“I’m booking informal interviews, but I’m struggling to turn those conversations into real opportunities.”
Sound familiar?
You’re putting yourself out there, networking, having coffee chats… but those connections aren’t translating into job offers.
Here’s how to shift those informal chats into tangible opportunities:
▪️Start your networking with people you know
Professionals often make the mistake of reaching out to complete strangers first when job searching.
Start with your network, they are more likely to want to help you because they already know you!
▪️Don't have these informational interviews only when you really need a job
Make expanding your network and these conversations part of your routine as professional.
That way people get to know you so when you do need something they will want to help you.
This keeps you top-of-mind and demonstrates proactivity.
▪️ Be clear about your intent:
Don't think you will send someone a message saying you want to learn about their career and the call will end with a job offer...
Did you even tell them you were looking into new opportunities?
It doesn't have to be a hard sell but you do need to make your intentions clear.
▪️ Ask strategic questions:
Go beyond surface-level conversation.
Inquire about the team's challenges, upcoming projects, or the skills they value most.
This not only shows genuine interest but also helps you identify potential alignment with your expertise.
▪️ Follow up with value:
Listen intentionally. Is there a way you can support them?
A connection, a resource? Make it a win-win for all involved.
❓ “What if they don’t have any openings right now?”
Even if there isn't an immediate fit, building a genuine connection can lead to future opportunities or referrals.
Also, ask if they know of anyone else who might be a good connection for you.
❓ “How do I bring up my job search without sounding desperate?”
There's nothing desperate about needing and wanting to work.
You can frame it as you're exploring opportunities to contribute your skills and experience in a new and impactful way.
Your focus should be on mutual benefit and alignment.
At the end of the day, if you are really the person that can solve a problem that their company currently has then it's a win for both parties!
If you’re ready to turn those promising coffee chats into concrete career opportunities, let’s strategize. Book a call with me to develop a job search action plan that lands job not just coffee chats >>>weapply.ca/book-a-consultation/
Lissa Appiah | Career Strategist
“I’m booking informal interviews, but I’m struggling to turn those conversations into real opportunities.”
Sound familiar?
You’re putting yourself out there, networking, having coffee chats… but those connections aren’t translating into job offers.
Here’s how to shift those informal chats into tangible opportunities:
▪️Start your networking with people you know
Professionals often make the mistake of reaching out to complete strangers first when job searching.
Start with your network, they are more likely to want to help you because they already know you!
▪️Don't have these informational interviews only when you really need a job
Make expanding your network and these conversations part of your routine as professional.
That way people get to know you so when you do need something they will want to help you.
This keeps you top-of-mind and demonstrates proactivity.
▪️ Be clear about your intent:
Don't think you will send someone a message saying you want to learn about their career and the call will end with a job offer...
Did you even tell them you were looking into new opportunities?
It doesn't have to be a hard sell but you do need to make your intentions clear.
▪️ Ask strategic questions:
Go beyond surface-level conversation.
Inquire about the team's challenges, upcoming projects, or the skills they value most.
This not only shows genuine interest but also helps you identify potential alignment with your expertise.
▪️ Follow up with value:
Listen intentionally. Is there a way you can support them?
A connection, a resource? Make it a win-win for all involved.
❓ “What if they don’t have any openings right now?”
Even if there isn't an immediate fit, building a genuine connection can lead to future opportunities or referrals.
Also, ask if they know of anyone else who might be a good connection for you.
❓ “How do I bring up my job search without sounding desperate?”
There's nothing desperate about needing and wanting to work.
You can frame it as you're exploring opportunities to contribute your skills and experience in a new and impactful way.
Your focus should be on mutual benefit and alignment.
At the end of the day, if you are really the person that can solve a problem that their company currently has then it's a win for both parties!
If you’re ready to turn those promising coffee chats into concrete career opportunities, let’s strategize. Book a call with me to develop a job search action plan that lands job not just coffee chats >>>weapply.ca/book-a-consultation/
16 hours ago | [YT] | 0