Anxious but want to go

[Smallpurpleflowers]

Not sure if this is in the correct place but here goes.

I have been invited to a social gathering of a company that I want to work for. I only know a few people, but not very well, very much on a small talk basis and they are quite closed off. Pretty sure that everyone else that will be there knows everyone.

I really want to go and I am usually very sociable and chatty but the thought of this, where I won't have someone to immediately chat to... well it makes me feel like I am 5 years old again and anxious.

Any advice or tips for what I can do to make this less of a daunting experience would be very much appreciated!

Have you been invited as part of a recruitment process or is it just a social thing that will help you to network?

As a social thing, which will definitely help me network... if I can get over the anxiety of it all. It's because I did some work for them.

You don’t have to stay all night. Small talk is fine shared amongst a few different people. Make a comment about enjoying your experience on the product with them.

Pick a particular person and go up to them and perhaps say “I’m pleased to have a chance to chat to you. I wanted to say how much I enjoyed working with you / thank you for showing me a new way of doing something”. Something a bit personal.

Have a bite to eat if it’s on offer then make your excuses and go.

In that case I'd go. Tell them you need to leave early but you're keen to see them and will pop in. That way you've got an early escape if you need it.

Thank you. I think this would definitely be a good opener and then hopefully the conversation will go from there. Putting a time limit on the evening wasn't something that I had thought about really but this helps!

An early escape does seem like the best way, thank you. I think it's just the nerves of walking in and potentially not knowing anyone who is already there etc.

Once you’re there, don’t drink any alcohol.

I don't drink so I'm fine on this front! Totally agree though.