Wednesday, October 23 - "Are Networking Events Useless?"

Good morning!

Just checking in you. How are you doing today?

Here’s what’s on the job description for today:

1. New roles from one of the world’s largest payment infrastructure companies.

2. Anoushka asks, “I see some classmates going to in-person networking events. Are they of any real value?”

IN HIRING

Worldpay

• As a company who plays a massive role in the world’s payments infrastructure, the company continues to grow and add interesting roles.

• I have seen first hand that Worldpay does sponsor visas in many scenarios and a majority of the roles are virtual.

• Here are a few of the most interesting roles available

  • Marketing Manager - Click here for full details

  • Systems Workday ERP Manager - Click here for full details

  • Senior Manager, Strategic Product Partnerships - Click here for full details

Click here for the company’s career page

TODAY’S QUESTION

Anoushka asks, “I see some classmates going to in-person networking events. Are they of any real value?”

Recommendation: unless your sending your new dark joke to hiring managers, nearly everything can have value. Here’s how I’d approach networking events as a candidate:

• First, networking events are a bit of a gamble. You don’t always know who will be there, what chance you’ll have to talk with them, and what sort of opportunities will be available afterwards. A good rule I would use when deciding whether to go would be:

  • If the company is even reasonably interesting and you’re not doing anything, go. Remember that version of you that applied for the degree and wanted to push themselves outside of their comfort zone? Do it for them.

• Second, when the event comes, you’re not going to want to go. That’s the reality so we might as well plan in advance for it. Here are two ways I’ve seen work well to keep yourself encouraged to go:

  1. The best way to get yourself there is to go with someone else. Get a friend, classmate, or whoever to go with you. This will make you feel absolutely obligated to go (they’ll feel the same so win-win).

  2. The easiest way to get yourself to go is to plan something fun to do afterwards. A current candidate I’m working with goes for exploratory walks through the town after challenging activities and it seems to motivate her. This way, you can still go even if you’re completely friendless!

• Finally, for those events you do go to, let’s set up a plan so you get real value rather than walk around making weird eye contact with other awkward job seekers.

  • The goal should be to have great conversations after the event. You will likely be in groups or only get a brief few sentences with those that work there. Ask them about themselves, what they think people get wrong about the company or the role, how the company is adapting to change environments, whatever.

  • Just ask something reasonably educated that gets them talking. Once they say their bit, mention that you understand they have a bunch of people to talk to and can get you get their contact details. Send them a follow up thank you and ask if they have time for a further discussion the following week.

Conclusion:

Networking events can be useful but only if you force yourself to go and come with a strategy that helps you achieve an actual outcome.