Whether it's an informal get-together at work or an elegant soirée at a local restaurant, the office Christmas party is a valuable opportunity to showcase your personal qualities and expand your contact network.
It's all part of being a good team player – which of course is vital at any time of the year, but is particularly important at Christmas.
Networking know-how
What's the point of networking? For starters, it's well known that the majority of job openings are identified by this approach. In today's competitive employment market, searching the sits vac is much less reliable than finding opportunities through a burgeoning grapevine of useful contacts. And, if you already know people in the business, your chances of success are much higher than if you are coming in cold.
Not everyone enjoys setting out to acquire vast numbers of contacts at a social event. In fact, some people readily admit that they would much rather do the filing than chit-chat over a plate of sausage rolls. If you're naturally reclusive, try to remember that networking does get easier with practice. It's really no more than just making friends with people, exchanging information and helping each other when the need arises.
[quote]Preparation, preparation, preparation
The secret of successful networking at the office party is good preparation. Remember, 80% of human communication is non-verbal, so the first challenge is to make the best possible impression in the short time available. Select your outfit with care, get a manicure and consider investing in a visit to the hairdresser. Above all, make sure that you feel comfortable, as this will give you greater confidence.
It's also useful to find out who is going to be at the party and to decide which of these people you would like to talk to. If you can, gather a few facts about them so that you will be able to ask informed questions and talk knowledgeably.
Sometimes it helps to prepare a few questions, for example:
What's it like to work in your team?
What's your job like?
How did you get started?
How to do it
When your career is at stake, the office get-together is no time to practise table-top salsa. But do try to think of networking as a party game. Give yourself an inspiring challenge and reward yourself if you live up to it. For example, you could aim to break the ice with at least three people you don't know very well, if at all, and to obtain their contact details so that you can keep in touch.
The purpose of the chat is not to ask them to help you get a job or fast-track you to promotion. That's a sure-fire way of blowing the contact before you've even started. Your task is to smile, make eye contact and avail yourself of their expertise over the chilled Chardonnay. Explain that you want to find out more about their work. Then subtly and politely pump them for information, for example:
'I've seen your name on the intranet, and I've always wanted to know…'
'Tell me, how did you…?'
'What advice would you give to someone who is…?'
Cementing the contact
Networking is basically like any other kind of good friendship - mutual, helpful and supportive. It helps to cement things as soon as possible after the party with a brief phone call or email. Think about how you can help or what you can offer - not just what you can take. Maybe you can recommend a book or a website that you have found useful. Or can you ask for details of a training course you were discussing?
It's important to keep in touch – but be friendly, not pushy. Sooner or later the time will be right to ask if they know of any openings you might apply for, or if they know anyone else you could talk to.
Have a great party this year. Oh and don't forget, it's OK to let your hair down and have fun, too!
