The Do’s and Don’ts of Structured Networking Events

Set objectives concerning types and number of people that you want to meet, the information you want to collect, points about yourself that you want to convey, and ask relevant questions to show that you’ve done your research.

Dress as though you are attending an interview and ensure proper hygiene.

If they are offering food and drinks, make sure you don’t park yourself by the refreshments.

Make sure you mingle and speak to as many individuals as possible.

At Career/Job Fairs, ensure that you arrive early and plan to spend 2 – 3 hours. Make sure that your primary focus is on visiting booths and speaking with prospective employers, so consider not moving around the fair with your friends.

Shake hands with everyone that you meet.  Use a firm, but not bone-crushing grip

Introduce yourself as you shake hands; clearly state your first and last name.

Show enthusiasm when meeting people and smile.

If you are standing with a group of people and a new person approaches, take the lead in introducing everyone to each other.

Try to remember the names of everyone you’ve just met.  It helps to use the name within a few minutes of conversation to reinforce it in your mind

When wearing a nametag, wear it on your right side.  The right side is a more natural place people cast their eyes when shaking hands.

Take plenty of business cards and keep them within easy reach

If people give you their business card – store it in a different pocket from where yours are kept

As soon as possible make notes on the back of each business card you receive so you don’t get confused about who each person was and what you discussed with them

Don’t spend too much time with any one person.

Ask the employer how you would follow up if you are interested and make a list of follow-ups and research you need to do after the networking event.