Is it OK to skip the networking event invited? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Anyone knows if it is a negative to not attend the networking events (happy hour, reception, etc.) invited by the interviewer? One of them particularly said it a "small" group of people invited. Thanks for your inputs.

[tyroneslothrop1]

Conventional wisdom is that attending the networking events shows interest, and firms prefer that you attend. Assuming you are asking in reference to OCI. You may still get an offer without attending, or you may not, can't say. I'd go if I wanted an offer.

[Dr. Nefario]

What's your reason for not going? Imo you probably don't have a good one if you're having to check if it's okay to skip. Just network and meet people. They're giving you free food, drink, and companionship. It's like rush week or dating someone for the first month all over again.

[Anonymous User]

This is just a rumor, but at Penn people said that if you didn't attend the Vinson & Elkins reception they wouldn't give you a CB. However, everyone that interviewed with them got invited to that reception, but other firms only invited people they were interested in.

It seems like firms from out of your school's primary hiring markets (so for Penn that even includes Philly, since most of our class goes to NY, so Philly isn't a main hiring location) would care more about students attending these receptions, to gauge your interest. It's a bigger investment to hire out of market (flight to CB, hotel, meals) vs. in market ($0 sometimes).

[Anonymous User]

Attending tends to be a positive but not attending is not a dis-qualifier or even seen as an affirmative lack of interest. It's just a missed opportunity.

e - accidental anon - 2014

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I can't go because the time is very inconvenient for me. Should I send a response and explain, if the invitation said "RSVP if you plan to attend"?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I can't go because the time is very inconvenient for me. Should I send a response and explain, if the invitation said "RSVP if you plan to attend"?

Welcome to your life in Biglaw. You should RSVP and say "yes I plan to attend." And then attend.

[Anonymous User]

I got a pre-OCI offer at a V10 after skipping their reception. I'm sure it helps, but don't sweat it if you genuinely can't make it.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I can't go because the time is very inconvenient for me. Should I send a response and explain, if the invitation said "RSVP if you plan to attend"?

Welcome to your life in Biglaw. You should RSVP and say "yes I plan to attend." And then attend.

I think the important question to ask yourself is "do I want a job." Then reply accordingly. (If you have a legit unavoidable excuse, let them know, apologize, and express your ongoing interest.)

[LaLiLuLeLo]

"I want a job but don't want to do things that would help me get the job."

smh

[zot1]

Go. Put on a show. Then go home and do whatever to decompress.

[Anonymous User]

OP here again. Thanks all for inputs. The event is held the evening of the first day of loyola patent fair. I wonder whether it is more important to network with someone I've already interviewed with at that point, or to take the time reflecting on what happened and prepare for the second day.

Also, I hesitate because I hardly attended any of these networking events ever (part-time student), and I don't consider myself good at that at all. If anyone has any even very basic advice on such occasions, I'll very much appreciate it.

[Danger Zone]

OP here again. Thanks all for inputs. The event is held the evening of the first day of loyola patent fair. I wonder whether it is more important to network with someone I've already interviewed with at that point, or to take the time reflecting on what happened and prepare for the second day.

Also, I hesitate because I hardly attended any of these networking events ever (part-time student), and I don't consider myself good at that at all. If anyone has any even very basic advice on such occasions, I'll very much appreciate it.

That's not a good excuse. Go to the event.

[SFSpartan]

I wonder whether it is more important to network with someone I've already interviewed with at that point, or to take the time reflecting on what happened and prepare for the second day.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see why you can't do both. Go to the networking thing, then, afterward, take some time to reflect on everything that happened during the day (including at the networking event), and decompress for the next day.

OCI is a numbers game. Accordingly, hustle until you have a job, don't waste opportunities, and use this reception as a learning experience if networking is something you suck at.

[zot1]

Networking is an awful thing for some people, myself included. But until you get a job, this is a necessary evil. Stop trying to get out of it. Go.

[Anonymous User]

OK everyone. You convinced me. Thanks all.

[Anonymous User]

This is just a rumor, but at Penn people said that if you didn't attend the Vinson & Elkins reception they wouldn't give you a CB. However, everyone that interviewed with them got invited to that reception, but other firms only invited people they were interested in.

It seems like firms from out of your school's primary hiring markets (so for Penn that even includes Philly, since most of our class goes to NY, so Philly isn't a main hiring location) would care more about students attending these receptions, to gauge your interest. It's a bigger investment to hire out of market (flight to CB, hotel, meals) vs. in market ($0 sometimes).

Haha I'm interviewing with V&E and I didn't get invited so if I were you I'd definitely go!