Career Readiness Skills

Whoever coined the word “networking” needs to go to jail. Ask 10 people how to do it, you’ll get ten different answers. And that’s the problem. Because networking isn’t one skill. It’s FIVE. Unless you know which one you’re practicing, you’ll always leave events feeling like you “didn’t network enough.” Here’s the breakdown: 1. The Skill of Initiating The courage to walk up, introduce yourself, and open a conversation that isn’t empty small talk. Start with something real enough to spark interest, but light enough not to overwhelm. Most people fail here because they wait for the “perfect moment.” 2. The Skill of Listening Sounds cliché, but it isn’t. Great connectors aren’t the smoothest talkers, they’re the sharpest listeners. The right questions make people open up. A direct pitch kills networking. Listening makes it come alive. 3. The Skill of Positioning The least discussed skill. Positioning isn’t bragging. It’s telling your story so it sticks. A one-liner people can carry with them and repeat when you’re not in the room. Confuse them, and you’ve lost them. 4. The Skill of Following Up The most underrated. A conversation without follow-up is just noise. Real networking begins the next day—when you show you remembered, cared, and chose to continue. 5. The Skill of Compounding Networking isn’t built in a single night. It’s the compounding of tiny touchpoints over years. That stranger in the coffee line becomes an ally when you’ve shown up enough times with small acts of value. Now here’s the thing: You can’t master all five at once. And you shouldn’t even try. At your next event, pick one. Maybe it’s just practicing your opener. Maybe it’s testing your one-liner. Maybe it's religiously sticking to your follow-up. Get one right. Build momentum. Then move on to the next Because networking isn’t a gift. It’s not “some people have it, others don’t.” It’s a learned skill. And like every other skill, it’s mastered piece by piece—not in one grand performance. So stop treating networking like a mystical ability. Start training it like the craft it actually is. Which of the five are you good at? Which one do you struggle with? #networking #communication #collaboration #mindset #work #skills #event

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 Does the thought of networking make you feel like you're just selling yourself? It's time to flip the script. Here’s how to network effectively without feeling 'salesy': 📍Seek Depth, Not Numbers Forget about amassing contacts. Harvard Business Review suggests that meaningful, in-depth conversations are far more beneficial than a vast network. 📍Become a Master Listener Effective networking is less about talking and more about listening. Show genuine interest in others' stories and challenges. This approach not only builds stronger connections but also makes your interactions more engaging. 📍Lead with Value Always offer help before asking for anything. According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals believe that networking is most effective when both parties gain something from the exchange. 📍Customize Your Connections Skip the generic connection requests. Reference specific details about how you met or a topic you discussed. This personal touch transforms your approach from transactional to meaningful. 📍Make Memorable Follow-ups After meeting someone, follow up with something relevant from your discussion. Whether it's an article related to a topic you spoke about or a simple congratulation on a recent achievement, personalized follow-ups make you stand out. 📍Engage Thoughtfully Online Interact with your connections' content by sharing insights or thoughtful comments. This keeps you visible and valuable, enhancing your network's strength without overt selling. 📍Embrace the Long Game Remember, effective networking builds over time. Stay consistent and patient—American Express reports that 40% of executives credit networking for their success. 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙍𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨. 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙢𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙧��𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨. ---------------------------------- Follow Surya Vajpeyi for more such content💜 #EffectiveNetworking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalNetworking

4 Skills That Helped Me Build Genuine Connections with My Network When I started networking, I struggled to make meaningful connections. I used to think networking was just about exchanging business cards or sending connection requests. But over time, I realized that real connections are built through trust, value, and authenticity. Here are 4 skills that helped me build strong and genuine relationships: 1. Active Listening I used to focus more on what to say next rather than truly listening. But when I started paying attention, asking follow-up questions, and showing genuine interest, conversations became deeper and more meaningful. - Studies show that good listeners are 40% more likely to build strong relationships because people feel valued and heard. 2. Being Helpful Without Expectations Instead of reaching out only when I needed something, I started offering help—whether it was sharing a resource, giving feedback, or introducing people to the right connections. According to research, people who give without expecting immediate returns build stronger long-term networks. 3. Sharing My Experiences Openly I used to hesitate to share my struggles and lessons, thinking they weren’t valuable. But when I started sharing my journey—both wins and failures—I noticed more people resonated with me. Authenticity creates trust, and trust builds meaningful connections. 4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) I worked on understanding people’s emotions, responding with empathy, and adapting my communication style. Research shows that people with high EQ are 3x more successful in building lasting relationships because they make others feel understood and valued. 📍Remember, Networking isn’t just about numbers; it’s about genuine relationships that grow over time. Do you agree? Follow Swati Mathur for more. LinkedIn Guide to Networking LinkedIn #networking #connections #smpositivevibes

