Path Finder Tips & Tricks
Check out these insights on how to come prepared for your next Career Pathing conversation.
As a Path Finder, you’ll be responsible for driving the conversation, but what should you do to prepare for that? Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Chic Geek’s Top 9 Networking Tips
During the Meeting
1. Gratitude
Thank the Career Guide for their time and willingness to share their experience. It can be uncomfortable to receive, but remember you deserve it! So show your gratitude 🙏
2. Introduce yourself
Help the Career Guide understand your background and what you’re trying to achieve in your career now. This is an opportunity to share your key career challenges or questions. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and honest, they are here to help.
3. Stay curious and engaged
Show up, be present, participate. Keep an open mind throughout the conversation. Look for areas to ask deeper questions. Active listening is a good technique. Open-ended questions help the conversation flow.
4. Use active listening
Active listening is patient (silence doesn’t always need to be filled), reflecting back what is said, asking for clarification and summarizing ideas.
5. Body language
Showing up in a video call can be different than an in-person meeting. Nonverbal cues to show that you’re listening like smiling, nodding, making eye contact and leaning in during the conversation are cues that you’re engaged.
6. Get personal
Be vulnerable and willing to share openly and authentically. Find new ways to evolve by listening and problem solving together. This is a space where you can be comfortable to feel heard and valued. You are not required to be confident, just ready to evolve and thrive.
7. Research and prep
When you get your introduction, do a LinkedIn and Google search to understand what the Career Guide does and their company. Draft a short list of questions so you can lead the conversation with confidence.
After the meeting
8. Follow Up Respectfully
To make sure this connection doesn’t fizzle out after the zoom room closes, take some time to follow up with your Career Guide. A couple of great ways to do this are with a short thank you email, a connection request on LinkedIn, or by giving them a LinkedIn recommendation on their profile for their mentoring skills!
9. Apply Your Learnings
If you apply one of the topics you discussed with your Career Guide to your career, let them know! People love knowing that their advice has made a real difference in someone’s life, and is a great follow-up discussion point.
Career Pathing is unlike any other mentorship program available for women in the workforce, and that’s because it has been developed with intention for a unique community searching for support. Mentors provide real advice for navigating the tech industry from high profile engineers to designers.
Looking to advance your career in tech? Career Pathing is made for you.