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How to Get the Most Out of a Conference
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Attending conferences
But skipping them isn't the best solution: you’re missing out on the benefits of networking.
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Change your mindset
See networking from a different perspective: You’re not just networking because you should; you’re doing it because it’s good for your career.
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Pre-introduce yourself
Think about the people you would like to get to know and then carve out time to accomplish that goal:
- A few before the conference, make a 'priority wish list' of people you’d like to meet.
- Send those people an email introducing yourself and asking to meet; if possible, get an introduction from a mutual friend or colleague.
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Be strategic with your time
When choosing which sessions to attend, consider this:
- A session should fulfill either a content goal (should be educational) or
- It should fulfill an interpersonal goal (you want to meet or support the person who is presenting).
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Talk less, listen more
- Ask people to introduce themselves. Think of commonalities among group members and highlight those when you’re making introductions.
- Ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully to how others respond.
- Having conversation starters at the ready can make small talk more palatable.
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Get the most out of a conference
Do:
- Focus on how networking is good for your career
- When choosing a sessions, consider whether you’ll learn something or meet someone new
- Create networking situations where you feel comfortable.
Don’t:
- Spend all of your time with coworkers you see every day.
- Burn out. Give yourself time to rest and rejuvenate during the conference
- Try to be someone you’re not.
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Build connections
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You don’t have to be “the greatest person in the room” or make sure “everyone is blown away by your charisma.” You just need to have good rapport with your colleagues. That way, they won’t impute negative intentions or motives to you.
Listen before you try to persuade
Start by giving them your undivided attention in one-on-one situations. Turn your body toward the other person, freeze in place, and listen.
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Key Ideas
Starting with you
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Thinking like a historian
Your resume is a marketing document, not an autobiography that details every past role and responsibility. Your objective it trying to prompt a purchase decision, which is to invite you in for an interview.
Delve into job boards and companies' careers pages. Pull a few postings, and find what theme or criteria keep coming up. For instance, if you continually find that they need someone who can solve complex problems and navigate ambiguity, and you can do that, then put it in your resume.
Looking at the big picture
Remember all of the skills you bring to the table. If you're applying for a project management role, consider highlighting the complementary skills you bring to the table. However, it should be a value add, not a random sidebar of your career.
Showing how your specific background allows you to bring a new perspective to your work will help you to stand out above other candidates.