MIKE SMITH APPLIES HIS OWN ADVICE AND ADVANCES HIS CAREER

Networking tips that he presented earlier this year at the DLE Culture Chat opened the door to a new career opportunity for community member Mike Smith.

Mike is joining EY as a Senior Consultant in the Tech Strategy practice of the firm’s Financial Services office in New York City. “After nearly a decade in startup land working with self-employeds, SMEs, startups and nascent businesses, I am thrilled to join a large and globally impactful firm,” says Mike, who previously has been a business management consultant to Fortune 500 companies.

“Job searching during a pandemic is no small task. Thank you to my entire network for introductions, referrals, suggestions and sending opportunities my way. I am so appreciative of your support,” he adds.

Three tips that Mike credits as contributing to his success are:

1. Make your video conferencing setup professional. If you know someone for years, they don’t judge your background. But for interviews and first meets, how you set up your video background says a lot about your professionalism. Consider putting a bookshelf or picture that is meaningful to you in the frame so it creates an easy discussion kickstarter.
2. Lean on referrals. Never apply “cold” to roles. Find a connection into the company via your alma mater or network to refer you into the opportunity and be your advocate.
3. Have a process. With hundreds of applications and cover letters, make sure to have one centralized place where you keep all of your job opportunities. I like huntr.

In case you missed Mike’s Why Your Networking is Not Working program, head to the DLE YouTube Channel for dozens of tips that will widen your network and build your professional reputation. And they work!