Ask a Recruiter
Q: I’ve heard that networking is critical to the job search, but where do these networking events happen?
A: You’ve heard correctly!
There are a few ways to approach networking. The most straightforward is to seek out events explicitly billed as such. These are often hosted by groups such as business associations (locally we have: Better Portland, B Local PDX, Portland Metro Chamber), professional organizations (think PHRMA, ASCM Oregon, Oregon Paralegal Association), or nonprofits that serve specific communities (Partners in Diversity, APANO, Latino Network). These events can be an effective way to connect with people from specific professional backgrounds.
Along with following these organizations on social media and subscribing to their mailing lists, the free ticketing platform Eventbrite can be a good resource for what’s going on locally. Boly:Welch has a curated community calendar with hand-picked local events that’s worth checking out too. Be aware that you will likely find “networking events” hosted by for-profit companies that come at a cost; use your best judgement before investing in these types of events.
But what about the people you want to meet who aren’t at these events?
While some professionals may enjoy hanging out at networking events, they might be just as likely to choose to do something else with their time. Networking can happen at zine fairs, kids’ soccer games, civic events, and just about anywhere else that brings people together over a shared interest.
Sometimes the best networking opportunities are those events and activities you’re participating in because you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing — regardless of what you do for work. The people you meet at these places may not know anything about your profession, but they themselves have their own networks of people with a variety of backgrounds.
You never know who somebody might know.
Whether you prefer an environment catered to networking or to engage with people who share your interests outside of work, there’s a lot of value in connecting with each other and developing a community. It could be the source of your next job — or even a new friend!
We have more resources to demystify and support the job search right this way!
