Career transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re pivoting to a new industry, seeking a role with more responsibility, or looking for a fresh start, the process involves significant planning and effort. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal during this transition is your personal and professional network.
I recently made a career transition from the transportation industry into Executive Search. After five years in inside sales, I began passively looking for a new career opportunity. I started with updating my LinkedIn profile and resume, browsing job boards, and seeking suggestions from close friends. Although I had a stable job and wasn’t in urgent need of a new position, the process was overwhelming at times. I initially believed that improving my LinkedIn presence would attract more attention, but it didn’t yield the results I expected. Despite nearly a year of searching and a few interviews, I had not found a role that seemed worthwhile.
I underestimated the importance of face-to-face networking. This became apparent at a charity event when I had a brief interaction with an old family friend who worked in Executive Search. During a casual conversation on the dance floor, I mentioned my interest in a career move. About a month later, I followed up with an email referencing our conversation. We scheduled a quick meeting to review my resume and discuss how to leverage my experience for new roles. His suggestions opened my eyes to career paths I hadn’t previously considered, and I was eager to explore them.
In a subsequent email, he posed an unexpected question: would I consider working for him in recruiting? Although I knew very little about the industry and how my sales experience would translate, I was excited about the prospect of learning from a great leader in a new field.
My career transition isn’t a typical story, but it highlights a critical point: between 70% and 80% of people found their current role through a network connection according to PayScale (https://www.payscale.com/career-advice/many-jobs-found-networking/). When looking for new opportunities face-to-face networking, as my experience shows, can be a game-changer.
