Have you ever gone to a networking event but then didn’t know what to do when you got there, or worse, hid in the bathroom and then left early? Has anyone out there done that? You’re not alone, I can promise you that!  It doesn’t feel good when you’re hiding in the bathroom, because you feel like you’re letting yourself down somehow. And let’s admit it, it feels kind of loser-ish when you do that. Is that a word – loser-ish? It is now. 

Our guest today is Caitlin Hooks and she is going to save us all from that awkward-ness by telling us how to make the most of a networking event. 

Caitlin Hooks is the Director of Client Development for Technology Solutions at Greene Resources here in Raleigh. Greene Resources is a recruiting firm, started 19 years ago by Gary Greene who seems to be involved in just about every community event in the Raleigh area. They have offices in Raleigh and Wilmington and have a fantastic reputation as a great firm to work with, both for companies and job-seekers. 

Caitlin is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill where she worked with the sports programs, then spent a few years working in campus ministry at ECU before joining Greene Resources as a Recruiting Coordinator, then a Technical Recruiter and then moving up the ranks to her current role as the Director of Client Development for Technology Solutions. Caitlin is also a CrossFit coach, so you know the energy level is pretty off-the-charts here!

Caitlin talks about her pretty massive career change from campus ministry to recruiting and how did she made that shift?

I met Caitlin at a networking event! And then, at every networking event I’ve been to since, I’ve seen Caitlin! So I can tell you that I’ve seen her in action and she is fantastic at meeting people and building relationships, which is what networking is supposed to be. 

Caitlin shares about why she chose the topic of networking and why she believes it is critical for those building a network or looking for a position. 

The How-To Process:

Caitlin drops a few gems about how to make the most of a networking event:

What are your 3 steps to making the most of a networking event?

·       Step 1: Research thoroughly

·       Step 2: Engage pointedly

·       Step 3: Follow up strategically

We also discuss things you should not do or stop doing at a networking event.

Caitlin shared her go-to networking events for the Triangle area:

• WRAL TechWire for networking events
• NC Tech Events
• RIOT Events
• The Startup Summit

"I recently attended the TEDx Cary Women event and that was fantastic! It had all the elements of a great networking event: It was really well-organized, it brought people together with a common interest of hearing TED Talks, mostly by women and many on issues that are of particular interest to women, they had great food! And it was just so easy to meet people there and have great conversations." - Katie Dunn

"Sometimes people look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them they have to get out there and meet people to be successful in their job search. It sounds uncomfortable, so thanks for breaking this down into an easy-to-follow-process." - Katie Dunn

Thank you to Caitlin, for telling us all how to make the most of a networking event! No more hiding in the bathroom! 

Now that you know how to make the most of a networking event, go do it! I believe in you!