Networking Like a Professional

Career coaches, professors and employees tout the advantages of networking, but breaking into the events can be difficult. While it seems easy enough on face value, striking up a conversation with a potential employer at a cocktail party can seem like a daunting task.

Dressing the Part:
Dana Fleishaker, marketing associate for a lucrative D.C. marketing agency, offers advice on what is and is not appropriate



You can also access the American University’s Career Center’s Style Guide for a complete outline of appropriate wear.

These rules are applicable for networking receptions, interviews and job fairs where business attire is preferable. Business casual is more applicable to panel discussions and information sessions.

Regardless of the event, there remains apparel that is never acceptable.

These include:
distracting jewelry, stilettos, excessive makeup, excessive perfume or cologne, sleeveless shirts, cleavage or unkempt facial hair.

Opening the Conversation:

The American University Career Center Web site suggests you prepare an “elevator speech,” or a 30 to 60 second blurb that shares your academic and professional achievements and future goals. Sometimes future employers will casually mention at a cocktail their need for something in their company. Though you’re not in a formal interview, this is a great time to jump into the conversation and outline how you can help them. Helping contacts builds rapport and demonstrates your value immediately.

Working the Room:
It is also important to communicate warmly, make eye contact and listen closely, according to the Web site. Again, keep in mind that networking events are not Happy Hour. Even if the event is open bar, remember you are there to work and to impress future employers. As a rule: If the bartender knows your name and your drink when you approach the table, you’re drinking too much.

Online Networking:
Thanks to the Internet, it is not always necessary to attend an event in order to gain contacts. Though nothing can replace face-to-face conversations, e-mailing contacts asking for advice is also a great way to network. According to the AU Career Center Web site, it is important to arrange informational interviews with professionals that hold the job you dream of having one day. Ask them what they do, how they go there and how you can mirror their journey. If you make a good impression these professional can become career contacts. At the very least, you will leave with some great advice.