Description
Starting a new job is both exciting and nerve-wracking, but there’s one strategy that can ease your transition and set you up for success, the all important networking and focusing on it before you even walk through the door. By building connections with your future colleagues and getting a sense of the company culture ahead of time, you can hit the ground running on day one.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key ways to network before starting your new job, why it’s important, and how you can leverage these relationships to accelerate your career growth.
1. Research the Team on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for researching your future colleagues. Start by following your company’s LinkedIn page and reviewing the profiles of your direct team members, managers, and other key people within the organization. Look for shared connections, common interests, or industry groups you both belong to.
Once you’ve done your research, consider sending connection requests with personalized messages. Keep it light but professional—express your excitement about joining the company and mention a specific detail you found on their profile that stood out to you.
Example Message: "Hi [Name], I’m excited to be joining the [Department] at [Company] next month! I came across your profile and noticed you’ve done some impressive work in [specific area]. Looking forward to learning from you and collaborating once I’m on board!"
This kind of preemptive connection helps you build rapport and creates a sense of familiarity before your first day.
2. Engage with Company Content
Start engaging with your new company’s social media presence. Whether it’s sharing, liking, or commenting on their LinkedIn posts, blog articles, or other content, this shows that you are already invested in the company’s success and values. It’s also a subtle way to get noticed by your future coworkers and leaders, who often monitor engagement from employees (and future employees).
If you’re knowledgeable about industry topics or trends that the company posts about, offer thoughtful comments to showcase your expertise and enthusiasm.
3. Participate in Industry Forums or Groups
Many industries have active online forums, Slack channels, or professional groups where employees from various companies gather to discuss trends and share knowledge. If your future company participates in any of these forums, now is a good time to get involved. These groups are often fertile ground for building relationships with industry peers, including your future colleagues.
By contributing to discussions, asking insightful questions, or offering helpful advice, you can start building credibility within your industry and—potentially—within your new company’s broader network.
4. Connect Through Mutual Contacts
If you already know someone at your future company or have a mutual connection with someone who works there, reach out to them. A warm introduction from a mutual contact can break the ice and help establish relationships before you even step into the office.
Ask your connection for a brief introduction or insight about the company’s culture, work environment, or team dynamics. People are usually more than happy to help new hires, and this outreach can give you valuable context on how to navigate your first few weeks.
Example Request: "Hi [Mutual Contact], I’ll be starting at [Company] soon, and I noticed that you’re connected with [Person/Team]. Do you have any tips or advice about what to expect? I’d love to get your take on the company culture!"
5. Set Up Informational Coffee Chats
If possible, schedule brief, informal coffee chats with key team members before your start date. This can be done virtually or in person, depending on your location and availability. These conversations allow you to introduce yourself in a more relaxed setting, learn more about your team’s priorities, and give you a head start on understanding how your role fits into the bigger picture.
During these chats, focus on listening and asking thoughtful questions about the team’s goals, challenges, and working styles. It shows initiative and gives you a better sense of the workplace environment you’re about to enter.
Questions to ask:
What are the team’s main goals for the upcoming quarter?
How does the team typically communicate and collaborate?
Are there any projects I should start preparing for before my first day?
6. Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Initiative
Beyond simply connecting with people, one of the best ways to network is by showing genuine enthusiasm for the job and company. When you reach out to future colleagues, express how eager you are to contribute and learn from them. This positive energy is infectious and helps build a strong first impression.
Additionally, if you’ve been sent onboarding materials or have early access to company resources, review them carefully and be prepared with questions or ideas before your start date. This shows initiative and that you’re already thinking about how to make an impact.
7. Use Alumni Networks
Many companies and universities have alumni networks that you can tap into to make connections. If your new company has an alumni group or if someone from your alma mater works there, reach out. Alumni are often eager to help fellow graduates succeed, and they can offer helpful insights about company culture or tips for excelling in your new role.
Why Pre-Job Networking Matters
Networking before you officially join a company can offer significant benefits:
Smooth Transition: Familiar faces and established relationships make the first few days on the job more comfortable.
Faster Integration: You’ll have a better understanding of the company’s dynamics, making it easier to adapt and contribute quickly.
Stronger First Impressions: Proactively reaching out shows initiative, curiosity, and enthusiasm—qualities that managers and coworkers value.
Boosted Confidence: When you already have connections and insights into the company culture, you’ll feel more confident walking through the door.
Networking before you start a job isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic move that can give you a competitive edge. By researching your future colleagues, engaging with company content, leveraging mutual contacts, and taking advantage of alumni or industry groups, you can build meaningful relationships before your first day. When you finally do walk through the door, you’ll be more prepared, more confident, and ready to make a lasting impact.