networking

8 Effective Follow-Up Strategies After a Job Search Networking Event

October 20, 2023 by Annelise

To help you make the most of your networking opportunities, we asked eight top professionals, including CEOs and Presidents, for their best follow-up strategies. From sending a personalized thank-you email to extending an offer of assistance, these leaders share their top tips on how to follow up with someone you meet at a job search networking event.

Send a Personalized Thank-You Email
Contact Quickly with a Call to Action
Express Gratitude in a Personal Note
Initiate a LinkedIn Connection
Provide Value in Your Follow-Up
Offer a Solution to a Challenge
Propose a Meet-Up for Further Discussion
Extend an Offer of Assistance

Send a Personalized Thank-You Email

A preferred method to follow up with someone met at a job fair is to send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. This email should express gratitude for their time and insights, reference a specific point from the conversation to show engagement, and suggest a future meeting or collaboration to keep the connection alive.

Nathan Brunner, CEO, Salarship

Contact Quickly with a Call to Action

One major mistake I see professionals making is contacting people they met at events weeks later, or even months after getting acquainted with them. There’s a high chance the new people you meet will forget you if you don’t contact them soon enough. Ideally, send an email or text message on the very next workday. Introduce yourself and mention where you met them to help them remember you. It’s best to drop in something from the conversation you had with them.

Tell them you had a nice time meeting them, and follow up with a CTA, such as, “I am hoping to discuss XYZ more, can you tell me when you’re free?” Or, “Here’s a link to the project I was talking about that you seemed interested in. Would love to know what you think.” Anything that encourages them to respond is good enough.

Anjela Mangrum, President, Mangrum Career Solutions

Express Gratitude in a Personal Note

As soon as possible after the event, send a personal thank-you note or email thanking them for taking the time to meet with you and discuss your prospects of finding employment in your field. Make sure you mention something specific from your conversation so they remember who you are.

Roksana Bielecka, Community Manager, ResumeHelp

Initiate a LinkedIn Connection

My preferred approach to following up after networking events is to simply send a LinkedIn request. No additional text, no pitch, just a connection request on LinkedIn, and then I wait to see if it gets accepted.

If my request does get accepted, then I reach out via InMail and begin a conversation, knowing that they are open to conversation. Of course, if they reject my connection request, then I know that they wish to be left alone and I do not bother them any further.

I like this approach as it’s a low-friction way of making that initial follow-up and gives the other person a simple way of ending the conversation early, without either party investing too much time. Additionally, I find that people are far more likely to continue conversations via LinkedIn than email, as it reinforces the professional nature of the conversation.

The text provided was already in good shape with proper American punctuation, grammar, capitalization, and hyphenation. No changes were necessary.

Oliver Savill, CEO and Founder, AssessmentDay

Provide Value in Your Follow-Up

In the intricate dance of professional networking, the follow-up is as crucial as the initial introduction. One method that proves effective at Ignited Results is the “Personalized Value Proposition” approach.

After meeting someone at a networking event, it’s recommended to send a tailored email within 48 hours. This email should not only express gratitude for the interaction but also offer something of value. It could be an insightful article related to their industry, a tool that has benefited you, or even an introduction to a mutual contact that could be beneficial.

The key is to ensure that the follow-up is not merely a formality but a continuation of building a meaningful professional relationship. By offering genuine value in your correspondence, you not only stand out but also lay the foundation for a lasting professional rapport.

Jon James, CEO, Ignited Results

Offer a Solution to a Challenge

In my journey as a lawyer, I’ve come to realize that successful networking goes beyond handing out business cards. The secret sauce is the follow-up. Now, I’m not talking about flooding someone’s inbox with brochures or dishing out a string of “hope to hear from you soon” messages.

Nope—it’s about finding a challenge they mentioned and offering a solution. That could mean sharing resources, linking them to someone who can help, or providing some solid advice based on your own experience. By doing this, you’re doing more than keeping the conversation going; you’re making yourself reliable and indispensable.

Alex Freeburg, Owner, Freeburg Law

Propose a Meet-Up for Further Discussion

One thing you can do is ask for a time to meet up. Offer a coffee date if you live near the same location, or if you’re not, request a video or phone call. You might even want to phrase it as an opportunity to carry on a particular conversation you had at the networking event.

