Each year, Lime Connect hosts in-person and virtual Networking Receptions, offering a unique opportunity to connect directly with top corporate partners across the United States and Canada like Johnson & Johnson, NFL, PwC, and many more. This isn’t just a career fair; it’s a chance to build genuine connections that can shape your career.

Preparing for Lime Connect Networking Events

The idea of a networking event can feel like a high-stakes guessing game—what do I say? How do I stand out? How do I make the most of those precious few minutes?

Luckily, the Lime Connect team is here to help. In a recent webinar, Rene Forsythe, the Director of Professional Development for Lime Connect, shared valuable advice on how to prepare, make authentic connections, and turn those jitters into confidence.

We highly recommend watching the full recording, but here are the highlights if you’re short on time.

Before the Event

Read Your Invitation and Set Up Your Profile

Take the time to read the invitation thoroughly. It contains crucial details about the event, like location details, login instructions, and the chat duration (e.g., 8-10 minutes). All Lime Connect virtual Networking Receptions are hosted on the Radancy platform.  Use the link from your invitation to log in to the platform, complete your profile, and upload your resume. This allows company representatives to see your qualifications and prepares you for a quick chat. We also recommend testing your computer’s audio and video settings beforehand to avoid any last-minute technical glitches.

Practice Your Pitch

It may feel formal, but practicing a brief, professional introduction (or elevator pitch) will help you feel more confident. A great story is a concise, cohesive summary of your background, experience, and what you’re looking for. It should be less than 60 seconds long and serve as a conversation starter.

 ✅Pro tip: Fill out Lime Connect’s Networking Reception Practice Worksheet help you practice a confident, concise, and conversational pitch

Research the Companies

While you don’t need to be an expert, you should arrive with some basic knowledge. Use the company’s website, annual reports, or recent news articles to learn about their products, services, and culture. This helps you ask more specific, informed questions and shows your genuine interest. Avoid asking questions you could easily find the answers to online, like “What does your company do?”

“Networking is just a conversation. It’s just talking. You do want to have a plan and a purpose for that conversation, but take some of the pressure off.”

During the Event (Virtual)

Enter the Virtual Lobby

Once you enter the virtual lobby, you’ll see different “booths” for each participating company. There will also be a help desk from Lime Connect if you need assistance.

Get in Line for Chats

To make the most of your time, get in the queue for every company you’re interested in at the beginning of the reception. You can do this by entering each booth and clicking the “chat” button or by using the “search booths” feature on the left sidebar to toggle all of them on at once.

Don’t get discouraged if you see a long line! People move through the booths quickly, and you can use the waiting time to review your pitch.

Chat with Corporate Partners

Chats typically begin as a text-based conversation, but you may be invited to switch to a video call. Be ready for this by ensuring you have a tidy, professional background and good lighting. Remember, this is a networking event, not a job interview! It’s a low-pressure opportunity to learn about companies and build connections.

“This is really just about making that initial connection so that you can start building your network.”

After the Event (Virtual & In-Person)

Send a Personalized Thank-You Note

If you had a particularly good conversation with someone, send a thank-you note. Connect with them on LinkedIn and, in your connection request, remind them where you met and mention something specific you discussed.

Keep in Contact

Keep your contacts updated on your career journey. If you land a job, let them know and thank them for their time. You can also offer support to others by congratulating them on promotions or sharing job postings that may be a good fit for their network. By paying it forward, you strengthen your connections and build a supportive community.

“Networking is a two way street. It’s about building your network and giving back to the people as well as hopefully getting something from that relationship.”

Get Ready to Connect!

Interested in applying to attend a Recruitment Reception? Visit the Events page to see our calendar of upcoming receptions!

Looking for more help?

Log in to the Community Platform today to check out our Networking Prep Resources, including our Networking Reception Practice Worksheet, and book a brief session with our Career Coach, Daisy, to practice your pitch and get answers to your most pressing questions.