Usually holiday parties are a wonderful time to re-connect with colleagues and also meet new people. However, this year is different. You’ve been laid off but your spouse has not. Their office party is on the horizon and you are not enthusiastic about attending. Holiday parties are difficult enough but attending while unemployed can seem like being punched while you're down. You may be dreading it but instead, use the opportunity to broaden your network, expand your personal brand and find potential job leads.

The first thing you need to do is to get on the same page as your spouse since it is there office party you will be attending. They can give you insights to who is in charge, who is friendly and who will be your best lead. Once the two of you agree that this event is about trying to expand your network, you’re ready to prepare.

Prepare

• Do your homework about the guests who will be in attendance.

• Get to the party early. Being one of the first in attendance, It helps you feel comfortable. It allows conversation with as many people as possible to help ensure that you spread your name and feel comfortable.

• Remember that the party isn’t a networking event, it is a tool to help you build your network. The work is in your hands. So you need to be talkative.

• Start conversations, don’t wait for people to talk to you.

• Prepare business cards with name, email and telephone number & update your linkedin profile.

At the Event

• Do not dwell on the fact that you are unemployed, even if the other guests know about your situation. Be positive about what is going on in your life and your outlook for the future. The last thing anyone wants to do at a holiday party is to hear “sob stories” about unemployment.

• Use common openings to enter conversations, “I’m the spouse of so & so, what is your connection to the company? or Ask their opinion on food, that’s an opening too.

• Do not say you’re unemployed, say you're in career transition. If asked about your career talk about work experience, your field and mention you’re looking for a new position in 2010.

• Discuss your old field, talk about what you enjoyed and where you see the future of the field.

• Know how to get out of conversations because time is limited and you’re there for a purpose. Have standard exit statements: “Ask for a card and say it was a pleasure to meet you and hand them one of yours.

• If they don’t leave the conversation say, “It was nice to meet you but I want to give you time to meet other guests.”

• Roam all over the room. Make friends, smile and be polite. Because commonly people clam up when nervous, you need to combat that. Unless you notice you’re boring those in the conversation, then slow down and listen. They can’t get to know you if you're not talking but they can't feel completely comfortable unless you listen. It's a special balance.

Follow Up

• Remember that you are thinking long term for this networking opportunity. It is about potential jobs in a few weeks or month, it isn’t about a job offer on the spot or even tomorrow.

• People hire people they know and trust. Become that person by showing your personality in follow up emails, phone calls or conversation. Use your value proposition in all situations.

• Remember to email people who gave you their cards. A nice to meet you or a thanks for the conversation email is appropriate for a follow up email.

• Include the name of the event in the subject and/or first line of the follow up email.

• "It was nice to meet you” or “I enjoyed meeting you.”

• If you’ve taken too long to follow up, acknowledge it.

• Include a signature with your contact info.

• Reference something specific that happened at the event or will happen in the future to help keep the communal connection.

• Offer something if you’ve got something to give, offer suggestions, advice or thoughts to help improve the company goals, strategic objectives or the persons responsibilities. (Don't ask for an interview)

• Use your last name in the email if you’re not certain they’ll remember you.

Networking is as beneficial as you make it. Taking a chance is the only way to land a job. It isn’t incredibly difficult to land a job but it is difficult if you don’t use every opportunity. Wayne Gretzkey has a saying, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” The same is true when it comes to networking. You never know the connections that someone can help you make.

If you attend a holiday office party and choose not to network, you can't expect any results. It's only when you find a way to turn every thing into an opportunity to start to see your power in the job search.

Now that you have read about How to Network A Spouses Office Party, may we suggest that you take the next step and check out Belief And Faith In Yourself. It is important to us that we are able to help people as they recover and prosper after job loss, so please contact us with suggestions, corrections, and even your personal experiences. If you found this article or video to be helpful, we'd love for you to share it with a friend. Also, be sure to check out all of the amazing resources for your career transition in the  ILostMyJob.com Book Store!

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