For example, you could say, “I would love to continue our conversation about the best practices in engineering. Could we meet next week and talk more over coffee?” Make sure not to wait too long to ask, however, as the opportunity could fizzle out.

Bill French, Sales, USA Borescopes

Extend an Offer of Assistance

Offering help is indeed a great way to follow up with someone you meet at a job search networking event! It is wise to first offer assistance while establishing a networking connection before requesting a favor. Help the contact if you are able to in any way.

You can get in touch with them and inquire if there is anything you can do to help, whether it is by providing resources, putting them in touch with the right people, or giving them guidance based on your own experiences. It might help strengthen the connection you formed during the event and demonstrates your sincere interest in assisting them as they grow professionally.

Khunshan Ahmad, Founder, EvolveDash

13 Common Mistakes to Avoid at Networking Events

September 23, 2023 by Markitors

Networking events can be a minefield of potential mistakes. To help you navigate, we’ve gathered thirteen pieces of advice from top professionals, including CEOs and partners, on what to avoid. From avoiding spreading yourself too thin to not overstaying with new connections, this article is your guide to successful networking.

Avoid Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Beware the “Transaction Fallacy”
Listen More, Talk Less
Avoid the “Salesperson Fangs”
Don’t Cling to Known Associates
Set a Clear Networking Goal
Avoid Over-Investing in Connections
Prepare an Elevator Pitch
Don’t Target Specific Contacts
Record Your New Contacts
Respect Your Current Employer
Don’t Ask for Jobs On-Spot
Don’t Overstay with New Connections

Avoid Spreading Yourself Too Thin

I often see a common mistake at networking events. People spread themselves too thin. Some industry parties or corporate expos might welcome a thousand people—trying to meet everyone is a fool’s game.

Instead, look into the guest list before going, and make a prioritized shortlist of only a dozen people you’d like to link up with. Brush up on their work history and upcoming projects so you’ll be able to speak with ease once you meet them.

It’s far better to make even one or two solid connections than many half-hearted meet-and-greets.

Travis Hann, Partner, Pender & Howe

Beware the “Transaction Fallacy”

With over two decades in the digital agency business, I’ve attended my fair share of networking events. One mistake that professionals often overlook is what I’d call the “Transaction Fallacy”—approaching networking as a transaction where you’re trying to “get something” out of the interaction immediately.

Networking is about building relationships, not instant gratification. Trying to close a deal within the first conversation appears pushy and insincere. The key to networking is developing genuine relationships that have the potential to be mutually beneficial in the long term.

Consider networking as a form of social investment. When you engage with people without an overt agenda, you create an environment of trust and authenticity. This fosters stronger connections more likely to yield fruitful collaborations or opportunities. Forget the immediate gain and focus on planting seeds for future growth; the harvest will come when you least expect it.

Shane McEvoy, MD, LeadFly

Listen More, Talk Less

A common networking mistake I often see is people talking excessively about themselves and not actively listening to others. While many attend networking events to promote themselves or their business, my approach is different. I go to these events to learn about others, considering how they might fit into my network or become potential collaborators.

By adopting this mindset, I find that people are more willing to open up about themselves and their businesses. As a result, I gain valuable insights and create stronger connections than when I’ve focused solely on promoting my own business.

Chris Stott, Director, Seven Marketing

Avoid the “Salesperson Fangs”

The absolute biggest networking mistake is what I call “salesperson fangs.” This happens when the moment someone expresses any interest in the person, they sink their fangs in like a snake. In most cases, the person being attacked was just trying to be kind and is punished for it.

Remember, networking is like dating. The more questions you ask of the other person and the more you get them to talk, the more they will like you. The goal in networking is to expand your network (thus the name). The goal isn’t to sell to (or accost) the people in the room.

Your network will expand if you are genuinely interested in helping the people that you meet. Be interested in them and help them get what they are looking for. If you do that, you’ll become a center of influence in any room that you network in.

Doug Staneart, CEO, Fearless Presentations

Don’t Cling to Known Associates

When attending networking events, it’s easy to go with a friend or colleague. Perhaps it’s a natural inclination to want them to come along. Or it might be a way to take some of the pressure off attending if one is not as comfortable with events where they do not know many people.

However, attending with someone you know can potentially be a mistake if you wind up spending most of the event with that person. Instead of meeting new people and striking up conversations with different attendees, you spend more time than you should with the person you already know.

