The Coffee Chat That Changed Everything

At the time, I was feeling stuck in my career. I had built a strong foundation in talent acquisition, but I knew I was ready for something more—something that aligned with my strengths in strategy, talent management, and leadership. The problem? I wasn’t sure what that next step looked like.

Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear, I decided to be proactive. I reached out to someone in my extended professional network—a leader I respected but had never worked with directly. My ask was simple: Would you be open to a quick coffee chat? I’d love to hear about your work and share a bit about my career path.

To my surprise, they agreed immediately. What I expected to be a casual conversation turned into a pivotal career discussion. They shared insights about their team’s challenges and, as we spoke, I realized my skills aligned perfectly with the gaps they were trying to fill. By the end of our chat, they encouraged me to explore an opportunity within their organization—one that ultimately led to my dream role.

5 Key Takeaways from My Networking Success

1. Be Intentional, But Curious

Networking isn’t about asking for a job—it’s about building genuine connections. I didn’t go into my coffee chat expecting an opportunity. Instead, I approached it with curiosity, seeking to learn about the person’s career and challenges. This made the conversation more engaging and led to an organic discussion about how my skills could be valuable.

Actionable Tip: When reaching out for a coffee chat, don’t lead with “I’m looking for a job.” Instead, express interest in the person’s career journey and ask thoughtful questions. The right opportunities will naturally emerge.

2. Do Your Homework

Before your coffee chat, research the person you’re meeting. Know their background, recent projects, or industry trends that might be relevant. This helps you ask thoughtful questions and shows you respect their time.

Actionable Tip: Spend 15-20 minutes reviewing their LinkedIn profile, recent work, or company news before your conversation. This small effort makes a big difference.

3. Share Your Own Insights

Networking is a two-way street. Come prepared to add value—whether it’s sharing a relevant article, a unique perspective, or an introduction to someone in your own network. People remember those who contribute, not just those who seek help.

Actionable Tip: If you read an insightful industry report or hear about a relevant trend, mention it during your chat. It shows you’re engaged and willing to give as much as you take.

4. Know Your Value and Communicate It Clearly

During our chat, I shared examples of my work, highlighting how I had driven results in previous roles. Because I had clarity on my strengths, I was able to position myself as someone who could solve their challenges.

Actionable Tip: Before your next networking meeting, prepare 2-3 key achievements that showcase your expertise. Being able to articulate your impact confidently will make your conversations more memorable.

5. Follow Up and Stay Top of Mind

After our conversation, I didn’t just wait for things to happen—I followed up. I sent a thank-you email, reinforcing my excitement about our discussion. A few weeks later, when an opportunity opened up, they thought of me first.

Actionable Tip: Always follow up with a genuine thank-you note. If there’s no immediate opportunity, stay in touch by sharing relevant articles, insights, or a simple check-in to keep the connection warm.

Final Thoughts

Networking doesn’t have to feel forced or intimidating. When done with curiosity, confidence, and follow-through, a simple coffee chat can open doors to unexpected opportunities. My story is proof that the right conversation, at the right time, can completely reshape your career trajectory.

So, who’s on your networking list? Take the first step—send that message, schedule that chat, and see where it leads. You never know, your next coffee chat might just be the key to your dream job.

Have a networking success story of your own? Share it in the comments or join the Bonjour Career community for more career insights and support!