Networking at summer parties
By Jennifer Armitstead
It’s summertime! Hooray for bugs in the potato salad and BBQ stains on your shorts! Summer family reunions and parties are fun–unless you’re out of a job. Not to mention you saw them at Christmas and didn’t have a job then, either. Here are some tips for networking during the summer holidays while enjoying the time with family:
Be real
Don’t be fake about your situation. This doesn’t mean complain to everyone that you corner near the chip bowl. Let people know how you’re feeling. This is family. They love and support you, and they really want to know how you’re feeling. But they also want to know what you’re doing to solve the problem. Have stories (ideally funny ones) ready to share about the job search.
Think about what they want to hear from you
Typically people like to hear about action and moving forward when there is a problem. What stories can you share with them that explore an interesting tactic you’re doing in the job search?
Specific ideas
Give them focus on how they can help you. This does not mean a PowerPoint slide presentation on the garage door right before the fireworks. Rather, as you’re chatting with people and they ask “How is the job search going?” Answer with, “It’s going well. In fact, I am researching companies in health care (insert appropriate company name). What do you know about the health care industry?”
While family members can be supportive and wish you well, don’t attach yourself to job search conversation for the entire BBQ. Remember, they have lives, too. Take the opportunity to ask them how their lives are going. Perhaps hearing about someone else’s gout or sun burn will take the edge off your job search pains.
However you approach family summer parties, remember that it’s important to attend. Your family loves and supports you. Go have a hot dog and cherry pie. Be helpful and enjoy the moment. The job search will continue tomorrow.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer Armitstead has coached thousands of people to take their career to the next level. She is known for her unique ability to help people determine their personal brand and career direction. Jennifer consults with companies on employee engagement to recruit and retain the right employees. She is the Executive Producer and Host of Job Club Radio, a career thought leader on Twitter, and she speaks on career management, recruiting, hiring and employee retention.
Contact Jennifer:
Email: jen@movingforwardsolutions.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmitstead
Twitter: CareerCoachJen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/movingforwardsolutions
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