3 Holiday Networking Tips for Job Seeking Introverts
‘Tis the Season to Socialize!
By the first of December, most of you are already breathless from the array of holiday gatherings, parties, events and the flood of invitations. You have probably put job hunting on hold for the holidays. Well, I have good (or bad, if you are an introvert) news for you! The Holidays are an excellent time to dress your holiday best, practice your winning smile and go networking.
Before you run screaming the other way – networking doesn’t have to be awful. I’m not fond of crowds or small talk, but I love the opportunities that the Holidays can bring to the job seeker. Even if you are just looking to increase your network, you can take advantage of the influx of events to meet new people and make valuable connections.
“But,” you are probably thinking, “why do so many people hate ‘networking’?” Because so many people Network With An Agenda – that’s why. If you aren’t familiar with what ‘networking with an agenda looks like’, here’s what I’m talking about:
1. Greet the person
2. Ask them what they do
3. Engage in small talk for a bit
4. Mention that you are job seeking
5. Realize they can’t really help you
6. Move on to the next person
Don’t do this to people! You never know when an opportunity might pop up and they will think of you …. and how quickly you moved on to the next ‘prey’. Networking isn’t about your AGENDA, it’s about having a conversation – here’s how it all works.
1. Networking is About Conversations
My extroverted clients are absolutely in their element during the Holidays. Parties and socializing give extroverts tons of energy. They thrive on being social and meeting new people. This is the best time of year to catch up with good friends and make new acquaintances. However, not everyone is a social butterfly.
If you are like me and become exhausted after the first few parties or, like my husband who prefers to stay at home, this time of year can be intimidating. For those more reserved people that enjoy a healthy mix of quiet time: here’s how to manage the holiday madness:
- Pick 1-2 Events Per Week. Maybe one event is a social gathering where you will know a few people. Make sure that the other event will have more people from your existing network. Large social gatherings will probably exhaust an introvert so don’t try to tackle too much at once. One to two events in one week is more than enough.
- Socialize with a Buddy. Networking is easier when you don’t go alone. Not only will you have someone to share the experience with, you will also have access to a larger network through your friend. If you are comfortable, tell your social buddy about your career goals so they can be on the look-out for the best new contacts. Don’t forget to return the favor to your friend and help them network as well!
- Meet 2 New People. Set a goal to meet at least two new people at each event. This is not a card-collecting competition like most networking events can become. In all likelihood, the attendees didn’t even think to bring a business card with them. Get to know someone through casual conversation. If you’re a savvy networker, you will have thought to bring your personal calling card to make networking easier.
- Avoid Small Talk. This sounds crazy because almost every event will require a certain amount of small talk. The truth is: most introverts don’t appreciate incessant small talk. Also (pay attention extroverts!) you don’t get to actually know anyone if you are discussing the weather or sports. Ask questions that invite the other person to tell a story and have a conversation.
2. Volunteering Speaks Volumes
Volunteering is arguably one of the best ways to meet other professionals that will expand your network. I hear countless stories from my clients that have made significant contacts through volunteering that either landed them a great job or were instrumental in contacting them to a wider network.
Because you can sometimes meet professionals who make hiring decisions, volunteering is a great way to network. Because the volunteer environment has no expectation of ‘networking’, people are usually more at ease. Conversation flows better and that’s the key to building relationships! There are some key tips to consider when you are looking for the best volunteer opportunities:
- Target Your Ideal Employer. If there is an organization on your target employer list that has an event or volunteering opportunity – reach out! Perhaps the company you want to work for is having a fundraiser, community event or similar. Now is a great time to learn more about the culture and make great contacts!
- Professional Organizations. Almost every professional organization has a holiday party or event (and sometimes a fundraiser) this time of year. See how you can add value to the organization. Volunteer at one of the events to learn more about the people to understand if it’s a good fit for your career focus.
- Community Events. One of the biggest frustrations of the average job-seeker is that they rarely get in contact with the decision-makers in an organization. Community events are a great way to potentially meet some hiring manager types. Informal networking makes it easier to learn more about people.
Volunteering is ideal for introverts. If you don’t enjoy small talk, here’s a great chance to have more meaningful conversations. Better yet: ask questions and invite them to talk about themselves. You do not have to bear the burden of conversation! Being a great listener makes you a fantastic communicator and people will remember how pleasant you were to talk to.
3. Polish Your Job Search Plan
The Holidays are a great time to work on polishing your job search action plan. There are more job openings during this season than you think! But, if you want to take a break and make sure that your job search marketing plan is top-notch, I understand. There are plenty of things you can do to prepare for the coming hiring season.
- Polish Your Resume. Is your resume clearly communicating your professional value? Consider at least 2-3 accomplishment statements for each job position. What did you do that positively impacted the organization? Include your professional impact statements and expertise on your resume to stand out.
- Leverage LinkedIn. LinkedIn is your professional digital fingerprint. Spending some time updating and ensuring that your expertise, skills and professional value is included will maximize profile views and your professional credibility.
- Order Job Search Business Cards. Rush order! These will come in handy for Holiday events. Include your name, one contact phone number, and one email. Your LinkedIn Profile URL is nice to have but optional. Bonus points for having your professional branding statement (your core career statement) on the card.
During the season of socializing, remember to take time for you and recharge. Regardless whether you look forward to every party or dread them: events require energy. You cannot give what you do not have.
Take time to reflect and develop a career action plan. The Holidays are a wonderful time of year to make new connections and broaden your network. If you act wisely, you might just have a potential new job waiting for you after the New Year!
About me – My name is Erin Urban (LSSBB, CPDC), I’m a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a keynote speaker, certified career growth and an executive leadership development coach with almost a decade of mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations.
I help people achieve their career potential
Want to grow your career and not sure where to start? Let’s chat! Schedule a consultation call HERE.