📉 Entry-level job postings have taken a knock. A significant one. That’s one of the starkest signals in the latest global research on Gen Z - and it has far-reaching implications for how we support early career talent. As this chart shows, job postings requiring 0–2 years of experience have declined by 29 percentage points since January 2024. In contrast, postings for senior roles have broadly stabilized. This creates a fundamental imbalance. At the exact moment that Gen Z is stepping into the workforce, the usual career ladder appears to be missing an early rung. This is broader than a singular talent issue. It’s an economic one. We’re dealing with persistent talent scarcity across sectors - in healthcare, logistics, IT, engineering, and more. If we fail to activate early-career workers and give them clear entry points, we risk weakening the pipeline we rely on to build our future workforce. The report draws on insights from more than 11,000 young workers and over 120 million global job postings, and the findings show a generation that’s not disengaged, but ambitious. 85% of Gen Z talent say they weigh long-term goals when considering a new job. They’re not job-hopping; they’re growth-hunting. And yet, many haven’t made the connection between upskilling and the growth they’re looking for. While they’re the most AI-empowered generation in today’s workplace - with 46% using AI to learn new skills - access to formal training still lags. This creates a new kind of digital divide. For employers, this presents challenges, but more significantly, opportunity. We need to rebuild the early-career pathway. Not by going backwards, but by reimagining the start of the working journey. That includes: ✏️ Designing entry-level roles with clear progression 🎒 Helping talent connect learning to advancement 🤖 Ensuring equal access to AI tools and training 💙 Meeting Gen Z’s call for purpose, flexibility, and equity We can’t fix talent scarcity without focusing on those just entering the workforce. And we can’t talk about the future of work without building it - from the first step of its ladder. 📘 Explore the full Gen Z report here: https://lnkd.in/ecd2HjXU

Always negotiate the offer. Many people, feel uncomfortable but a good negotiation can significantly impact your career trajectory and financial well-being. Remember, companies expect negotiation. It's a normal part of the hiring process. But before you jump and say "you want more", do your homework, talk to people, and be ready with the following two pointers 1. understand how the company typically structures its offers 2. be honest with yourself about your interview performance When you are negotiating your offer, the two most important leverage you will have are - your current compensation and a competing offer. If possible, try to secure one of the two. This also emphasizes the importance of negotiating a higher compensation as it affects your future compensation. Most people become arrogant if they have a good competing offer, but you should always remain respectful and diplomatic. When I put forth a competing offer during negotiation, I always say - "I'm very excited about the opportunity with your company. I do have another offer that's offering X. While compensation isn't my only consideration, I'm wondering if there's any flexibility in your offer to help make my decision easier." The way you negotiate is just as important as what you negotiate. Always maintain a respectful and professional throughout the process. Remember, this conversation is between two adults. 1. express your excitement about the role and the company 2. be specific and quantify your ask, instead of just asking for "more" 3. when you ask for more, explain why you deserve more 4. remember, it is not just about the money So the next time you're presented with a job offer, do your homework and negotiate with confidence and humility. Successful negotiations can have a compound effect on your financial well-being, so play well. ⚡ I keep writing and sharing my practical experience and learnings every day, so if you resonate then follow along. I keep it no fluff. #CareerGrowth

