Moving: 6 tips for building a new professional network

The opportunity presented itself, the decision is made: that’s it, you are going to move to another city! The reasons for such a change are multiple: to follow his / her spouse, a desire for elsewhere triggered by the health crisis and confinements, or a desire to join relatives … And who says new city, says new job ! Whether you are very shy or not, whether you land in unknown land or, conversely, in known terrain, (re) building a solid professional network is an important step in getting a job and developing your career.

Contrary to popular belief, recreating a network professional is not as difficult as you think. But some steps are, despite everything, essential to become the king or queen of the visiting card. Follow the guide.

1. Are you moving? Let it be known!

For the coach and HR Director Zeïna Peerboccus, “People like to keep abreast of the professional development of their loved ones, whether in a chat or directly on the web. “ So don’t hesitate to talk about your new life around you, whether with your friends, your family or your future alumni. colleagues. What better than word of mouth to find out about golden opportunities ? Thanks to these informal exchanges, you may be able to make direct contact with people who are familiar with your future place of life and / or your professional sector and, thus, obtain valuable information: what are the most important companies in the city that you covet, do they know people who live there and with whom they could put you in contact?

Another communication channel to use without moderation: Internet. LinkedIn will be a strong ally, of course, but also Twitter and Facebook that will allow you to spread your message, find contacts, ask for advice and recommendations. If you do decide to hook up with someone you know little or not at all for some wise advice about a position or business, be sure to prepare your entry point. For Zeïna Peerboccus, you have to take the time to learn about the contact in question, his background, his know-how and correctly present his request for contact with solid arguments, otherwise it will have a good chance of remaining a letter. dead. If you make a good impression, they will be more likely to recommend you if opportunities are presented. It is a virtuous circle.

Applications of networking, geolocated or not, such as Shapr, MySphere or Remembr, can also complete this online arsenal and are very useful to help you in your procedures and save time.

2. Integrate new communities according to your interests and hobbies

Before or after your move, do not hesitate to ask for the different existing collaborative networks, depending on your profession, your interests or your geographic origin. You are a professional communication, a entrepreneur or a Breton in need of contacts for example? There will necessarily be a network to welcome you with open arms on forums or on the occasion of webinars or more relaxed discussions to inform you, perhaps open you to new horizons and above all, help you in your research. At the end of these events and these talks There are often times dedicated to discussion and questions. Be proactive and do not hesitate to ask for more direct contact with the interlocutors who might interest you.

3. Contact professionals in your sector

For Zeïna Peerboccus, in addition to the employees already in place, we should not hesitate, also, to get closer to former employees of your future business, or people on the routes and hobbies similar to yours, to solicit them and have “sharing of experiences” during a cafe (virtual, during confinement) for example. Thanks to your (former) colleagues, those of your relatives, LinkedIn or more simply Google, you will find these precious contacts quite easily. They can, for example, give you information on companies that are recruiting, give you advice on entering this new job market, or even help you find your way. It does not eat bread so … go for it!

4. Learn about booming companies and sectors

At the same time, it is imperative to find out, via Google, LinkedIn or Twitter for example, on companies and sectors recruiting in your future city. Why is this essential? Demonstrating your knowledge of the company you are arriving at and the industry in which you will operate will earn you many points with the people you want to contact. This will allow you to be more comfortable in discussions and show that you are already well integrated into your new environment.

Surf the web, whether to find blogs close to your professional interests that share their experiences, discussion groups to learn a new language or blogs related to your professional environment, can also provide ideas. Exchanges can be created, links can be forged and one thing leading to another, your network will grow visibly.

Another scenario: you follow your spouse abroad. The expatriation is a real professional upheaval that prepares itself many months in advance. For this, there are solutions offered internally by companies, via Human ressources for example, or start-up such as Expatbyyou, Expatvalue or FemmeExpat who advise and support expatriate employees and their families throughout the process.

5. Don’t miss out on Alumni Networks

Networks Alumni, made up of alumni and young graduates of major higher education establishments (private or not), will be real allies in your career. Most often present on platforms like LinkedIn, these networks are no longer content to integrate you into a portfolio of alumni. Now they offer services to support their “elders” on the job market, depending on needs (entrepreneurship, re-conversion, internship, etc.), without forgetting of course the exchange and sharing of knowledge between members of the network.
This mine of gold contacts must, however, be maintained. By investing in the Alumni network of your school, your university or that of France Alumni which brings together former international students in France, you will have access to professionals with a common experience with yours. Before applying to this network, ask yourself the right questions: what do I need? Who should I target first? If you go fishing for advice and recommendations without a clear idea, you may be disappointed.

Sharing experiences is the strength of this type of network and coupled with meetups dedicated, your address book will be enriched.

6. Communicate about yourself, a golden rule

Even if the traditional word of mouth works very well, Zeïna Peerboccus is categorical: you have to know how to use violence if necessary and communicate about yourself and your expertise. For example, you can go beyond the simple profile LinkedIn by creating a blog on your professional expertise or your hobbies, and accompany it with a portfolio online, many sites are available to you depending on your skills, to highlight your best achievements. Much more than simple tools intended to show you off, these will help you break the ice, if necessary, during your next discussions with professionals in your sector. In summary, it is absolutely necessary heal your personal branding.

A little additional advice for the specific case of freelances, more used to selling to find contacts and missions: you have to dare to go even further! So do not hesitate to apply for offers from PC and fixed-term contracts that may not necessarily suit you at first. Why ? Thanks to your books and other meticulously put together portfolios, you will at least catch the eye of recruiters which will include you in their contact book and at best, the offers of FTC or PC positions may ultimately evolve and lead to freelance jobs.