Networking events have become quite popular in the current age. They provide a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas with peers, and stay abreast of the latest industry developments. After all, a wide network of interconnected, informed contacts implies to broader access to new and valuable information. Talent development companies like Revature even provide advantageous opportunities for networking to their candidates during the on-the-job training program.
Revature offers valuable tips for networking
Many professionals hesitate to go to networking events as they feel they wouldn’t know what to do there. But this feeling should not stop them from attending those events and progressing in their career. According to experts, 70% of people land jobs through networking. If done efficiently, networking can be a great way to accelerate a career. Apart from launching and boosting a career, networking can also help people to advance their skills and build confidence. It provides them the opportunity to get inspiration from mentors and leaders.
Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts that can help people with networking:
- Do prepare icebreakers: Conversations about the weather are the most traditional icebreaker. However, opening a conversation about a shared interest can actually be more effective in attracting the interest of the other person. One should brainstorm about the topics they are passionate about while driving down to the networking event. It is not necessary to start conversations with topics related to the industry. Conversations about TV shows and movies, or even a recent baseball game, can be great icebreakers. After establishing a conversation on common interest, one can slowly deep dive into industry trends related to the career they want to pursue.
- Don’t go without a purpose: Positivity attracts positivity is a common phrase. The same thing can also be said about motivation. Most employers have a good amount of industry experience, and can sense the career drive and passion in an individual almost instantly. One must attend the event with a purpose, and try to obtain at least five business cards before leaving. Subsequent to the event, they should try to connect with the people they have spoken to on social media. One can never know where this connection can actually lead.
- Do come with questions: Networking events provide people with an excellent chance to ask a room full of employers and job hunters for any advice they might have. Their advice can be the solution to a rewarding career path. These questions can be of various types, such as what their first entry-level job was or what they wish they knew before starting their career.
- Don’t have self doubt: No matter whether it is through a mirror pep talk or meditation, people should try their best to build themselves up to be excited to attend the relevant event. It is important that one understands that the innovative skills possessed by them deserve to be utilized optimally in a fulfilling career. Networking events provide a fresh opportunity to showcase talent and build rapport with peers.
Candidates would get to network right from the first day of on-the-job training with Revature. They may collaborate with driven team members or work on-site with the industry-leading clients of the company. This talent development agency offers candidates several opportunities to build connections.
