Costume Parties Equal Networking Opportunities

Hello my wonderful followers.  I hope all of you are in good spirits and ready for the weekend full of costume parties and potential networking opportunities.  When you are out at any social gathering, please keep in mind that you may meet someone that could help you on your job search.  You must always be prepared by presenting yourself in a professional manner.  I know this can be hard after a few bubblies but all I ask is that you at least try your best.

When you are at a social gathering, the common question that you wll most usually be asked by someone you meet for the first time is "What do you do?"  Have you thought about how you are going to answer this question?  Please consider what you will say before heading out to your gathering.

First of all, it is okay to say you are unemployed.  Please do not let the negative stigma attached to that word make you feel like you are a social disgrace.  I know this is easier said than done but the more people that know you are looking for work the better.  Try saying I am unemployed in the mirror a few times before you leave to get yourself used to the feelings that come along with saying this. 

After you feel you are comfortable with saying you are unemployed, come up with what you will say after this. Try to come up with a sentence that describes your background or how many years of experience you have in the field you were working in before. This way, you will feel better and boost your confidence up again.  Try saying something like the following: "Currently, I am unemployed. My background consists of five yars experience in the not for profit sector in volunteer management and fundraising roles.  I really enjoyed this type of work but am looking for something more permanent."  This is the line I always use and it realy has seemed to work for me. I always feel proud of my experience after I say this and it usually prompts my listener to ask further questions. Try to have specific examples of what you have done where you have been successful at your previous job.  Talk about how you streamlined operations, organized an event that generated so much revenue or identified new partnerships that you created that increased revenue.  Don't be afraid to toot your own horn.

Ask your listener what they do for a living and be interested and engaged. Ask how he or she likes their job, how he or she got into the industry, what schooling is necessary and most importantly, ask for a business card if you are interested in staying in touch. People do not hesitate in giving business cards.  Make sure when you get a business card to put it in your purse or wallet right away so you don't lose it throughout the evening.  Don't put it in your pocket because it is likely to end up in the washing machine. Even though you are unemployed, a good idea is to make your own business cards so you can still have something to hand out in return.  On your business card you can display all of your contact information and then say your line of work or what you are looking for.  It is a good idea to invest in a nice business card holder that is easy to carry and open. There is nothing worse than not being able to access your business cards professionally.  It will be even harder with a drink in your hand!

Even though you may be feeling down in the dumps because you are unemployed, push your comfort zone and get out there and go to that costume party this weekend.  The phone won't ring with a job offer if you don't get out there and make it happen.

So my fellow job seekers, get your networking face on as well as your costume.  Oh, one more piece of advice, make sure your costume is in good taste.  This will be your first impressionl. If you are going to wear a mask, make sure you can see properly and ensure people can hear you when you wear it.  Even more importantly, take it off when you meet someone that could potentially help you on your job search.  You want them to see you, not the mask.
Good luck this weekend!
Kindly,
Anrea