When we go alone, sure, it might be very intimidating and nerve-racking, but it will push us to engage in conversation with new people and strengthen our networking skills. The only way to build that confidence and comfort level in attending networking events is by pushing out of the comfort zone and going alone. Most people are actually in the same boat and are happy to strike up conversations to meet new people.

Lindsey Garito, Director, People and Culture

Set a Clear Networking Goal

I believe the first step to making your networking efforts a success is defining what you would like to achieve.

Would you like to meet potential employers or recruiters? Do you wish to increase your clientele? Or are there specific people you would like to meet, such as professionals from a particular industry? Answering these questions will help you make the most of any networking event instead of wasting your time or awkwardly hanging out alone in a corner.

Setting a goal will also help you determine the best ways to prepare, such as making business cards, and preparing an elevator pitch to introduce yourself or your business memorably. It’s disappointing to see high-potential professionals badly review networking events just because they didn’t attend with a specific goal in mind.

Anjela Mangrum, President, Mangrum Career Solutions

Avoid Over-Investing in Connections

I’ve learned from experience that it’s important not to over-invest in people when networking. While building connections is essential, I’ve found that striking a balance is crucial.

Over-committing my time and energy to a single person or connection can lead to missed opportunities elsewhere. Setting unrealistic expectations or putting too much pressure on one connection can also be counterproductive. It’s essential to diversify my network, set clear boundaries, and manage my time effectively.

Networking is about cultivating a wide range of connections, and by avoiding the trap of over-investment, I can ensure that I make the most of these opportunities while also nurturing valuable existing relationships.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, VP of Strategy and Growth, Resume Worded

Prepare an Elevator Pitch

It might seem okay to go impromptu, but preparing an elevator pitch is always a better idea. An elevator pitch, or a 30-second introduction about yourself and your business, can be a great way to get the conversation started. Ensure you have thought through what you want to say beforehand to confidently deliver it and make an excellent first impression.

Another mistake to avoid is getting too focused on creating a sale or pitching your business. I’d say that the best way to turn people off is to push your products and services hard. Networking events are about building relationships, so focus on having meaningful conversations and connecting with the people you meet. New relationships, including professional ones, are built on a solid foundation. Make sure you build rapport before you launch into a sales pitch.

David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder and Marketing Head, Sticker It

Don’t Target Specific Contacts

One of the more harmful mistakes to make at networking events is to create a hit-list of contacts and then avoid everyone else.

By far, the most important networking moments of my life occurred spontaneously and organically; they didn’t involve me seeking them out.

Naturally, high-profile contacts tend to be highly sought after during networking events, and they are unlikely to pay proper attention to you, harming your chances of establishing contact. However, when making the rounds, you tend to bump into the perfect connection, and it feels far more genuine when it occurs organically. Conversely, when trying to target specific people, it always feels forced and agenda-driven, which makes people feel uneasy and on guard.

Instead, just take your time and be open to speaking with whoever comes your way. Not only does this help you to meet more people, but it also makes those connections seem more genuine.

Ben Schwencke, Business Psychologist, Test Partnership

Record Your New Contacts

A common mistake to avoid at a networking event is assuming you’re going to remember everyone you meet. The reason this is a mistake is that it can cause a lot of missed opportunities.

I remember one of the first networking events that I ever went to. I met a lot of new people, some of whom were great potential partners for the company I was working for at the time. However, I failed to take any record of who I’d met, how to contact them, etc. While I could remember a few standout individuals, something you’ll learn is that some of the best partnerships come from the people you don’t expect, and forgetting who you’ve met can be a big mistake.

So, next time you go to a networking event, make sure you keep a record of who you’ve met. I guarantee you it’ll be more than you remember. And chances are, you’ll get some great partnerships or collaborations out of it.

Michael Maroney, Marketing Director and Lead Biologist, Infinite Outdoors

Respect Your Current Employer

It’s essential to remember that you aren’t just representing yourself at a networking event—you’re also representing your employer.

An unfortunate incident occurred last year where one of our marketing leads and I were at a networking event together. He apparently complained to someone there about his current job and was openly angling to jump ship. This got around to me by the end of the day, and he definitely got his opportunity to jump ship.

