Holiday Networking to Juice Your Career
No resolutions required. Just real-time strategies that work before the ball drops.
The holidays are full of distractions, but they’re also full of opportunity. Whether you’re job hunting, exploring a pivot, or just trying to stay visible, this is a prime time to build career momentum without feeling like you’re “on the hunt.”
Here’s how to use seasonal events, social energy, and a little prep to make meaningful career moves before the year ends.
1. Reconnect Authentically
Holiday greetings are the perfect excuse to reach out. No pitch required. A warm note or quick check-in keeps you visible and top of mind, especially with contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while.
“Hey Jordan, I saw a post about that conference we both attended last December, I can’t believe it’s been a year! Hope you’re doing well and enjoying the season.”
“Hi Sam, hope you’re doing well! I’ve been working on a few new projects lately and thought of you, would love to hear what you’ve been up to when things settle down.”
This kind of message works because it’s low-pressure. It doesn’t ask for anything. But it opens the door for future conversations, referrals, or introductions.
Don’t condition your network to expect a pitch. Reach out without strings; it builds trust.
Pro tip: Everyone you meet is the hub of a whole new network. The average number of connections for LinkedIn members is a staggering 1300, meaning that each new connection you make during the holidays is a potential foot in the door to hundreds of opportunities.
2. Prep To Be Memorable
Before you head to any event, whether it’s a neighborhood party or a professional mixer, do a little groundwork:
Have a 15-second intro ready that uses plain English and reinforces what you do in universally understandable terms.
Practice a few short stories that illustrate what you do and why it matters. While we don’t want to come across as pitchy, it is a good idea to have examples of how you have impacted an employer in case you are asked for one.
Research anticipated attendees to prioritize who you may like to meet and whom in your existing network may already have a relationship with them.
Set a goal to meet at least three new people.
Bring the right gear: business cards, a pen, your phone, and breath mints (not gum). Go easy on fragrance as some attendees may be sensitive. Don’t underdress! If unsure, ask the host or friends who may have attended the event in the past.
3. Use Events as Career Touchpoints
No one wants to be sold. Practice talking about yourself enough to remember key points but not to the extent that you sound rehearsed.
Everyone shows up with a purpose: fun, connection, or curiosity. None of them want to be hit up for favors. Your job isn’t to pitch, it’s to engage.
Events are opportunities to be the kind of person that others will want to stay in touch with going forward. Steering conversations toward things that interest them is the best way to do that. Some ways to do this are:
“What’s keeping you busy these days?”
“What’s something you’re excited about heading into the new year?”
“What kind of people are you hoping to meet tonight?”
Avoid cliques. I know it is hard, but don’t spend the whole night with people you already know.
And if you walk into a room and everyone’s already paired off, try my favorite trick. Walk up to a group that you may be interested in and ask if it is ok to stand there with them so that you don’t look so conspicuous standing alone.
Not only have I typically been accepted into the group by using this approach, but the participants tend to be very curious to learn more about me. It’s surprisingly effective and often leads to great conversations!
4. Small Talk Can Move The Needle
Let’s be honest: most professionals either dread small talk or dismiss it as fluff. But when done right, it’s one of the most effective ways to build trust, uncover leads, and stay top of mind, especially during holiday events.
Here’s how to make small talk work for your career, without feeling fake or forced:
Small talk isn’t a performance. It’s a bridge. Your goal isn’t to impress, it’s to connect. That means being curious, present, and relatable. You don’t need a TED Talk opener. You need a question, a story, or a shared observation.
Use the setting as a launchpad. The venue, the food, and the crowd are all fair game. Commenting on the environment is a natural way to start a conversation without diving into work right away.
Keep a few topics in your back pocket. You don’t need to be a walking newsfeed, but having two or three neutral, timely topics ready helps. Think: a recent industry trend, a book or podcast you liked, travel plans or local events.
Avoid politics, rants, or anything that starts with ‘This might be controversial…’
5. Show Up Like a Brand, Not a Billboard
Everything you do during and after a networking event shapes how your brand is perceived. That includes:
Posture, eye contact, and energy, especially in casual venues.
