That being said, here’s a short list of things to watch out for so you don’t get fired for something you do at the party.

1. Don’t get hammered: This goes without saying. Nothing can create a bad impression like a drunk employee staggering around the room. Keep a strict 2 drink policy and you should be fine. Any more and you are at risk of making a fool of yourself.
2. Watch your tongue: People tend to relax at parties and pay less attention to what they say. Just remember that you are around coworkers. Jokes which may be funny in the company of close friends may not sit well with some colleagues. Be mindful of what you say.
3. Don’t hit on anyone: Hooking up with your coworkers is never a good idea, especially if it comes at a company sponsored social event. Nothing spells trouble for office morale like a new couple and (eventual) messy breakup. It’s even worse if it is a one-night stand.
4. Don’t be the first or last to leave: Remember that the company is spending a lot of money to put this event on. Leaving too early will show disrespect and it will make you appear as though you have better places to be (even if you do). Leaving too late shows that you lack discipline and might suggest that you’ve had too much to drink (regardless of whether it’s the truth). Monitor the crowd. When it looks like half the people have left, make your way to the exit.
5. Don’t forget to say thanks: You may not enjoy the party, but the company did spend its time and money to make it happen. Make sure that they know you appreciate the gesture.

That’s it! Enjoy the party and celebrate responsibly!

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…a rather tongue-in-cheek look at network relationship-building

In this article, the author lists many of the things that you can do to ruin your network. And believe me, there are plenty of ways to cause harm. My personal favorite is:

Don’t invest too much effort in your relationships. Remember, as soon as you have found the job of your dreams, you are going to drop these contacts like a ton of hot bricks anyway – well, at least until the next time you need them.

What makes this article really stand out to me is that everyone has made at least one of these mistakes when it comes to networking. However, knowing and avoiding mistakes is only half of the game. Realizing that you’ve made a networking mistake and taking corrective action is just as important.

Either way, this is a great post. Check it out here.

The post How To Ruin Your Network appeared first on Gradversity.com.

However, after battling to land my first “real” job after school (about 5 years ago), I realized that the best way to find a job is to start, grow, and use your network. However, at some point, this involves asking those people in your network for anything from information to a job.

While I know that I need to use my network when looking for work, but I’m always worried about having those in my network feel used. This is why when I read 5 Networking Tips So Your Contacts Won’t Feel Used by Alexandra Levit, I knew I needed to share it.

To make her point, she has a blunt “letter” written from the perspective of a “user” (taken from a blog on Fortune):

Hey, Person I Need! Long time no talk! How are you?! Sorry I haven’t written you in 17 years — boy have I been busy — but here’s some contrived anecdote to show I’ve been thinking about you. Thought you’d like to hear these few random things that are going on with me, too. Oh, by the way, I was thinking you could hire me/refer me/help me in some other way I’ve been generous enough to dream up for you. And since I’m sure you’re dying to read my resume, it’s attached. Totally can’t wait to catch up!

Sincerely,

Most Transparent Jobseeker Ever

The entire article has some excellent advice, but there are two main points that you MUST take into consideration:

Facebook doesn’t change anything. In our age of social networking, it can be tempting to use the relaxed attitude of tools like Facebook to take the work out of networking. Even on the Web, people know when they’re being used, and they don’t like it. So apply the same amount of courtesy and concern there as you would everywhere else.

and:

Show a little gratitude. Remember that everyone, from the C-suite all the way down, is under pressure right now. So thank them for their time, and if they make an effort to respond, even if they don’t say much, realize it means something — and say so.

So I need you to do two things.

First, take this advice to heart. It is key to the long-term health of your network.

Second, read the rest of Alexandra’s advice. It might make the difference between a strong network and one that is completely useless.

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