It’s no secret that networking events are a great chance to explore other job opportunities—just use a little tact and patience in when and how you act on those opportunities, and don’t publicly speak ill of your current employer, especially when they’re in the room.

Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations, Bellhop

Don’t Ask for Jobs On-Spot

Asking for a job on the spot is something I don’t recommend at a networking event. It can make you look desperate, and it’s really not a great opportunity for that.

When at a networking event, you should be focusing on talking to as many professionals as possible and simply getting your name out there. You want to make a good first impression and give them your information so they can contact you if need be.

Simply getting to know people is key, and making notes in your phone about them is helpful. Then, when you contact them about a possible job opportunity in the future, you can refer back to these notes to make a connection.

Kristie Tse, Founder, Uncover Counseling

Don’t Overstay with New Connections

It’s important not to hang on too tightly to those you click with. It’s important to recognize that everyone is at the networking event for the same reason: meeting people. If you’ve given another person enough information to understand your story and how to reach out, the important connecting will be accomplished in a future (usually one-on-one) meeting.

Trevor Ewen, COO, QBench

7 Strategies for Maximizing Benefits at In-person Career Expos

August 3, 2023 by Markitors

To help you make the most of your next in-person career expo, we’ve gathered seven invaluable tips from industry leaders and career experts. From conducting pre-event research and personal connection to planning, prioritizing, and pitching effectively, these professionals share their top strategies to ensure you leave the expo with more than just a handful of business cards. Dive in to discover how CEOs, Founders, Career Coaches, and other professionals maximize their expo experiences.

Conduct Pre-Event Research and Personal Connection
Strategically Network with Prioritized Connections
Dress for Success at Career Expos
Maximize Benefits with a Post-Expo Follow-Up
Leverage Information for Targeted Interactions
Use Expo for Elevator Pitch Practice
Plan, Prioritize, and Pitch Effectively

Conduct Pre-Event Research and Personal Connection

When visiting an in-person career expo, it’s crucial to do your research ahead of time. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the hard work begins when you arrive; instead, set aside time prior to researching any businesses you’re interested in.

And for a deeper connection, don’t stop there. Call ahead to companies you’re especially interested in and let them know you’re coming.

Consider asking who will be working the booth. Then, look into their backstory and how they came to work in the industry. This personal knowledge will create an intimacy that can set you apart.

Make sure to take notes on what you’ve learned. Memorize them so when the moment comes you’re ready to leave a lasting impression.

Rob Reeves, CEO and President, Redfish Technology

Strategically Network with Prioritized Connections

When attending a career expo you never want to go in unaware. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your showing begins when you arrive; the real work is in the research.

Get a guest list ahead of time. If it’s not publicly available, reach out to the organizers. They’ll often be willing to let you know who has RVSP’d.

Then, prioritize your own connections. You likely won’t be able to visit every booth, so timing is crucial.

Next to an attendee’s name or company, write down any key topics you’d like to address. Ensure you’re abreast of any projects they’re working on, so you can open with a compliment, and have a segue ready to steer towards your own employment opportunities.

Knowledge is power and going in prepared is key to making the most of any career expo.

Tim Wa l sh, Founder, Vetted

Dress for Success at Career Expos

As a recruiter, I’ve visited dozens of in-person career expos, and one thing that often stands out is the attendee’s casual attire. Just because these events tend to be held on weekends doesn’t mean it’s time to bust out the blue jeans and sneakers.

While you don’t need to show up in a three-piece suit, a good rule of thumb is to dress the same way you would for an interview.

Sartorial choices can go a long way towards helping hiring managers picture you in the role, so replace the t-shirt with a button-up and blazer.

Linn Atiyeh, CEO, Bemana

Maximize Benefits with a Post-Expo Follow-Up

Utilizing a follow-up strategy after attending an in-person Career Expo is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the event. Since many attendees neglect this important step, taking the initiative to follow up gives you a competitive edge.

Send personalized thank-you emails to the recruiters or companies you connected with, expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest. Follow up with any promised materials or documents, such as your resume or portfolio.

Additionally, connect with them on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to maintain the connection. By implementing a well-executed follow-up strategy, you demonstrate professionalism, stand out from the crowd, and increase your chances of building meaningful relationships and securing future opportunities.

Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, Resume Seed

Leverage Information for Targeted Interactions

This is your time to find out the little-known things about working for the company and ask any questions you have that might not be answered on the company’s website. Then, I’d utilize that information as the backbone of a cover letter tailored to a specific individual at the company.

