subject: No "i" In Team When Networking For Business
[print this page] Do not talk too much! Keep those words in mind when attending a networking event or an informal interview session. The less you say about yourself, the better off you may be.
There is a fine line between selling yourself and coming across as arrogant. If all you do is talk about what you can bring to the table, then you can come across as an I person. In that case all you say is "I did that, I know this, I have this many contacts, I am friends with this person, etc. The person you are meeting does not want to hear about all that you have done or promises to do great work in the future. This can lead to the person feeling put down by how great you say you are.
An informal social event is a way for people to get a general feeling about someone for a future meeting. The more the other person talks the more you will listen. By listening, you will learn more about the company and have a chance to ask questions. Asking thoughtful questions proves that you are intelligent and can think on the spot. Bring up discussion questions which can create conversation internally at the company. Talk in general terms about yourself and do not share specific examples until you are asked for them at a formal interview.
Spend your time focusing on why you want to join the company. What is it that attracts you to this company? What are the values of the company and why do you appreciate those values? Those are the type of questions to bring up.
Keep in mind at an informal session; you are doing more listening than talking. Listen to what the company is about and never make false promises. If you only know the basics of Microsoft Excel, than do not claim to be an expert. Be honest and say that you know the basics, but have not had to use it much in your past experiences. There is no way to provide perfect answers to every question and most companies are not expecting perfect answers on every question.
If you catch yourself saying "I have done this" too much than stop talking about yourself! Very few people will want to be associated with a know-it-all type personality. Chances are the people who follow the old line, let your work speak for itself, will be better off.
by: Stephen Kelly
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
