How to network when making a career transition

If you’re considering a career pivot or transitioning into a different sector, you likely have questions about how to make fruitful connections in a new space. How exactly do you put yourself out there when you feel like you're starting from scratch? It can help to think of it like you’re somebody new in town, and might not know where to go, so you need to find someone to ask for directions, according to international career coach Simone Anzböck. Whether you’re in a new city or exploring a new work sector, you’ll find that, in general, people are happy to help. “They help you find your way and learn new things, and also … if you see it the other way, they benefit from having you in their community, because you're going to bring a new perspective,” Anzböck said during a recent digital careers event. “So the point isn't really to do networking, in my opinion, it's really to become part of a network.” To help job seekers get started on the path to building an effective network in whichever space they are targeting, here are a few tips Anzböck shared with Devex Career Account members during the event. Ask for introductions Anzböck explained the difference between inbound networking, which involves people who reach out to you for a connection, and outbound networking, which consists of your active efforts to connect. For those exploring opportunities in a new space, outbound networking should be the focus. One of the most effective outbound networking strategies is to ask your existing contacts for introductions to those who are relevant to the work you want to be doing next, she said. Even if you’re unclear on the exact path to your next role, this approach can be helpful. “I always suggest, if you are thinking too much or stuck with something, just talk to some people,” Anzböck said. “Tell people about what you want, because the other thing that happens as you ask, or as you tell people … about what you are planning to do, you find more clarity.” Anzböck encouraged job seekers to move forward with networking efforts, even if they’re feeling that they’re unsure exactly where they’re going with the job search. “It's really just about starting and you [can] clarify [what you want] with the next iteration,” she said. “Asking for introductions can really be helpful to just get going.” Start a project It may seem counterintuitive to spend time writing a LinkedIn post about something you find interesting or starting a blog about a space you’re learning more about when you are looking to expand your network. But doing so helps connect with professionals, Anzböck said, because it provides “a reason to speak to them.” Ask yourself, “how can I [create something] on a topic that might relate me to this person [or] a topic that these people that I want to get to know can talk about,” she said. Writing is one way to do this, and LinkedIn provides everyone with a platform with potential to get relevant eyes on your content, but you can also explore other outlets, such as professional publications, through your existing network, Anzböck suggested. Or, you can simply find an existing and relevant article or white paper that you can share a few thoughts on in a LinkedIn post or as a comment. If writing is not your thing, social media platforms also make it easy to record and share videos. You could even consider tapping into your existing network and finding those willing to participate in a Q&A that can be shared in a social media video or article. “People like to be asked for their insights, and it's a great way to connect with people,” Anzböck said. Do what aligns with your goals “If you expand your network with things you enjoy, you're more likely … to talk to people,” Anzböck said, who used sector events as an example of this kind of opportunity. While it’s generally accepted that attending events is a great way to make new connections, “it doesn't help if you go to an event and then stand at the end and just look at your phone and not speak to the person next to you,” she said. “So find events [and] activities … that might be in the area you want to move into and engage in activities.” In other words, it’s not worth forcing yourself to attend an event just to check off a box on your networking to-do list. Spend the proper time finding events that excite you when you see what is on the agenda. Whether virtual or in person, these kinds of event opportunities are often shared on LinkedIn, and Anzböck suggested using event platforms like Eventbrite to search for upcoming events in your area. Similarly, volunteering in a space that interests you is another effective way to meet relevant contacts while also strengthening your CV, she suggested. Ready to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by the recruiters who matter most? Update your Devex profile and start connecting with top global development recruiters now.