Make the most of the situation to highlight your qualifications and the ways in which they can assist the business. In a nutshell, you should leverage your time at the career fair to set the stage for future, more targeted interactions.

Also, use your time wisely. Instead of wandering aimlessly from booth to booth, choose ahead of time the groups you’d like to see. Learn as much as you can about these groups, and give them your full attention.

Aleksandar Ginovski, Career Expert, Resume Expert, and Product Manager, Enhancv

Use Expo for Elevator Pitch Practice

The best part of an in-person career expo or job fair is visiting a booth or employer you’re less interested in—at least at first. Elevator pitches are tough! And oftentimes, our first draft of giving our pitch is not our strongest. But when you’re at an in-person career expo, you can practice your pitch on employers who are not at the top of your list, refine and sharpen your pitch, and then bring your A-game to your A-list employers.

Before you go to the expo, you’ll want to at least write down the bullets of your elevator pitch, if not practice to a friend or just yourself. And then you also want to make a ranked list of employers to visit, but save those top employers until you work out all the jitters and kinks in your opening.

Bonus tip: Make sure you browse through all the employers, even the ones you’re unfamiliar with. Like an old Blockbuster Video store, you never know what you might come across!

Pat Fligge, Director of Temple Professional Network, Temple University

Plan, Prioritize, and Pitch Effectively

One effective tip for maximizing the benefits of attending an in-person Career Expo is to come prepared with a clear plan and set specific goals. As a CEO, I understand the importance of making the most out of networking opportunities and career events.

Before attending the career expo, research the participating companies and identify the ones that align with your career goals and interests. Prioritize the companies you want to connect with and gather information about their job openings, company culture, and values. This will enable you to have meaningful conversations and make targeted connections.

Then, craft a concise and compelling elevator pitch that highlights your skills, experiences, and career objectives. Practice delivering it confidently, ensuring that it captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Sai Blackbyrn, CEO, Coach Foundation

How to Get a Job After a Big Career Gap: 10 Expert Tips

September 14, 2021 by Markitors

Whether you were caring for an ailing family member, raising children, or traveling the world, getting employed after a gap in your resume can be a struggle. However, a few tips can help get you hired quickly.

What is one tip on how to get a job after a big career gap?

To help you get employed after a break in your career, we asked recruiters and HR professionals this question for their insights. From reaching out to recruiters to starting with part-time employment, there are several things you can do today to improve your chances of jumpstarting your career after a long pause.

Here are 10 strategies that can help you stand out even with a big career gap:

Reach Out to Recruiters
Map Out Your Career
Utilize Your Cover Letter
Add Volunteer Experience
Focus on New Skills You Acquired
Network, Network, Network
Keep Up With Your Industry
Show Continued Growth
Start With Part-Time Employment
Explain the Gap

Reach Out to Recruiters

While it might be scary to dive back into the working world after taking a break, the one thing that you can do is be honest. This career break is more useful than you might initially assess. Update your CV or resume and be sure to add any new skills that you acquired — and be transparent about taking a break, as well.

Even though this time wasn’t spent on your career, you did spend it doing something to better yourself. There’s plenty that you’ve learned in the gap. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to recruiting platforms as they might be able to help match you easier with employers that will understand the gap. Just make sure all the information you hand off is accurate and updated.

Jon Schneider, Recruiterie

Map Out Your Career

Create a career road map to outline your transferable skills and gaps for your desired career. Use this road map to guide your next moves, whether that be getting a new certification, degree or taking an internship to learn a new tangible skill to fill any gaps you may have in your resume. By taking time to advance your knowledge and skillsets, you can add value to yourself and the company you wish to work for.

Rronniba Pemberton, Markitors

Utilize Your Cover Letter

Explain in your cover letter the reason for your big career gap. Did you take time to travel the world? Were you dealing with family members? Don’t shy away from this career gap, but rather lean into it and explain why you took some time off. Add what you learned from that time, so it’s seen as a benefit, not just a lack of traditional work. Doing so will help diffuse any questions that the employer may have about your work gap. Address them without fear and your employer will understand.

