How to make a kick-ass first impression at a networking event - Debut

How to make a kick-ass first impression at a networking event - Debut You know what they say: You only get one chance at a great first impression. What better way is there to nail your chance in the spotlight than at a networking event? No CVs. No cover letters. Just you in your freshest office-casual outfit, a glass of wine in hand, and a room full of opportunities. To some, that sounds like an amazing opportunity. To others, thats potentially  the scariest thing next to giant spiders and looking at the ground from a really, really tall building. We run a ton of events here at Debut HQ for current students and recent graduates on the Debut app, so wed like to think we know a thing or two about networking. Here are our official list of top tips for making a kick-ass first impression at a networking event. Dont say we dont  love ya now. 1. Show, dont tell Its really easy to rattle off a list of your accomplishments in a single sentence but firstly, youll run out of breath, and secondly, you might give off the impression that youre all talk and no action. Instead, try to slip in your accomplishments into conversation. For example, if the conversation leads to talking about travel, why not casually mention the time you went volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand? 2. Its all about the body language Folded arms and resting-bitch-face begone! Its all about the non-verbal communication baby, and if you seem at all closed off, youre less likely to make that crucial memorable first impression. We recommend nodding (not to often) to show when you agree with something, smiling, and standing in an open stance with your arms either at your side or on your hip. 3. Take a step back and listen Its hard, we know. But at large networking events (we had over 200 people here at Debut HQ the last time), its easy to fall into the its all about me trap. When youre networking with recruiters in big groups, its sometimes good to just hang back and listen to a fellow attendee talk. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two! Observe the way the recruiter responds to your fellow attendees and adjust your conversation to suit their liking. Read More:  Debuts ladies get in formation for our huge Women in Tech event 4. Come with a buddy There is literally nothing worse than being stuck at a networking event by yourself. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. No one is an island, after all, and when things inevitably get awkward, you need your buddy as back-up. Bring a friend to networking events when you can. Who else is going to tell you if youve got food stuck in your teeth or discreetly steer you away from a dead-end conversation? 5. Have a few conversation starters ready Its always good to come prepared. Here are our favourite ones that arent Hi, my name is Have you had any of the [insert food here]? Its absolutely delicious, you should try it. May I join you guys? Sounds like youre having a great debate sesh. How great was [insert panelist speaker]? I thought he/she made a great point when they said [insert point here]. 6. Know when to end a conversation Even if youre having a really, really good conversation with someone, its important to speak to as many people as organically possible during networking events. Trust us, if you think  starting a conversation is hard, sometimes leaving them is an even bigger challenge. Most of the time, its good to just be honest. When you come to a natural break in your conversation, just say that youre just going to mingle a little bit more with others. Nobodys going to judge you for getting yourself out there! Read More:  We got top companies to help Debutants build their future selves 7. Prepare a one-liner for yourself Otherwise known as your elevator pitch, its basically your response to the dreaded question, What do you do? Networking events are a perfect place to test your one-liner. Come up with a few versions, and test them out with different people. Having a strong one-liner makes you instantly more memorable. 8. Its all about the follow-up Meet anybody great at a networking event? Make sure to grab their business card/contact details/LinkedIn URL and send them a short thank-you message the day after. Its the little things that make the biggest differences. Bonus Speaking of great opportunities, were running a really special event with our friends at O2 next Wednesday, the 14th of December called The Future of Tech. What sets this event apart from other typical networking events is that O2 will be fast-tracking five attendees straight through to their Graduate Assessment Centre, past the initial application and interview stage (OMG!) For more details, click on this link.    See you there! Download the Debut app and  get Talent-Spotted by amazing graduate employers! Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter