Career fairs, networking events, internships and much more are all running virtually right now. It can be daunting to attend virtual events for the first time, so we have put together a handy list of tips to help you feel as prepared as you can do for your online experiences.
- Research the companies in advance.
The names of companies / guests are released in advance of the event. In the days before, take some time to research who they are and which ones you are interested in. It helps to know specifically who you would like to connect with; you will not have time to talk with everyone, so it is good to have prepared a shortlist of exactly who it is you want to talk to.
- Think of your questions in advance.
There may only limited time to talk to the companies of people you are interested in. You don’t want to spend this time trying to think of something to say – prepare in advance some questions you would be really keen to know the answer to. This will also help you to stand out by showing that you have done your research and are motivated into getting the most out of the online experience.
- Check out the platform in advance.
Virtual platforms can sometimes be a bit confusing to use. Some events might be web-based but others might ask you to download software to access the event (such as MS Teams). Make sure you check this in advance and, if you are asked to download software, download it in advance of the event so that there is time to sort out any potential issues with it.
You want to know how to sign in correctly, what events will be on and how to navigate the platform. The last thing you want is to be unable to sign in on the day or not know how to get to the talk you want to attend. Check it out at least a couple of hours before the event starts.
Test out your audio and camera beforehand to make sure that they are working. You don’t want to miss important information because your speakers haven’t connected properly.
- Prepare to connect with people.
Company representatives, other attendees – there are lots of people that you will be wanting to make connections with. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date (look at our guidance here) and be bold in asking other people to connect with you. These connections could help you get your foot in the door at your next job opportunity, so think of insightful things to say and how you can best present yourself to them.
There is often a private messaging feature so you can message other attendees during each presentation. If someone asks a question that you thought was really insightful, message them and let them know.
After the event, you might want to consider sharing about your experience on your social networks. It is likely that there will be event-specific hashtags, so use these to share any insights you learned and talk about what you enjoyed. Other attendees are likely to find you through these hashtags and look to connect.
- Look up the schedule in advance.
Prior to the event, the organisers should release a schedule with the timings of all the different talks. Think about which ones you want to listen to and what time they’re on. Some may clash in timings so it is good to think beforehand about which one will be of particular benefit to you to attend live.
It is likely that sessions will be recorded for you to access later so you could catch up with one you missed in your own time. Double check this, though, because not all events might do this.
- Take notes.
Whilst it is likely that recordings will be made of the sessions, you don’t want to spend ages rewinding the video later trying to find a piece of important information you remember hearing. Make sure you have a pen and notebook handy to make notes of any useful information.
- Dress appropriately.
You may be asked to have your camera on for parts of the event. If this happens, you don’t want to be caught out wearing your pyjamas! Make sure you are dressed presentably.
- If you can’t make it, let them know.
It helps the organisers to know how many people will be in attendance at the event. If you can’t make it, it is polite to let them know in advance so they can adjust their planning. Even if it is last minute it still makes you look good for letting them know!
These events are designed to help you further your connections and careers. Don’t be nervous about attending – people take part because they want to help people and offer them advice. Go and enjoy!
- Ways to Keep Yourself Going When You Can’t Go Anywhere: Lockdown Coping Strategies - 20 September 2021
- Top Tips for Attending Virtual Events - 30 April 2021