Darren Litt, MarketerHire

Add Volunteer Experience

Volunteer first. Join some professional groups. Attend some professional training sessions. Find ways to re-engage and then showcase these on your resume under a section on professional development. Make the most recent job a sabbatical and add a sentence as to why you took time off (i.e., caring for an elderly parent, stay-at-home parent, etc.).

Jennifer Holtz, Second Wind Career Strategies

Focus on New Skills You Acquired

Orient your resume, applications, and interview responses to focus on what you have learned during the career gap. It could be a new skill that you may have picked up or gained some new insight on your career — whatever it is, make that the highlight of your interactions, written or verbal. The goal is to indicate how you have managed to extract value from what is normally considered an obstacle. Be authentic in this response, and do not overshare.

Joe Flanagan, VelvetJobs

Network, Network, Network

Having a large career gap can seem like a huge problem when you are ready to re-enter the workforce, but it’s not the end of the world. Similar to when you first entered the workforce, you had to network. As you re-enter the workforce with a large career gap, networking will be key to finding a new position. Go hard with the networking efforts, and you will find a new position in no time.

Chris Cronin, KITANICA

Keep Up With Your Industry

No matter what your field of expertise is if you want to stay relevant and well-informed, familiarize yourself with current trends in your industry. This could be anything from attending conferences and virtual events to picking the brains of an acquaintance who is well established in your field. Not only does this prepare you for transitioning into a new role, but it can also help shed some light on where your skills are lacking and what you need to do to bridge the gap.

Riley Beam, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Show Continued Growth

Although you may have a large career gap, that doesn’t mean you cannot continue learning and growing professionally. As such, take advantage of the time you are not working by obtaining professional certificates within your profession. Whether it’s a technical, qualitative, or quantitative certificate, showing hiring managers that you are continuing to grow — even in the midst of a career gap — will only strengthen your chances of being hired.

Lori Price, PixieLane

Start With Part-Time Employment

There are usually more part-time positions available than salary or full-time. Look for part-time gigs that can ease you back into the career field. This way, you are able to quickly learn new systems, tools, and protocols without getting overwhelmed with 40-hour weeks. It is a great time to re-engage with your profession and get to know it again.

Tamara Mayne, Brooklyn Candle Studio

Explain the Gap

As a hiring manager, when I see career gaps or someone who jumps from job to job, it makes me nervous about hiring that candidate. I have seen a few resumes lately that have added an asterisk that explains the gap. Sometimes those jobs are contractor jobs that expire after a certain period of time. I would not have known that if I didn’t see it on a resume. I think it’s a great thing to add to the resume. It might prevent a hiring manager from passing over you as a candidate if you have that explanation presented.

Shelbey Grimes, Trinity Air Medical

Terkel creates community-driven content featuring expert insights. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.

8/26/21 – Networking Anywhere

September 1, 2021 by Susan Lamphiear

Written By Susan Lamphiear

This doggone PANDEMIC. Now, doesn’t it just bring so many human basics into laser focus? Sort of in your face? Like the importance of making connections with people. Real connections. Meeting people. Looking people in the eye. Hearing the sound of the human voice. Hearing the voice of the human soul through connection. Listening, really listening to people. Not occasionally eyeing them as they speak, your real attention fixed on your iphone. Or your own attention focused on what YOU’RE going to say next, not on what they’re saying. In the present moment.

Career Connectors’ keynote speaker on August 26, 2021, day # “what seems a billion” of the Pandemic, brings added relevance to a little thing, often known in the context of the business world, as “networking.” But guess what. Networking is not just a means to a job, though it helps. It’s about so much more. Thus the title, “Networking Anywhere.”

Keynote

Whether you consider yourself an extrovert or an introvert, do you ever find yourself in the throes of networking dread? When she was in her early twenties, our keynote speaker Erica McBeth admits she didn’t feel all that confident in the networking process. Walking back from an event, a friend reassured her, “You are the best at networking, Erica.”

“Why would you say that?’

“Well, I sat and watched you talk for an hour to someone you didn’t even know.”

“But we were just talking about his dog!”

“That’s what networking is!” her friend said.

Erica talked to an online audience of job seekers at Career Connectors recently, where she defined networking as “just talking.”

But first, Erica told her back story about a life-changing aha moment that centered on–you guessed it–just talking to people.

Turns out 2017 was rough–her heart had been broken, her health took a detour, and a lucrative job she thought would be easy–WASN’T.

