqueline GomezMarch 20,2024 at 12:53PM UTC

    Great advice! Thank you.