Coffee Chats: The Core of Networking

Ever since I started networking and looking out for PM roles, I always include the possibility of having a coffee chat in the messages I send out to recruiters. Because I figured that most of the time, people may not be recruiting at that moment, or have PM roles available, but they may be willing to have a chat with me. Besides, I am just trying my luck here.

You see, that’s the core of networking. Coffee chats do have lots of perks:
💡It gives you the opportunity to ask important questions and learn from people’s stories, experiences, and hiring expectations.
💡People get to attach a face or a voice to your name, so, it will not be just your resume/profile at the end of the day.
💡You will also learn how to be comfortable having first-time conversations with strangers without having anxieties because they are not interviews right, having that in mind, gives you the confidence you need to have insightful conversations.

One thing I have realized about networking is that sometimes, it doesn’t pay off immediately. You have to be patient and keep up with the good work. The people you reach out to at some point, may not be able to help you, but you don’t know what they can help you achieve in the future.

Don’t just send out messages with your resume, ask for a coffee chat. Some people will ignore you, but you see those few that will accept, make sure you have that chat. Don’t chicken out.🤝