Jobs

I am always apprehensive when it comes to attending networking events, both live and virtual. Are they worth the time when job searching?

Elaine Varelas provides guidance on making the most of online and in-person networking events as part of your job search.

Q. It seems like there are fewer in-person networking events than before the Pandemic. For networking for my job search, is it worth me trying to find and attend these kinds of online events? I’m always a bit socially awkward networking in person, so I can’t imagine that I’d be comfortable in a virtual event where if I’m speaking, all eyes are on me.

A. People tend to be divided over in-person events versus online networking events. Some people love online networking events. There's nowhere to drive. There's no fee for parking. You just need to be dressed professionally from the top-up. You can also attend conferences in other parts of the country, as you aren’t limited by geography. Other people recognize that approaching people and making connections on Zoom is much more difficult. For online events, there's typically only one conversation at a time, unless you leave to go into a separate chat room. Some people prefer much more moderated meetings, especially introverts, which are easier to do. Both are extremely valuable. You might start by attending smaller meetings or events and work up to larger networking events.

And as part of your job search, attending online or in-person meetings should absolutely be a significant part of your networking strategy. Networking is not easy for most people, and I encourage you to read books on networking and practice networking, whether it's with your barber, your hairdresser, your next-door neighbor, or your best friend. Networking is a skill that needs to be practiced in order to develop your comfort level, confidence, and ability to keep a conversation going.

If you are in a networking meeting that requires you to present to gain the type of support that you are looking for, you absolutely need to prepare your comments in advance and practice them so that you're not reading from a script. This will allow you to have a much more authentic presentation about who you are and how this group can be helpful. One technique that might be helpful is printing out your script in large print and taping it to the top of your computer next to the screen so that you continue to look at the screen, even as you refresh your view of your “security” script. Many individuals end up looking down at what they're reading, when people would like to know you can make eye contact.

Gathering the names and email addresses of the people in your online networking group also gives you the opportunity to follow up one-on-one later with people who you're interested in meeting with. If you're uncomfortable doing that, what you can do is ask, "Is it okay if I follow up with you offline?" Most people will say, "Yes", which gives you the opportunity and permission to follow up at that point.

Jennifer Buras, Senior Partner and my colleague at Essex Partners, facilitates Executive Circle meetings online and offers this advice:

“Virtual networking events are definitely valuable. Since the Pandemic, people are increasingly comfortable with virtual meetings and developing relationships online. Online events are typically facilitated and structured, so there is more opportunity to speak directly about the discussion topic vs. the awkwardness one may feel making small talk in an in-person setting. Come prepared with a question or comment that is relevant. There is also typically an opportunity to put questions or comments into the chat if you feel you are better able to organize your thoughts in written form. Take note of who the participants are and connect after the event on LinkedIn with a personal note that may include a comment on something they said during the meeting that was noteworthy or your interest in furthering the conversation.”

Networking is not easy. Again, remember, 80% of people get jobs get their jobs through networking, so developing this skill will be worthwhile. Networking doesn't need to happen in large groups or events. It can be highly successful one-on-one, which you may find more comfortable. As you evaluate the number of hours that you spend looking for a job, look at the percentage of time that you're spending actually talking to live people versus the amount of time that you spend pressing an "Apply to job" Button. Your most productive job searching activity will be your networking activity, whether it’s in-person or virtual. Boston.com

By Elaine Varelas