The Labourpower HR team was invited to attend the UTS Accomplish Award – Networking Afternoon Tea on Monday, 15 April 2019 to meet with students and provide them with a few ‘Hot Networking Tips’ as well as some real-world networking experience.
The UTS Accomplish Award is a year-long program aimed at giving students the opportunity to gain practical and industry-relevant skills to build confidence and enhance their employability success.
The Networking Afternoon Tea allowed students to practice their networking skills and expand their own network by meeting professionals in their area of interest.
Our team shared some useful tips to help students get the most out of networking events.
Have a Positive Mindset
Your networking event is going to be all the more successful with the right attitude. It’s not about what you’re going to gain from the event but instead ask yourself –
“What have I got to offer the people I’m going to meet today?”
Be Mindful of Your Body Language
It’s important to be aware of your body language as it has a definite role to play in the type of first impression you make with people. When attending a networking event think about your:
Eye contact and facial expression
Maintaining eye contact shows that you’re interested in the person you’re speaking to rather than scanning the room to see what else is happening. A slight nod of the head can show you’re following the conversation and a smile helps convey warmth and sincerity.
Arm gestures and body stance
Some gestures maybe seen as defensive or convey boredom such as crossing your arms, clutching a drink close to your chest or holding onto a plate of food that prevents you shaking hands. You want to be seen as approachable so try to adopt an open posture and face any person you’re speaking to in an open and relaxed manner.
Labourpower National HR Manager Brooke Horbury says that being able to demonstrate soft skills can be a point of difference at an interview and help get candidates noticed by potential employers.
“It’s encouraging to see a program like the UTS Accomplish Award focused on giving students the type of soft skills and experience that can help them stand out,” she said.
“Thanks to UTS for inviting us to take part in the networking event and to the students for being so curious about Labourpower as an employer.”