The Women in Tech Job Fair & Career Summit is a key opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and advance their careers on October 16th, 2024, virtually. This event is designed to empower women and allies in various tech roles. Below you will find a practical guide that will help you make the most of your experience, prepare for success, and seize every opportunity.
1. Preparing for the Event
Proper preparation is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the summit. Here’s how to get ready:
Review the Agenda: Familiarize yourself with the event schedule. This year's summit includes meet-and-greet sessions with leading tech companies like Akamai, EY, Kyndryl, NTT Data, and New Relic. There will also be talks on vital topics such as salary negotiation, visibility at work, personal branding, and mentorship. Plan your day to attend these sessions and make the most of each.
Update Your Profile: Once you access the event platform, update your profile. This step is essential for optimizing networking opportunities in the event's 1:1 networking area. Include your interests and be precise about your current location, as this helps match you with relevant recruiters.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch: Prepare a 30-second introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and career aspirations. A strong elevator pitch is key to making a memorable first impression during speed networking and interviews.
Polish Your Resume: Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the roles you’re interested in. Being able to promptly send a polished resume to recruiters after conversations can give you an edge.
Familiarize Yourself with the Platform: The event will be hosted on RingCentral. While a desktop or laptop is the recommended way to attend, there’s a mobile app option if needed. However, note that the mobile app has limitations that may affect participation, such as restricted microphone usage in networking sessions. It’s best to use compatible browsers like Microsoft Edge (Chromium), Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome for an optimal experience. Visit our candidate guide for more detailed instructions on navigating the platform effectively.
2. Engaging on the Event Day
Here’s how to navigate the event once you’re logged in:
Explore the Reception Area: Upon entering the platform, you'll land in the Reception Area. Here, you can find general information about the event and participate in the Event Chat with other attendees. This area is your hub for event navigation, so take a moment to get acquainted with it.
Meet & Greet Sessions: Make the most of the Meet & Greet sessions by engaging directly with company representatives. This is your chance to ask questions in real-time, learn about the company's culture, and get tips on how to align your skills with the roles they offer. Use the chat feature to engage actively, and gather insights that will help you approach their Booth with confidence. Go prepared—this is your opportunity to make connections and stand out!
Stage Speakers & Chat: The "Stage" area is where you can catch inspiring keynote talks on topics like career growth, personal branding, and salary negotiation. During these sessions, use the "Stage" chat to participate in live discussions with attendees and speakers. Make sure your insights and questions are visible, and be part of the conversation as you gain knowledge to elevate your career!
Leverage the Networking Area: The Networking area is where you’ll meet recruiters and industry professionals. Based on the information in your profile, you’ll be paired with a recruiter for a 5-minute video chat (Be camera-ready!). Remember, after 30 seconds, you have the option to leave the meeting, but it's recommended to utilize the full time for a meaningful interaction. You can also connect with professionals by clicking "Connect" to exchange contact information, much like exchanging business cards at an in-person event.
Utilize Speed Networking: Speed networking is one of the event's highlights. Each meeting lasts up to 5 minutes, with the option to extend the chat if both parties agree. However, remember that you can only match with the same person once, so make your conversations count. For a smooth experience, ensure you have a camera and microphone ready, and keep a link to your LinkedIn profile handy to share when you connect with recruiters.
Visit Employer Booths: In the Expo Area, you can visit virtual company booths to learn more about job openings, company culture, and more. This is a great opportunity to explore potential employers and ask questions directly to company representatives by writing them a message.
3. Tips for Effective Networking and Follow-Up
Engage on Social Media: Use event hashtags like #WTJF2024 on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to share your experience and connect with other participants and employers. This can increase your visibility and enhance your personal brand.
Follow Up with Recruiters: After networking sessions, send a tailored CV to recruiters you connected with to continue the conversation. Follow-up is key to nurturing the relationships you build during the event.
Leverage Event Support: If you encounter any issues or need assistance during the event, reach out to [email protected]. The WomenTech Network team is there to help ensure you have a rewarding experience.
4. Post-Event Actions
After the summit, take the time to reflect on your interactions and insights gained. Follow up with your new connections, sending personalized messages or LinkedIn requests to recruiters and professionals you met. Continue engaging with the community using event hashtags and keep an eye out for other events hosted by WomenTech Network to keep your momentum going.
Final Thoughts
The Women in Tech Job Fair & Career Summit is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to propel your career forward. By preparing ahead of time, actively participating in networking sessions, and following up afterward, you can maximize the benefits of this experience.
If you enjoyed the dynamic energy of the Women in Tech Job Fair and Career Summit, we invite you to join the Women in Tech Global Conference. This event offers 3 days of inspiring keynotes, numerous meet-and-greets, fantastic networking opportunities, and much more.
Here’s the link to learn more and register: Women in Tech Global Conference.
