Trend: Professional Speed Dating
3 April 2015
Read by 2985 persons
Sixty candidates, fifteen employers, five minutes to impress: professional speed dating is gaining popularity in Quebec. Entrepreneurs, designers, librarians—everyone is jumping into the whirlwind of high-speed professional networking.
Inspired by dating, professional speed dating appeared in Quebec 10 years ago but has seen a significant increase in popularity over the last five years. Even if a job offer isn't always the result, everyone praises the positive aspects of this rapid networking activity. "We always need new contacts and ideas," says Michel Geoffroy, president of *Le Planificateur* magazine, which organizes these events for event planners. "Speed dating is the fastest way to see if someone can meet our needs."
Even though the time with each participant is short, it allows for numerous meetings between employers and potential candidates. "I think it's a good compromise to limit the time, otherwise we'd meet fewer people. We can still discuss things more in-depth after the rounds," notes Marc-Antoine Plante, a master's student at the National School of Public Administration and a big fan of networking.
His participation in last year's professional speed dating event organized by Connexion internationale in Montreal gave him a boost in landing a significant internship. "The person didn't hire me just because we met there, but it certainly helped me get an interview," he says. "Ultimately, I was chosen for my skills, but if I hadn't gone to the event, I would never have met that person."
While business and human resources sectors are experienced in networking, less traditional fields are also getting involved. "In construction, people are very busy, they don't have time to participate in networking events, but the trend is on the rise. Construction entrepreneurs have every interest in meeting other professionals for their projects," comments Éric Lafontaine, president of Alliance E.L., a firm specializing in creative marketing. He works to bring together people from all walks of life to create interesting combinations.
The Association of Public Libraries of Quebec has held its own professional speed dating event for 9 years to demonstrate its dynamism. At the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC), the advent of portfolio speed dating has revitalized the industry and optimized the chances of photographers landing contracts with art directors, who CAPIC pays for their presence at the event.
The art of seduction in 5 minutes
How to make a good impression at a professional speed dating event? "Learn to clarify your points in a very short time," advises Éric Lafontaine. "You have to impress the other person. Avoid distractions and irrelevant topics, and keep your mind focused on the subject."
Following up with participants you connect with allows you to leave a more lasting impression, as does a follow-up email. "It's hard to ignore an email from someone you've already met," says Michel Geoffroy. "Once you've spoken in person, it's easier to communicate."
Attending events frequently dramatically increases your chances of landing a job. "You shouldn't go to only one event," says Éric Lafontaine. "It takes five to seven meetings to develop a business relationship. By returning, you become more skilled and comfortable with the format, thus becoming professional "networkers!"
Learn more
Audrey Neveu.
Workopolis.com
Published April 1, 2015.
Posted online April 3, 2015.
Inspired by dating, professional speed dating appeared in Quebec 10 years ago but has seen a significant increase in popularity over the last five years. Even if a job offer isn't always the result, everyone praises the positive aspects of this rapid networking activity. "We always need new contacts and ideas," says Michel Geoffroy, president of *Le Planificateur* magazine, which organizes these events for event planners. "Speed dating is the fastest way to see if someone can meet our needs."
Even though the time with each participant is short, it allows for numerous meetings between employers and potential candidates. "I think it's a good compromise to limit the time, otherwise we'd meet fewer people. We can still discuss things more in-depth after the rounds," notes Marc-Antoine Plante, a master's student at the National School of Public Administration and a big fan of networking.
His participation in last year's professional speed dating event organized by Connexion internationale in Montreal gave him a boost in landing a significant internship. "The person didn't hire me just because we met there, but it certainly helped me get an interview," he says. "Ultimately, I was chosen for my skills, but if I hadn't gone to the event, I would never have met that person."
While business and human resources sectors are experienced in networking, less traditional fields are also getting involved. "In construction, people are very busy, they don't have time to participate in networking events, but the trend is on the rise. Construction entrepreneurs have every interest in meeting other professionals for their projects," comments Éric Lafontaine, president of Alliance E.L., a firm specializing in creative marketing. He works to bring together people from all walks of life to create interesting combinations.
The Association of Public Libraries of Quebec has held its own professional speed dating event for 9 years to demonstrate its dynamism. At the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC), the advent of portfolio speed dating has revitalized the industry and optimized the chances of photographers landing contracts with art directors, who CAPIC pays for their presence at the event.
The art of seduction in 5 minutes
How to make a good impression at a professional speed dating event? "Learn to clarify your points in a very short time," advises Éric Lafontaine. "You have to impress the other person. Avoid distractions and irrelevant topics, and keep your mind focused on the subject."
Following up with participants you connect with allows you to leave a more lasting impression, as does a follow-up email. "It's hard to ignore an email from someone you've already met," says Michel Geoffroy. "Once you've spoken in person, it's easier to communicate."
Attending events frequently dramatically increases your chances of landing a job. "You shouldn't go to only one event," says Éric Lafontaine. "It takes five to seven meetings to develop a business relationship. By returning, you become more skilled and comfortable with the format, thus becoming professional "networkers!"
Learn more
Audrey Neveu.
Workopolis.com
Published April 1, 2015.
Posted online April 3, 2015.
