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As we prepare for Personnel Placement Service (PPS) this winter, we’ve been thinking about the rarity of face-to-face interactions in job searching today.  Society is moving further away from human interaction towards electronic communication, so the role of in-person interaction in acquiring your ideal position in the workforce has changed drastically. However, interpersonal skills are still critical. Knowing how to create face-to-face opportunities and then capitalizing on it can give you the critical edge over other candidates. 

Where will you find a face-to-face meeting opportunity?

Human interaction is still possible—you just have to look hard enough.  There are plenty of planned face-to-face opportunities, such as national and local events, job interviews, informational interviews and more.  These interactions can also be unplanned -you may be at a dinner party with someone who can help you in your search.  Whenever possible, the most important thing is to be prepared, even for the unplanned.

At events such as ASHP’s Midyear Clinical Meeting, local affiliate events and other national/local meetings throughout the year,  you have a unique opportunity to grow your network and further your personal brand.  Not only are you able to talk directly to a hiring manager at many of these events, but you will meet other contacts that may prove invaluable in your career—both in the short- and long-term.  Often, you have the opportunity to meet people in a social setting like a reception, where you can make a longer-lasting impression than you would in an interview.  You can find these opportunities by staying involved with local chapters and industry organizations.  Don’t hesitate to attend ones that may not be directly related to you; you never know when you will encounter the right contacts.

A few personal strategies I’d like to share

• Always be prepared in social situations wherever you are; you never know who you could cross paths with. You may be unknowingly interacting with a great contact in a social setting and you never want to encounter an awkward situation due to a prior interaction.
• It is always a good idea to prepare a quick “elevator speech,” which is basically a 30 second summary of yourself that can be shared on an elevator ride. Just thinking of one is a great exercise, as it helps you discover what your most important strengths are.
• “Old school” manners never go out of style. Make sure you have a good, firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and use proper manners. It can make as much of an impression (good or bad) as anything you may say to a person.
• If you know who you are going to meet, try to do some research on the person. A trick I use is to find some sort of common ground if possible. I imagine how I can potentially bring it up in the conversation without forcing it. I’ll often mention something about me that I know is important to them and we have in common. Even if they don’t respond, you know in the back of your head that they will remember that fact. Examples that you can often find online are a shared school, vacation spots, love of hobbies, passion for family, etc.
• If you are in a non-interview setting, it is important to let them talk and finish sentences. People love talking about themselves and hate being interrupted.