Listening more than you talk. Two-minute rule: don’t monologue.
Asking what types of people they’re hoping to meet. Bonus points if you can introduce them to someone on the spot.
Your mission is to be understood, not to show off. Use language your listener understands. Skip the jargon unless you’re sure they speak it too.
Keep your energy sharp. If you drink, pace yourself.
6. Exit With Intent
Not every conversation will click, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to linger, it’s to leave people with a good impression and a clear next step.
Have a few exit lines ready so you can move on without awkwardness or offense:
“I promised I’d say hi to a few folks, so nice chatting with you.”
“I’m going to grab another drink, let’s stay in touch.”
“I need to check in with a client over there, hope we cross paths again.”
If the conversation was especially valuable, consider locking in a follow-up before you part: “I’d love to continue this conversation sometime. How do things look next week?”
Leaving well is just as important as arriving well. It shows confidence, respect, and intentionality, three traits that make you memorable long after the event ends.
7. After the event
Organize your new contacts into your contact management system.
Follow up with hot leads within 48 hours. Bonus points if you offer a helpful intro or resource tailored to their interests.
Invite new contacts to connect on LinkedIn, with a personalized note.
Don’t Let the Calendar Dictate Your Career
The holidays are crazy. But if you can carve out even a few hours to move your career forward, you’ll be miles ahead of the pack come January.
Because the worst time to job hunt isn’t December. It’s when you’ve waited too long to start.
Job Guy’s Search Tip of the Month
Tech Tools For Networking Smarter
Networking isn’t just about showing up, it’s about showing up prepared. And while your posture, energy, and conversational skills still matter, the right tech can make your interactions smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
Project confidence and currency by using simple and free tech tools to make a strong impression:
LinkedIn QR Code enables you to instantly share your profile or connect with someone else. You can also save the QR code as a photo or share it by text.
Apps like HiHello or CamCard allow you to create sleek, shareable digital business cards. These are especially useful when you run out of physical cards or want to include links to your portfolio, calendar, or resume.
If you are using physical cards, including a QR code will make it easy for new friends to accurately input your contact info onto their devices.
Whether you use Calendly, Google Calendar, or Outlook, having a mobile-friendly way to schedule follow-ups on the spot is a game-changer. If someone says “Let’s talk next week,” you can lock it in before the moment passes.
Use apps like Evernote, OneNote, or even your phone’s native notes app to capture quick takeaways after each conversation. Include memory triggers, follow-up ideas, and what kind of lead or intro that person might need
Final Thought:
Technology should enhance your presence, not replace it. Use these tools to streamline the logistics so you can focus on what really matters: being curious, generous, and memorable.
Older job seekers simply must be aware of these tools that younger leaders are using every day in networking settings. If you’re still using a paper planner, it’s time to upgrade. These tools aren’t just for millennials; they’re for anyone who wants to be taken seriously in today’s market.
A Favorite LinkedIn Testimonial
When I met Peter, he was coming up on twelve years with his current employer. While his title never changed, the scope of his responsibility grew from being an individual contributor to managing managers in five locations. He became a client because the fact that his employer never changed his title made it appear that he hadn’t grown at all over the entire time.
We repositioned his brand to align with what the job market used for titles rather than being boxed in by the title he’d carried for years. From there, we were able to clearly convey his growth as a manager and his relevance to the existing job market at the appropriate level.
“I haven’t been in a job search for almost 12 years, so my skills were lacking. A very good friend of mine recommended John Bates as he had a successful experience with him in the past. I went through the full program with John – resume construction, brand establishment (Internet and paper based), mock interview prep, interview follow-up procedures and negotiation skills development. During this interaction, he was also a great sounding board when opportunities presented themselves. There is no question that John was instrumental in my journey to securing the right job/career at the right compensation. I will definitely use his expertise in the future.”
Want help navigating your own career crossroads? Let’s talk. I help professionals sort the job from the environment and make smarter career moves. I can be reached through LinkedIn or john@job-guy.com.
