Tips for Networking During Job Transitions

Starting a new job is a mix of excitement and nerves. We all know the importance of making a solid first impression, but there's another thing I put high on the priority list when joining a new company... networking. Now, I'm not talking about just shaking hands and remembering names. What I mean is genuinely connecting with people in a way that's going to make my job more enjoyable and effective. 1. Be Approachable and Open: Smile, make eye contact, and be accessible. People are more likely to approach you if you seem friendly.    2. Utilize Onboarding Events: These are great opportunities to meet people. Don’t just stick to your department... branch out to understand the broader business.    3. Schedule Introductory Meetings: Don’t wait for others. Take the initiative to schedule short introductory meetings with teammates and stakeholders. 4. Active Listening: When talking to someone, listen more than you speak. This not only makes a good impression but also helps you gather valuable insights about the team and company culture. 5. Offer Value: Whether it's sharing an article or volunteering for a project, offering something of value creates a two-way street in your professional relationships. 6. Seek Mentorship: Having a mentor in the first month can really accelerate your understanding of the company’s internal landscape. 7. Follow-Up: Always send a quick thank-you note or a message to acknowledge others time and insights. It not only shows your appreciation but also opens the door for future interactions. 8. Use Internal Communication Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Teams have various channels. Participate in conversations and showcase your expertise without overpowering others. 9. Be Consistent: Networking isn’t a one-off activity... it’s about being consistently present and engaged. Don't vanish after the first meeting or interaction. Keep the conversation going. Networking isn't just about what you can gain... it's a mutual relationship. Offer help where you can and don't be afraid to ask for advice... It's a two-way street. After all, as the saying goes, "Your network is your net worth." #Networking #Careers #Jobs

More than 70% of jobs are never posted. They’re filled through conversations, referrals, and relationships. When I first started job hunting in the U.S., I did what most people do: submit resumes through job boards and wait. But over time, I realized that the most powerful tool is not the application—but the connection. So I wrote this article to help others who are navigating similar paths: 🔗 “Job Searching Is More Than Just Submitting Resumes: How Proactive Networking Unlocks Hidden Career Opportunities” Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How to map and activate your existing network ✅ A 30-second elevator pitch structure that actually works ✅ How to lead better coffee chats using the A.I.R. model ✅ Networking tips for introverts (yes, it’s possible) ✅ Follow-up messages that lead to real opportunities ✅ My weekly networking action plan template This guide is especially helpful if you are: 🔹 Job hunting in biotech, life sciences, or tech 🔹 Switching careers or transitioning from academia 🔹 Building your network as an introvert or international professional 📬 I’ve also included free templates for your networking profile and thank-you notes. Feel free to leave a comment or DM me—happy to share! 👇 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e8_qnq9V #Networking #JobSearch #CareerDevelopment #BiotechCareers #InformationalInterview #CareerTips #BiomedicalScientist #CoffeeChat #LinkedInTips

Networking can help you make ANY career transition ↔️ I've made a handful of small/minor career pivots myself, and I have friends & family who have made even BIGGER career pivots. There is one common element that helped each career pivot/transition story, and that is NETWORKING ✨. This Forbes article by career expert Caroline Castrillon captures this element perfectly and discusses how strategic networking efforts can help you make a career change or pivot! Remember, networking should be a consistent effort, almost like a habit. Don't just start when you need a job or when you have some obvious agenda. When you try to network with an alternative or hidden agenda, it comes across as inauthentic and disingenuous. With that said, here are the high-level of Caroline's five tips for networking for a career transition and my take on them + real stories of how they actually work 💁🏻♀️ ~ 1️⃣ Give contacts a chance to help. Reach out to people you already know and let them know that you're transitioning, or even make a post about it on LinkedIn! Let the world and the universe know your status and what you're up to! You'd be amazed at the people that come out of the woodwork and want to help you. When I started putting it out into the world that I wanted to do more speaking engagements, opportunities started coming my way! Just try it and see what happens! 2️⃣ Get valuable career advice. When my Dad realized that law school was something of interest, after a full engineering career (30+ years, 2x PE & MBA), he talked to lawyers he knew, including one of his former colleagues at his previous job. A good question to ask, specifically if you're making a career change, is, "If you were just starting out, what actions would you take to kickstart your career?" 3️⃣ Meet other career changers. Talk to other people who have transitioned into your target career, and if you can, find someone with a similar path/trajectory i.e SWE ➡️ PM. This way, you can learn about proven, tested strategies that have actually worked for people. 4️⃣ Practice your transition statement. I like to think of this as an edited, curated version of your "elevator speech," and remember to frame it as a story. Storytelling is crucial in interviews, and when you're making a career change, it's important to tell that story in a compelling way. 5️⃣ Build confidence. I think Caroline captured it perfectly when she said, "...confidence is not an innate, fixed characteristic. It’s a skill that can be developed." When my mom was transitioning from civil engineering to real estate sales, she built her confidence by working under another broker and building her resume. I built my confidence through a product fellowship and 2 product management internships! TL;DR Build confidence through experience and projects! https://lnkd.in/gA8ihBtu