The power of networking in career transitions
In my experience as both an HR professional and a career coach, I have observed how networking can significantly impact a job search, particularly during career transitions. My career has been influenced by my ability to build relationships, connect individuals, and genuinely care about others without anticipating immediate returns. I frequently see clients dedicate extensive efforts to their job applications and pursuing advertised positions, while neglecting to nurture or utilize their networks. Networking is not simply a tool for securing employment, it is about cultivating meaningful, lasting relationships that can lead to opportunities in unforeseen ways.
Why networking is crucial in a job search and career transition
As mentionned above, many job seekers and career changers just rely on applying to job postings, hoping that their resume will stand out among hundreds of applications. Unfortunately, this method is often ineffective. Studies show that over 70% of jobs are filled through networking, and many never even get posted online, highlighting the importance of personal connections in accessing these hidden opportunities.
When transitioning to a new field or role, networking is not just important, it is strategic. Navigating such changes requires more than just applying for jobs. It calls for assembling a personal "board of directors", a group of trusted mentors, former colleagues, and industry insiders who can provide guidance, share insights, and help you refine your approach. Rather than relying exclusively on recommendations (this time is over), this network serves as a sounding board for ideas, a source of industry knowledge, and a way to explore potential opportunities in a more informed manner. By engaging in meaningful conversations and leveraging these relationships, you can gain clarity, identify skill gaps, and strategically position yourself for new roles.
The role of networking in my career transitions
Throughout my career transitions, my network has been increasingly my most valuable asset. When I moved from HR to career coaching, I didn’t apply for jobs. I built my own independent practice from the ground up. Instead of relying on job boards, I engaged with former colleagues, industry connections, mentors from previous jobs, and trusted contacts from my coaching training. In addition to networking, obtaining my coaching certification was crucial in establishing my credibility. These relationships and credentials were instrumental in helping me understand the field, refine my business model, and attract clients who aligned with my expertise and values. This experience reinforced my belief that in any career transition, credibility is key, once you establish it, your network can help you unlock opportunities and achieve your goals.
How to build and maintain a strong network
Networking is not a one-time event, it is an ongoing process. Here are some tips to help you cultivate and strengthen your network, even if it doesn’t come naturally to you:
Adopt a “giving” mindset
Instead of approaching people with the mindset of “What can they do for me?”, ask yourself, “How can I help them?” By adopting a giving attitude, you focus on what you can control: your behavior and willingness to contribute. This aligns with the concept of circles of influence: you influence others by being a positive force, without worrying about what you can’t control, like how others may respond. Whether it’s connecting people who might benefit from knowing each other, sharing job opportunities or offering insights from your own experiences, being a giver allows you to expand your influence organically. In the long run, the quality of your relationships will speak louder than any transactional interaction.
Reconnect with old contacts
You don’t need to start from scratch. Former colleagues, classmates, and mentors from past jobs or training programs can be valuable connections. What matters most isn’t how recently you’ve been in touch, but the quality of the relationship. As someone in mid-career who has transitioned industries and moved across countries, I’ve lost touch with people over the years. Yet, there is something deeply fulfilling about reconnecting with someone from the past, much like meeting an old friend and picking up right where you left off. I have many examples in mind, and great things happened to me simply because I took my phone without thinking about how much time had passed.
Use LinkedIn effectively
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for reconnecting with people from your past. It’s also an excellent platform to communicate with your community, both your connections and followers, by sharing valuable insights and engaging with others’ content. Actively participating in conversations not only keeps you visible but also reinforces your expertise in your field, your passion and curiosity for a specific topic. Last but not least, LinkedIn is an essential resource for job seekers, as today, many recruiters aren’t even posting jobs anymore. They are searching for candidates using LinkedIn as one giant candidate database. This makes it even more critical to maintain an updated and engaging presence on the platform. However, it is crucial to find the right balance in how much time you spend on the platform. Otherwise, LinkedIn can easily become just another social media distraction. Remember, the goal is to cultivate genuine connections, not just spend time online.
Make it a habit, follow up and stay in touch
Build a habit of nurturing meaningful connections by engaging with people who have impacted you, inspired you, or left a positive mark on your journey. It’s not about the frequency of contact but the authenticity of the relationship. Whether it’s reaching out to someone who influenced you in the past or continuing a conversation with someone you’ve recently connected with, focus on the quality of your interactions. A single conversation won’t build a strong relationship. Keep in touch with your network by checking in periodically, sharing relevant articles, or simply sending a message to say hello, to congratulate, to send good vibes.
Final Thoughts
I don’t consider myself a traditional networker, but I genuinely care about people and am curious about their stories. I don’t always come with an agenda, and I love leaving a conversation feeling energized or inspired by new ideas. This mindset has made me better at networking and enjoy it. If you’re contemplating a career change or looking to expand your horizons, consider reaching out to someone who’s left a positive mark on you.
Authentic connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. Networking isn’t just a job search strategy, it is a long-term investment in your career. By fostering genuine relationships, staying engaged, and embracing a mindset of giving, you’ll create a network that supports you through every career transition and opportunity.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
