Climb the corporate ladder this Christmas

The Christmas party is the perfect time to make key connections, overcome misconceptions and make a splash in front of important people – play it right and you could be on a one-stop train to the top. Here, Head of Events at Late Night London Georgina Coleman shares her tips on how to use a festive event to advance your career.

• Be strategic Think of the Christmas party as an unofficial job interview with no other candidates. It’s your time to work the room and make connections. Plan your night carefully and think through the opportunities in the room. Who are the top five people that can impact your career? How do they want to be approached? What do you need them to know about you? Make a mental list and then make a beeline.

• Be punctual, time is money This is an occasion when it’s not fashionable to be late because it’s the one night of the year when key influencers in your career are in the same room and they aren’t staying long. Directors, partners and the company’s international guests arrive on time and tend to leave early, so you should plan to execute your strategy within a 90-minute window.

• Dress for who you want to be in 10 years’ time Treat the Christmas party as your personal runway and use your outfit as a chance to shine.

• Don’t talk money Your boss hears every day from employees why they should be paid more. A party is your opportunity to show why you deserve a rise through knowledgeable conversations.

• Unlimited beer and wine can spell trouble Knowing your limit is essential for the company party. A free bar can be your friend or your foe. Make it work for you by ensuring everyone you are talking to has a glass that is half full and demonstrate your hosting skills, but not your drunken dancing.

• Don’t overstay your welcome Knowing when to leave is key. Arriving at the office the next day looking fresh while your colleagues are nursing hangovers with bacon rolls is another step forward for your personal brand.

• Business cards, check Leaving a lasting memory is vital for your follow-up strategy. Make sure you’re armed with business cards and a charged mobile phone. Use your exit as an opportunity to say to key influencers “let’s grab a coffee next week” or “let’s get lunch in the diary”. Be sure to follow up the next day so your contacts know you mean business.

For more information on Late Night London’s event services, visit latenightlondon.co.uk