Career Blog: Effective (Holiday) Networking: Take the First Step!

The most important thing about networking for job search is to get out there, attend events and meet new people.  Once you’ve done that, however, you can take your networking to an all new level by being willing and actively seeking to be the one who takes the first step.  Taking the initiative gives you more control over the outcome and is the best way to make things happen.

If you meet someone new and both agree that, “We should get together sometime and chat,” but no one says, “How about next Wednesday?” it’s likely you’ll never see them again.  Kick up your networking this holiday season by taking the first steps!

1. Have fun at holiday parties, but bring business cards!  Getting out of the house and having some fun during the holidays can be very therapeutic for job seekers, but it can also be a good networking opportunity.  It’s important not to harangue people about work-related topics while they’re enjoying their egg nog, but if the topic of jobs comes up and you make a good connection with someone, take the first step and exchange contact information.  Then you can follow up after the party is over.

2. Ask your friends for help.  After the holiday party is over, if you met someone who might be a good contact for you, don’t be afraid to take the first step and ask the host for their email or phone number.  It’s the season of helpful giving after all!

3. Invite that contact to coffee.  Is there someone you’ve been meaning to get to know better?  Take the initiative and ask them today to meet over coffee.  Someone has to be the one who asks; why not you?

4. Take help when it’s offered.  If you’re at a holiday party and someone says, “Why don’t you send me your resume?” in passing, take advantage of this!  Often times we hear someone offer to help, but don’t want to be a burden.  But if someone offers to help you out, show your appreciation and take them up on that offer!

5. Follow up.  If you haven’t heard back from someone regarding a request for an informational interview, a job application or networking opportunity, take the next step by following up with them.  Especially during the holiday season, the people you are waiting to hear from may not be ignoring you; they may just be busy.  You don’t want to drive the person crazy by calling them daily or anything, but being proactive and following up is how you make good things happen!