Holidays Provide Many Networking Opportunities

“What do you do?” It’s a very common question at cocktail parties. Whether you’re actively seeking employment or gainfully employed, holiday parties can be an excellent time and place for a little professional networking. Even if you don’t need a job right now, meeting new people from healthcare and other industries expands your network, in case you need to draw upon your contacts in the future.

I wouldn't recommend that you show up to the party with a briefcase full of copies of your CV, but if you approach the situation casually and conversationally, you can make a positive impression and meet some excellent professional contacts at holiday social gatherings!

Holiday travel also provides another potential avenue for meeting contacts in the industry. You could be seated on a plane next to a hospital executive, a physician, nurse or any one of many potential networking contacts. Be prepared at any time to sell yourself and your qualifications.

In addition to my tips on networking for healthcare professionals, Alison Doyle, About.com’s Guide to Job Searching, provides some great advice for holiday job searching and networking.