Depression she’d battled her whole life came creeping back. Night after night she’d retreat to her condo with her three little dogs and watch Netflix.

By chance one day hearing about a suicide prevention walk in downtown Phoenix, Erica decided to invite her friend Katie, whose brother had died from suicide the year before.

In the midst of that crowd of 2000 people who gathered that day in Phoenix –because they felt passionate about preventing suicide–it dawned on Erica–“I bet a lot of people lost someone they loved because they felt sad and lonely and depressed.” Kind of like Erica was feeling right there in that moment.

“If there are this many people in the world lonely, and I’m lonely, then why aren’t we just talking to each other, ’cause that seems like the thing that could make us all feel better, right?” And suddenly she was filled with a desire to do something about it.

That’s how the idea emerged–to meet 52 people in one year–one per week. That seemed like a lot of people. So began Erica’s project which led to her book, 52 New Friends and her video series How to Make Friends and Beat Loneliness. Plus a whole lot more. It’s basically changed her whole life.

In 2018 Erica met people in all different ways. It wasn’t even hard, she says. She’d imagined having to wander throughout coffee shops pathetically begging strangers to talk to her. Instead, slowly but surely, people actually starting catching onto her ways. “They actually started coming to me, and I actually had a waiting list of people who wanted to sit down and talk to me–how crazy is that?”

“I’m not some big important person. I’m just a regular person they wanted to sit down with and it was only because I was willing to listen.”

“Three months into the project I suddenly realized–all of that depression I had in 2017–completely gone!”

“Six months into the project I realized it was changing me in ways I couldn’t explain.”

“You can change almost every aspect of your life in a positive way just by talking to people. And that includes finding a job.” Erica has lived the mantra.

When she was growing up, Erica honestly believed most mothers had the kind of information her mother had about the townspeople her mother ran into–their names and all about their families. “Everyone in that little Kentucky town loved my mother because she stopped to talk to them and made them feel important.”

“Networking is just an exercise in kindness that we give to ourselves and to other people,” Erica says.

Where to Find People

Old and Current Co-Workers
Your Current Friends
A Friend Referral
Social Media
Your Neighbors

Where Erica Has Found Jobs

Erica reached out to a former co-worker on social media she hadn’t seen in nine months who mentioned online she was going through a divorce. Erica knew this was a difficult situation and wanted her friend to know she supported her. Her friend mentioned she was working for a company she really liked and since friend Amy had really liked working with Erica, Amy invited her to apply. As it turned out it wasn’t the job for her, but Erica reminds everyone that because she showed genuine interest in her friend, it led to a job prospect and interview. You really never know where your job leads will come from
A current social media friend asked Erica to lunch and after Erica said yes to a specific time and day, she started to panic a little because she couldn’t remember how she originally connected with the friend. Turns out it didn’t matter because they had several things in common and now they really enjoy hanging out together. Friend Heather works in HR and since Heather knew Jessica Pierce of Career Connectors, that’s the reason Erica’s speaking to Career Connectors today. So, get to know people on the “fringe” of your circle, because you truly just never know.
A man she was dating invited Erica to his young daughter’s birthday party but no one at her job could take time off over the weekend. When Erica asked for an exception, they said “No” which quite frankly made her a little mad. The guy she was dating mentioned the issue to his co-worker who said she had a friend in Erica’s industry. That friend called Erica who ultimately got a different job through that referral!
She reached out to someone she didn’t know on social media because she thought they looked “cool.” At the time Erica thought the opportunity could lead to a side hustle but it turned into a marketing consulting company in its own right–all because of an opportunity someone gave her over social media. Again, you just never know where opportunities may come from.
Five years ago Erica lived across from Jen but hadn’t talked to her for six months. One day they had lunch and Erica mentioned she wasn’t all that happy with her current job. Jen said, “We’re hiring. Why don’t you come and work with me?” Erica thought Jen owned a daycare out of her home. But since they’d moved, Jen now worked in HR at a tech company. Shortly after that lunch, Erica applied and got that job, too.

What to say

I think you’re interesting.
I’d like to get to know you better.
Could I buy you a cup of coffee sometime? (Or during Covid: Could we do a Zoom call sometime?)
When would be a good time for you?
How can I contact you so we can get something set up?

