How to Make the Most of Career Networking Meetings

Job support groups have gained momentum. With the right group, you can easily enjoy networking opportunities and effective career advice that will get you thismuch closer to a job offer. Support groups need to be nurtured. You can do your part by participating in activities to make sure that the group stays on track and is successful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Email everyone a loose agenda for the meeting. Loose means that the group can only use it when there is a lull or a negative lull in the meeting you’ll have something to fall back on.

2. Make an attempt not to wallow in pessimism and bring the group down. Contribute one positive thing you want to contribute. For example, an interview tip, newspaper article, or a job lead.

3. Commit to personally assisting one member of the group in achieving a goal. For example, offering feedback on their resume or participating in a mock interview. That said, refrain from doing social activities together (e.g. going to the movies). If you become too friendly with other participants, you may be hesitant to offer tough, honest advice. Or the group member may close herself off to your advice because she now views you as a friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring won’t bring you closer tog a job offer. For this reason, a job support group can work in your best interest. The key is to select a group where the atmosphere is geared towards progression, not for looking backwards.