This article is the third in a five-part series where we will evaluate free services on the Internet to aid you in your job search and general career advancement.
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One of the key elements I emphasize to my clients when giving advice is to expand their network. Some of the greatest career advancements were made possible by a good word from the right person. To find those right people, it’s time to begin actively socializing. Meetup is the place to go if you’re looking to join a social or professional group of folks that share your interests, experience, and goals.
Finding the right Meetup groups is essential. This isn’t always the easiest task, and quickly becomes more complicated if you live outside of an urban area. Search for an appropriate group by querying a few keywords (try one at a time first) related to your field or desired career path. Be sure to insert the correct location, too. Sort through the search results by viewing the number of active members, how frequently the meetups are conducted, and how recent the last group activity was. These factors are key to connecting with the right network of people.
You found the group. You’re going to the event. Now, what to wear? The dress at most of the professional related events will be business casual. For men, this means something along the lines of khakis and a buttoned-down shirt. For women, this means a pair of slacks or a knee-length skirt with a blouse. These events are not the time to try out blue tips in your hair or a spiked collar necklace. The image is best described as a relaxed, approachable, professional.
Be sure to bring business cards with updated information to the meetup. If you have cards from a position at a company you no longer work, it’s time to get new ones (VistaPrint offers free basic business cards in exchange for a small advertisement of their service on the back). Have a relaxed smile on your face, prepare a firm handshake, always repeat the person’s name you are meeting (“It is nice to meet you, too, Kim.”), and make sure you have your ‘elevator speech’ down.
Good luck and go interact!
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