Homework on The Art of Chit-Chat

Once you’ve set up a coffee OR Zoom, try this:

Ask an open-ended question.
Listen to the response and acknowledge.
Ask another question.
Repeat these steps.

Erica demonstrated these steps live by getting to know the new Executive Director of Career Connectors Joey Richardson. At the conclusion of the demo, Erica said, “Now, see how easy that was?”

Hiring Companies

Amkor Technology

Brenda Perry, VP HR and Privacy Officer

Amkor employs 33,0000 workers in nine countries. In business for 50 years, they are an innovative global semi-conductor processing company with headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, looking for equally innovative employees.

Recognized as a great place to work, the company offers many benefits including matching 401k and a diverse workforce.
Amkor prides itself on very little employee turnover; they emphasize work-life balance for all employees.
Award-winning Amkor Health Happenings (AHH). Medical premium costs can be offset by employees improving their lifestyle choices with a fitness tracking device.
Many opportunities are available.

Benefits

401k with company match
Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Supplemental life dependent insurance
Short/long term disability insurance
Travel accident insurance
Paid holidays
Bonus vacation (after 5 years of service)
Employee assistance program
Pre-paid legal
Profit sharing
Service recognition
Skills development
Tuition reimbursement

Current Positions Open in Tempe, AZ

Engineering

Advanced Flip Chip Product Management
Director, Water Services Business Unit
Director, Advanced Product Development
Sr. Engineer/Software Developer, Design Automation
Sr. Manager, Power Product Line
Sr. Manager, Leadframe Products
Sr. Manager, MicroLeadframe Products
Sr. Manager, Business Enablement
Manager, Engineer Pricing
Manager, Leadframe Products

Accounting/Finance Position

Sr. Accountant, External Reporting

Legal/Human Resources

Director, Compliance
Manager, Human Resources

To apply, or for more information, visit their website.

Rogers Corporation

Bea Trembath, HR Manager

Rogers Corporation is a global leader in engineered materials headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. They manufacture advanced electronics and elastomeric solutions, elastomer components, and Durel drivers. They make material for computer chips. The company has been around many years but moved from their Arizona headquarters in 2016.

Known for their innovation and delivering results, they employ 5000 people worldwide.

The corporation offers much to its employees.

Competitive Salary
Annual Incentive Compensation Bonus Plans
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Life Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Health Savings Accounts
401(k) with Company Match
Wellness Reimbursement Program
Paid Vacation Sick Time
Employee Assistance Program
Global Stock Ownership Plan
Matching gift program for charitable donations
Corporate Training

Current Openings

Production Operator (multiple openings/shifts)
Pricing Analyst
Tax Manager
Quality Engineer
Talent Acquisition Manager
Technical Service Engineer
Sr. SAP Solution Architect
Sr. Tax Accountant
Quality Director
Director Accounting Controls
Sr. Accountant

For more information or to apply visit their website.

WealthWave

Jason Wiseman, Senior Marketing Director

WealthWave, through its network of financial leaders, strives to create a financially literate world. Made up of independent business owners, WealthWave professionals seek to educate the masses and make investing and financial success easier for regular families all over the world.

Concerned because he wanted to know more about financial planning and retirement, Jason Wiseman talked with his wife about their need to educate themselves for their own financial health. At one point he turned to his CPA and said, “What does it take to do what you do?”

After several years in corporate America, when Jason transitioned into his current role at WealthWave, it helped him ease into the field by working part-time, something unheard of in the industry.

WealthWave strives to educate people and help them navigate the world of finance to have more peace of mind, including in their retirement plans.

Why Choose WealthWave?

Turnkey Solution
Licensed Profession
Ownership
Digital Marketing/Media
Start Part-time
No layoff or Furloughs
Hands on Training and Mentorship
A long history of helping families

Jason is currently looking to train either two full or part-time professionals. To apply, contact Jason Wiseman.

Resources and Closing

Founder/CEO of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the first part of the meeting in preparation for online breakout sessions, turning that part of the meeting over to Sheila Coulam, Director of Operations at Career Connectors.

Jessica thanked all in attendance and referred everyone to the free resources available on the Career Connectors website. Among upcoming events include the Resume Mythbusters: Certified Resume Writer Panel September 9, 2021, and East Valley Job-A-Palooza, September 23, 2021. Click on the links to register for these online events.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a blogger for the events, click on this link.