I turned 1 coffee chat into a job offer

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💼 Topic: I turned 1 coffee chat into a job offer

• Phase 1: Networking

• Phase 2: From coffee chat to interview

• Phase 3: The job conversion

🔗 Quick links: Elon vs Sam | Facebook layoffs | and more…

ANNOUNCEMENT
Get the cold email guide!

I went from 0 internships to 6 job offers using cold emails.

Here's the guide on exactly how I did it: 🧵

It’s a resource I wish I had 2 years ago when I started networking.

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TOPIC
I turned 1 coffee chat into a job offer

🔵 Here’s the story of when I turned a coffee chat into a job…

Networking can be confusing.

By definition, it’s “having conversations with people in a professional manner.” But how exactly do you benefit from talking to strangers?

This was the question I used to ask myself all the time.

If you’re also asking yourself this question, then here’s some good news. I have the answer to it in the form of a story.

3 months ago, I was able to turn 1 coffee chat into a full-time job offer in tech.

Here’s exactly how I did it.

Phase 1: Networking

June - August, 2024

In the summer of 2024, I had an ambitious goal - to work in product management (PM) within the next year.

If you don’t know what that is, you can read this article.

I say “ambitious” because PM is difficult to break into. Very few companies offer entry-level positions for it. 90% of the time, you need prev. experience.

I didn’t have any, so I stuck to my specialty: networking.

From June to Aug, I cold-messaged people within the PM team at my workplace. Already being in the company helped, so my response rate was 100%.

For those 3 months, I was talking to at least 1 new person on the PM team each week.

By the end of August, something cool happened - there was an open product owner position on the team, and I got referred to it.

A director on the PM team had suggested I reach out to the hiring manager.

This is where that pivotal coffee chat happens.

Phase 2: From coffee chat to interview

September, 2024

In September, I met with the hiring manager for a coffee chat.

For 30 minutes, we dove deep into product management. I asked about team dynamics, ongoing initiatives, and the company's goals.

But not once did I bring up the open position.

Why? Because I genuinely wanted to learn, not pitch myself. And by doing so, I gave off a good first impression.

Now that I created a connection with the manager, it was time for the final step.

Phase 3: The job conversion

September - October, 2024

The next day, I sent a follow-up email and brought up the role like this:

This was his response:

From there, it was smooth sailing.

I did 2 interview rounds, passed both of them, and landed a full-time job in product management.

Key takeaways:

1. In the 1st coffee chat. Don’t ask for favors, you’re only focus is to learn from the other person.

2. If the chat goes well, ask for 2nd or 3rd chat to strengthen the connection.

3. Once you’ve formed a good connection using coffee chats, ask for that referral or interview by sending a follow-up email.

That’s how you turn conversations into job offers.

See you next Tuesday 🤝

-Michael Ly

P.S.
Whenever you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Book a call with me: Schedule a coffee chat or coaching call.

2. Promote your product: Get in front of 4000+ young professionals. We’ve worked with brands like Nike, Morning Brew, Huel, and other big names.

3. Join Insider Epics: My private newsletter for online writers. Learn how I create, promote, and monetize written content.

QUICK LINKS
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