APMA News - January/February 2025 - A3

The APMA Career Center:
More than a Job Board
When APMA relaunched its website in October, it also rolled out a new and improved Career Center
(www.apma.org/careercenter). Much more than simply a place to find jobs and look for associates, the new site
includes a host of articles to help you take the next step in your career. For example, check out this snippet from
" 10 Networking Mistakes That Make You Look Unprofessional, " by Natalie Autenrieth.
I
t seems that every networking event
comes with a few cringe-worthy
moments. From listening to a selfindulgent
sales pitch to being asked out
on a date, sweaty handshakes, and
annoying name-dropping, being on the
receiving end of networking mistakes
isnʼt fun. The consequences are even
worse if you're the offender. An unfortunate
faux pas could spell the end of
professional credibility, destroy goodwill,
and eliminate the willingness to connect-all
key ingredients for successful
networking.
Here are 10 common networking mistakes
that can derail your efforts to
meet like-minded professionals and
boost your career. Some are straightforward,
yet worth pointing out because
they are committed often. Others (such
as " staying in touch " ) may be well-intentioned
but potentially damaging if done
incorrectly.
Being unprepared
Sometimes, a networking event catches
you off-guard. Perhaps you received a
last-minute invitation to join your boss
at a reception, or maybe you forgot about
an event that you had committed to
months ago. When you must get ready
to go on a moment's notice, there is no
time to update that stale LinkedIn profile
or order more business cards.
The best advice for avoiding this mistake
is to make a polished appearance an
organic part of your daily routine. Keep
your LinkedIn profile and résumé up to
date, carry your business cards with you
at all times, and dress professionally daily.
Follow these tips and you will never
View the entire article at https://apma.careerwebsite.com/career-advice/
10-networking-mistakes-that-make-you-look-unprofessional/152 and
spend time exploring all the resources at the new APMA Career Center.
have to regret wasting an opportunity
to make a good first impression.
Using the event to peddle your
résumé
Pushing your résumé on anyone with a
pulse (or using the guerilla-marketing
tactic of leaving your résumé on every
cocktail table in the reception area) can
make you look like you are only there to
advance your own cause. Most people will
discard an out-of-context résumé thatʼs
been forced on them and forget they've
ever met you. Those who do remember
will recall you as pushy and self-promoting.
Do bring your résumé-but keep it to yourself,
unless your new contact asks for it.
Going on a business-cardcollecting
spree
A networking event is not a hunt, and
there is no reward for collecting the most
trophies! Your goal should be to create
meaningful connections, not to capture
that business card and move on to the
next target. Give yourself permission to
slow down, pay attention to the conversation,
and stop " working the room. " Your
results will be better!
APMA House continued from page 1
previous HOD abstracts of proceedings
to craft the final proposal. I appreciate
everyone's guidance with this process.
Anyone interested in helping shape
the profession through policy should
consider submitting their own proposition
or resolution to the APMA HOD. A
helpful piece of advice for those looking
to get started: Contact APMA Director
of Governance Stephanie Simmons
(ssimmons@apma.org) early in the process
as she is an invaluable resource for
anyone navigating the process.
YOUR APMA / PAGE 3

http://www.apma.org/careercenter https://apma.careerwebsite.com/career-advice/10-networking-mistakes-that-make-you-look-unprofessional/152 https://apma.careerwebsite.com/career-advice/10-networking-mistakes-that-make-you-look-unprofessional/152

APMA News - January/February 2025

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