Don't Go to Happy Hour for the Martinis

In today's whirlwind of social networking on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and countless other online communities, going out to meet people in person may seem unnecessary. Trust me, it's not. One of the best ways for nonprofit job seekers to meet people is still the proverbial happy hour. But because meeting up at a bar has often been negatively associated with drinking too much alcohol and making a fool of yourself, many young professionals have avoided this valuable networking opportunity. Newsflash: you're not supposed to go to professional happy hours for the martinis. I don't care what you do with your friends on the weekends. When you attend a networking happy hour, the game totally changes. This is not the time to do shots at the bar or play beer pong. Professional happy hours are your golden opportunity to make a good first impression on other nonprofit professionals and shine while your light's on.

If You Don't Do Alcohol, Order a Shirley Temple

Contrary to popular belief, not all young professionals drink alcohol. But don't let your abstinence from alcohol keep you from rubbing elbows with people who can potentially lead you to the next step in your nonprofit career. If you don't want to order a glass of wine, order a Shirley Temple or a cranberry juice. No one will know the difference. And for all the lightweights out there like me, if you know you can't hold your liquor, just order one drink and sip on that baby the whole night!

Everyone You Meet Could Be a Resource to You

In this economic downturn, many nonprofits may not be hiring right now. But there will likely still be turnover in organizations, so just because an agency isn't hiring today, doesn't mean they won't have a job for you tomorrow or once the economy rebounds. As a young professional, you may think the only people that can help you in your job search will be older, experienced nonprofit leaders with connections. Don't forget that nonprofit workers your age know people, too. Even someone with the same level of experience as you could serve as a mentor. If you meet a particularly interesting and helpful person, be a dear and buy them a round for their time. People love to help others who also exhibit generosity. The networking process should be a give and take - don't hog too much of people's time or hover over them at the bar!

Where to Find a Nonprofit Happy Hour in a New City

• Your state nonprofit association. They usually have frequent events and networking events you can attend. Visit: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org/salocator
  
• Your local chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. Most of their networking events are free and will have people from many different types of nonprofits in attendance. Find one here: http://www.ynpn.org
  
• Events hosted by your city or state chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals: http://www.afpnet.org

Good luck in your job search and happy networking!