With the state of the economy, the line it’s all about who you know applies more than ever! Getting your name out there is the most important thing you can do in terms of landing a job. Whether you’re looking for an entry level or exec level position, here are 3 tips you can get from our attendance at the Media Bistro Internet Week Mixer:
- 1) Baby Steps: Make It Your Goal to Introduce Yourself to 3 People At An Event
Networking can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be! If being social is your thing then this task should prove to be no problem. But whether you’re just not confident in your social skills or thinking about switching industries, you’ll want to start small. If you’ve never attended a networking event, start off by introducing yourself to 3 people. Don’t make your goal as scary as “MUST WALK OUT WITH A POTENTIAL INTERVIEW.” A baby must crawl first before it walks. So go to an event, make small talk with 3 people then you're free to go. It’s as easy as “Hi, my name is ______.” And then at your next event, aim for slightly a bigger goal and go swap business cards with at least 3 people. Follow up with your newly made contacts and keep it pushing.
2) Networking: How Can They Help Me? VS. How Can I Help Them?
The biggest mistake someone can make when networking is thinking about how a person at XYZ company can further their career. When you approach someone and ask him or her for a lead on a job, the only way they will refer you is by your track record. So ask yourself, how have I helped them previously? Or what previous jobs have I held that prove to be an asset for their current projects? By readjusting your thought on networking you won’t feel awkward when you ask for help because what you’ve been doing is offering help.
3) Just Do It!
That’s right, just start going to events and being social. Start with small steps and offer your services. If your only known skill set as of right now is fetching coffee…well you make it known you’re the best coffee fetcher out there! Every successful person in their career has been where you are right now: not having a damn clue. No successful person ever stepped up to the podium and said "I'd like to thank myself", so go out there and gather the network that will support you. Just remember the one day that an intern or assistant asks for your help, all the people that vouched for you.
What steps have helped you land your "dream" job? Sound off @JonesMag!
For media related networking events in your city go to MediaBistro.com.
- Michelle Vu
