Avoid the rush: Get your pre-holiday networking done now -- Career Center Blog

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October 31, 2010

Avoid the rush: Get your pre-holiday networking done now

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

We're on the verge of November, and that means networking activity will start heating up in the next couple of weeks before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Usually, the holidays are the time of year when hiring tends to drop off as many managers take time off and companies wait until the new calendar year to consider adding employees.

That's why my Hire Ground colleague, Paul Anderson, says now is the time to take your networking efforts up a notch. On Monday, Nov. 8, NWJobs.com and Paul's consulting firm, ProLango, will co-host the final Career Mixer of 2010 at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Seattle, 6:30 to 9 p.m. As an added benefit to the free event, attendees can upload their resumes to NWJobs.com and access more than 5,000 local job listings, career advice and more.

Meanwhile, here are some other outstanding networking events and seminars to check out while you whittle down your Halloween candy reserves.

WED., NOV. 3

Networking and the Hidden Job Market: Tapping Into Unadvertised Jobs - This Bellevue College seminar will teach networking strategies to help with your job search for those positions that are not always posted online. Where: Bellevue College, Student Services Building, Bellevue. When: 1:30 to 3:20 p.m. Cost: Free.

30 Seconds to Impact: Elevator Pitch Boot Camp -- This experiential and entertaining workshop will help job seekers hone their communication skills so that they can convey their message in a clear and concise manner. Where: Foundation House, Seattle. When: 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. Cost: $25 before Nov. 3; $35 at door.

THURS., NOV. 4

Grow Your Business Expo - At this half-day business-to-business expo, sponsored by the Puget Sound Business Journal, be prepared to make connections with hundreds of local business professionals. Where: Bell Harbor Conference Center, Seattle waterfront. When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at door.

FRI. & SAT., NOV. 5-6

Career Transitions, Part 1 - In this class, offered over two weekends (Nov. 5-6 and 12-13; see listing below) through Bellevue College's Center for Career Connections & the Women's Center, you will identify your interests, and get the latest information on re-training. Where: Bellevue College, Bellevue. When: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $99 for both weekends (fee includes the Myers Briggs Personality assessment and interpretation).

SAT., NOV. 6

Success Unplugged -- This half-day conference will provide tips for professional women in the South Sound who want to start a small- to medium-sized business. An after-conference networking party is included. Where: Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Tacoma. When: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $50 individual; $40 each for groups of five or more.

TUE., NOV. 9

Author Series: 27 Powers of Persuasion - Chris St. Hilaire, author of "27 Powers of Persuasion: Simple Strategies to Seduce Audiences and Win Allies," will present his philosophy of communication at this Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce event. Free copy of book included. Where: Rainier Square Conference Center, Seattle. When: 7:30 to 9 a.m. Cost: $25 for members ($35 after Nov. 7); $30 for non-members ($40 after Nov. 7).

Veterans Job Fair - This Snohomish County job fair, sponsored by WorkSource, will draw employers from Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, King, Island and Pierce counties, who are offering jobs for returning military veterans. Where: WorkSource Everett. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Seattle Career Fair - Meet face-to-face with hiring managers from dozens of employers in the greater Seattle area at this free event. Where: Seattle Center's Northwest Rooms. When: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Bellevue Job Fair -- Recruiters expected to attend this Eastside event will be looking for job seekers in the accounting, banking, insurance, hospitality, sales and retail industries. Where: Red Lion Bellevue Inn, Bellevue. When:11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Salary Negotiation Workshop - At this Bellevue College seminar, author Allan Hay will teach effective, non-confrontational strategies to negotiate your salary, even during a recession. Where: Bellevue College, Student Services Building, Bellevue. When: 12:30 to 2 p.m. Cost: Free.

Business After Hours - The Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce's popular mixer returns for a fun evening of networking, bowling and/or skating. Food and a cash bar will be available. Where: Lynnwood Bowl & Skate, Lynnwood. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Cost: $20 pre-paid; $30 after Nov. 7.

WED., NOV. 10

North End Happy Hour Meet & Greet -- This Biznik-sponsored event allows you to make new friends, reconnect with old chums and do some business in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying great food and drinks. Where: Courtyard Marriott, Lynnwood. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free.

THURS., NOV. 11

Veteran Opportunity Expo -- Returning military service personnel and those in the National Guard and Reserves can connect with area employers at this Veteran's Day job fair. Where: Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Give Your Elevator Speech a Lift -- Media coach and author Lorraine Howell will share her process for creating a winning elevator at this Seattle Chamber event. Where: One Union Square Boardroom, Seattle. When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $25 for members ($35 after Nov. 9); $30 for nonmembers ($40 after Nov. 9).

Power Chicks Happy Hour Mixer -- Here's a chance to connect and share business tips with a community of strong, spirited, women entrepreneurs from the Eastside while you enjoy happy hour drink specials. Where: Russell's Restaurant & Bar, Bothell. When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost: Free.

Microsoft Professional Development, Networking and Recruiting Event -- The National Society of Hispanic MBAs Seattle chapter will host this opportunity to network with other business professionals and talk directly with Microsoft recruiters about new job opportunities. Where: Microsoft Studios West Campus, The Commons Mixer, Redmond. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI., NOV. 12

Creative Professionals Meet-Up -- This meet-up explores topics that enhance your creative business, creative life and everything in between. Introduce yourself, pass out your business cards and even share your portfolio. Where: Uptown Espresso, Belltown. When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: Free.

FRI. & SAT., NOV. 12-13

Career Transitions, Part 2 -- The second weekend of this two-part class (See list above for Nov. 5 & 6). Where: Bellevue College, Bellevue. When: Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $99 for both weekends.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.