Not going to the office party?

You really should. Holiday excuse or not, getting together after hours with your co-workers and boss can really help propel your career upward.

How do you turn an event with co-workers into a great career opportunity? Our Twitter #careerchat found out!

Job seeker? Just want to get ahead in your career?

Join our Twitter #careerchat Tuesdays @ 12 PM CT to talk about everything from friending your boss on Facebook to personal branding to how to get a call back from recruiter.

Follow me @bbenishek or Amanda at @bizMebizgal to see what the next topic is!

Here are takeaways from the chat:

• An office party is a great opportunity to get to know coworkers in a more relaxed setting. The personal connection helps your professional relationships.
• Holiday parties can be a great opportunity to celebrate company milestones, boost morale and do a little team-building before the new year starts.
• Even if you know everyone, use this time to brush up on your networking and small talk skills.
• Have 2 or 3 key influencers you want to connect with, but keep it casual: Get on their radar, don’t jam it.
• Ask colleagues with kids what the “hot gift” is this year. You learn more about them, plus start a conversation that isn’t about you.
• Having an office wingman helps ease the tension. Just make sure your conversations are workplace appropriate.
• Don’t hang out in the corner with the people you already know. Be confident, smile when introducing yourself, and show you are happy to be there!
• Have a vision & expectation of the experience you want to have before you go. Then create it!

Resources:

• Champagne, the Holiday Party and Your Career
• The Office Holiday Party
• Why You Should Attend Your Office Holiday Party–Even If You Don’t Want To
• Make Your Work Holiday Party Work For You
• What Not to Say At the Office Holiday Party

Pic from here.