Surviving the Office Party

For those of us who are not extroverts, the holiday office party poses yet another challenging hurdle. However, this annual event need not trip up your career. In fact, with a little bit of preparation, you can use this year’s holiday get-together to your professional advantage.
 
Here’s how:
 
Prepare. In the days leading up to the event, think of a handful of questions that you can ask virtually anyone. (What are your plans for the holidays? Have you ever attended an event at this venue before? What’s your favorite holiday tradition?) Use these questions to initiate conversations with other party attendees. Also, on the day of the event, before you head to the party, eat a substantive snack or a small meal. Avoid arriving with an empty stomach.
 
Arrive. To the extent possible, arrive “on time.” By that, I don’t mean “on the dot.” If the invitation indicates the party starts at 7:00 p.m., aim to arrive between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m. When you do arrive, immediately find your boss and thank him or her for the invitation. Then, head to the bar and obtain a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Holding a beverage at waist-level will make you appear more approachable.
 
Mingle. Find your boss and all your co-workers and wish them a happy holiday. Congratulate others on their achievements of the past year. Above all do not use this event to complain about work projects, fellow workers, or your salary.
 
Enjoy. Feel free to enjoy the food and drink offered a your holiday party. However, do NOT over-imbibe. To be blunt: Becoming drunk at your office party may shorten your career. Also, at any one time, hold either a small plate of food OR a beverage in your left hand. Constantly keep your right hand free to shake others’ hands.
 
Depart. Once you have spoken to your boss and co-workers, you may leave. If you wish to mingle longer, make the most of this opportunity to connect with people in other departments and possible client-guests. Avoid being the last to leave.
 
When you're starting work, the office holiday party may seem intimidating. Interns and new hires should view this year’s office party as an opportunity to demonstrate to your boss and others that you can successfully manage business situations in a social environment. And for heaven's sake use the gathering to build your network.
 
 

Related Things You Need to Know

Networking During a Pandemic

Covid-19 has made networking easier, faster and less expensive.  It’s ever so much easier to network during a time period in which many people are desperate for human connections.  It’s certainly faster when attending an event simply requires clicking a link to a video conference room.  And even a cash-strapped student can afford to pull off a virtual cocktail party since all he or she requires is an internet connection, a few nibbles and beverage for one.  To succeed, you just need to understand the new rules of engagement.

Always Follow Up

After a networking event, transform new contacts into valued members of your network by following up.

Holiday Networking

Use the holiday season to build your professional networks.

Learn More

Order Mary'sbooksto learn the 100 things interns, new hires and summer associates need to know to succeed.

Let Mary Know

Do you have questions or want to see Mary speak at your school/employment? Reach out to Mary for more info.

Contact Mary