How companies leverage networking events to scout talent
Companies host networking events to recruit talent for their open roles in targeted areas. This is why companies host events in schools: they want to attract talent and make them aware of why their companies are great to work for. Typically, companies compete to recruit top talent for their roles, which is why you see various companies promoting their open roles across different events. Networking events are another way a company can try to sell the candidate why they should choose to work at their company over another company.
How to prepare
Before attending the networking event, research the theme, speakers, organizations, and individuals likely to be present. This action will help you tailor your approach and let you study these companies to ensure you are having insightful conversations and asking questions you usually would not be able to find online. Knowing the theme of the networking event will enable you to dress appropriately for the event. Your attire for the event should make you feel comfortable and presentable to the employers.
Understanding the different roles
If the company has recruiters at the networking event, you should try speaking with them to learn more about the application process and what they look for in resumes and candidates. The recruiters are known to be the gatekeepers for the hiring managers as they provide recommendations to the hiring manager on who to interview and why. Jobseekers generally swarm recruiters to help them get an edge on their applications. You should introduce yourself, mention your interests, ask insightful questions, and connect with them on Linkedin for a 15-20 minute coffee chat. You can only ask 1-2 questions before someone else comes to talk with the recruiter. If you can score a coffee chat, you will have a higher chance of getting a referral and have an opportunity to make more of an impression than you would at a networking event.
Typically, in some networking events, managers will come into the event to be able to speak about their career journeys and how the company culture has allowed them to grow. Managers show up to these networking events as they are typically alumni of that specific school/program and show up to support their communities. Managers also get their fair share of people approaching them but are often overlooked as the recruiters are the ones to get swarmed by people the most. It would be best to prioritize speaking with managers to have a good sense of learning about their day-to-day, more insight into the hiring teams, and a higher chance of getting a referral. Having a manager give you a referral holds more weight than a recruiter, as the manager may know someone on the team you are applying for and can make a warm introduction. Even if they don’t, they can make a warm introduction to someone who may be able to help you.
Early talent employees can give you their best advice on how they landed their roles at the company you are interested in. They can provide critical information about the recruiting cycle they had to go through, as you may go through something similar. Connecting with these types of employees can give you an edge in the recruiting process as they can share more tailored advice with you than a manager or recruiter can provide you. Generally, their referrals would only hold a little weight as they are still considered relatively new to the company.
Avoiding the “networking circle”
The networking circle is a crowd of people standing in a circle with the person of interest (either the recruiter or manager) in the middle, talking to different people. Usually, people would only be able to ask 1-2 questions as after the person of interest is done answering, somebody else will jump in and ask a question, redirecting their focus away from you. One of the best strategies to try and minimize your time in the networking circle is to ask your 1-2 insightful questions and end off by asking if you can connect with them via Linkedin as you wanted to book a chat outside of the event as you’re mindful of other people wanting to chat with them. That demonstrates that you are considerate of them in that situation, and they will have a higher chance of connecting and talking with you outside of the event.
Common mistakes people make at a networking event
The first common mistake people typically make is to make the conversation less about themselves. Talking about your achievements or needs without showing interest in others can make you seem self-centered. Networking is about mutual benefit and learning about what others do and their challenges.
The second common mistake is not following up with the contacts you make at the networking event. This is a missed opportunity. A quick message or email can help solidify your connection with them, and you can have a higher chance of connecting again in the future.
The third and final common mistake people make is not having a goal when they attend a networking event. You must have a clear goal to stand out in a networking event. Once you have a clear goal, you will have a tailored approach. Whether your goal is to get more information about the company, gain a mentor, or get a referral, you will ask specific questions and be targeted in your approach to help you achieve your goal.