Your Guide to Successful Networking Pt. 3

Networking Within Your Current Job

Oftentimes, we love the company we work for but not our own particular role. Most companies offer great internal mobility where you can find the job that really interests you. Utilize some of these tips if you think you are interested in moving departments internally or if you are generally interested in pivoting your career path!

First, look through your company’s internal database or organizational structure to find people in roles/departments that you’re interested in. You can also utilize LinkedIn for this (search: Company Name, Job Title).
Once you find a handful of people you’re interested in speaking with, send them (individually) a quick email or instant message (Slack, Teams, whatever your company uses, if they have) to set up a time to discuss their role. Use this time to ask them questions about their current role, their day-to-day responsibilities, and any skills necessary for success.
If you’re looking to just get to know people on your team, set up ‘coffee chats’ where you can meet (in person in the office or virtually) to have an informal chat and get to know each other. You can discuss personal life and hobbies or center the conversation around career and the company. Having your name and face known on your team and around the company will help significantly for team morale, building meaningful connections, and especially during round table discussions.

Common Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview

Can you tell me about your career journey/academic background?
What team/department are you in at [Company Name]?
What do you do in your current role/what are your day-to-day responsibilities?
Could you give me an example of a project you worked on recently?
What programs/tools do you use in your role?
How big is your team?
What is your favorite thing about your role/company and one thing you would change?
What was the interview process like for your position?
What’s your team culture like?
Do you work cross-functionally with other departments?
Top skills you use in your role?

How to Master Video Informational Interviews

If I have a virtual coffee chat with someone, I like to split my screen so one window shows my Zoom meeting and the other has a document with the list of questions I want to ask. This way, if my mind blanks, I have a list of questions to reference to keep the conversation going.

You can also use the document on the side to take notes on what they’re saying and any advice they’re giving.

Here are some more tips to master your informational interview:

Research and Prepare

Know Your Contact: Research their LinkedIn profile and recent work. This helps you ask informed questions and show genuine interest.
Customize Questions: Tailor your questions to their role and experience, focusing on their career path, challenges, and insights.

Test Your Tech

Check Your Equipment: Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly.
Find a Quiet Space: Minimize background noise and distractions to maintain focus.

Be Professional and Engaged

Dress Appropriately: Treat the chat like a formal meeting to leave a good impression.
Maintain Eye Contact: Look at the camera occasionally to simulate eye contact, but also reference your notes naturally.

Active Listening and Follow-Up Questions

Listen carefully to their responses and ask follow-up questions based on what they share. This shows you’re genuinely engaged and interested.

Use Non-Verbal Cues

Nod and smile to show you’re attentive and appreciative of their time and insights.

Respect Time

Be mindful of the time and wrap up promptly, even if the conversation is going well. Thank them sincerely for their time and advice.

Send a Follow-Up Message

After the call, send a thank-you message mentioning specific advice or insights you found valuable. This keeps the relationship positive and professional.