You don't get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate. 8 tips to master negotiation (in life and career): 1/ Step into their shoes ↳ Why: People want to feel understood. Showing that you "get it" helps them trust you and opens the door for real collaboration. ↳ How: Use phrases like, “It sounds like you’re feeling…” or “I sense that you’re concerned about…” 2/ Use mirroring ↳ Why: People love talking to someone who really listens. Repeating their words back shows you’re paying attention and makes them open up more. ↳ How: If they say, “We’re worried about costs,” respond with, “Worried about costs?” 3/ Label emotions ↳ Why: Calling out emotions takes the heat out of tough conversations. It shows you’re on the same page and makes things less tense. ↳ How: Say, “It seems like you’re frustrated about the timeline.” 4/ Ask open-ended, calibrated questions ↳ Why: Asking the right questions turns the focus from problems to solutions. It helps you understand what’s really going on. ↳ How: Avoid “yes” or “no” questions. Instead, ask, “What would it take to make this deal work for both of us?” 5/ Accuse yourself ↳ Why: Being upfront about possible objections makes you relatable and keeps things honest. People respect that. ↳ How: Say, “You might think I’m being overly optimistic, but here’s why this approach could work.” 6/ Go for the "No" ↳ Why: Weirdly, hearing “no” can feel safer for the other person than saying “yes.” It also gives you room to explore real issues. ↳ How: Ask, “Would it be ridiculous to consider extending the deadline by a week?” 7/ Leverage silence ↳ Why: Silence makes people uncomfortable, so they tend to fill it with valuable insights. Use it to your advantage. ↳ How: Ask a question or make a point, then wait. Resist the urge to speak first. 8/ Avoid compromise ↳ Why: Splitting the difference might seem fair, but it usually means both sides lose something important. Aim higher. ↳ How: Focus on finding creative solutions that deliver value to both parties. These strategies are inspired by Chris Voss’ "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" and brought to you by Omar’s Desk. PS: Great negotiators listen more than they speak. PPS: Negotiation is about authentic connection, not manipulation. The difference? Manipulation is self-serving; authenticity builds trust. What tactic would you add? Comment below. ---- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

I've spent years in the finance trenches, and I can't emphasize enough how pressing this question is for our industry's future. Let's dive in. Traditional learning and development programs won't cut it for Gen Z. We should offer access to a constant stream of bite-sized, impactful learning modules that can be integrated into daily workflows. Gen Z grew up with smartphones in hand, so let's do away with archaic systems. Imagine embedding gamification into stock analysis or forecasting tools to make the learning curve less steep and a lot more fun. To say Gen Z is concerned about ethical implications is an understatement. My recommendation? Open up channels where new hires can actively contribute to ESG initiatives from day one. Make ethics part of the everyday conversation. Having had the pleasure (or pain!) of working from multiple continents, I know remote work is more than a pandemic-era stopgap. Our firms should be as boundaryless as the markets we operate in, allowing young talent to explore the world as they explore their careers. Please look for hidden talents that aren't immediately apparent from a resume. For instance, someone whiz at Python could revolutionize how you process data—even if their degree isn't strictly 'financial.' In my experience, offering sandbox environments where younger employees can experiment with zero risk can be a game-changer. This isn't just good for innovation; it's great for morale. Professional development should be relational, not transactional. Forget networking. Focus on community building within your organization. The finance industry has never been a one-size-fits-all kind of field. If we aim to lure the crème de la crème of Gen Z talent, we need to think beyond the paycheck and offer a holistic package as dynamic, diverse, and future-ready as they are. #GenZ #Finance #FutureOfWork #Ethics #RemoteWork #LifelongLearning

If your company isn’t built to support Gen Z, it’s already behind. They’ll make up 25% of the UK workforce by next year. 60% of the global workforce by 2030. And 62% say they’ll leave if mental health support isn’t part of the package. This generation isn’t just showing up, they’re shaping the rules. They’re not asking for beanbags or Friday beers. They’re asking: – “Do you take my wellbeing seriously?” – “Can I grow here, or just grind?” – “Is this a job or something that fits who I am?” Only 4% of Gen Z in the UK aspire to senior leadership as we currently define it. This isn’t a talent problem, it’s a leadership model problem. So how do you evolve for the future? 1. Embed Mental Health into Culture Make it visible, normalised, and accessible. Counselling, mental health days, and line managers who know how to spot stress signals. 2. Redesign Leadership Pathways This generation values influence and impact over titles. Build progression that reflects that. 3. Offer Flexibility with Purpose Not just where they work but why they work. Align values, not just hours. 4. Invest in Growth Prioritise skill-building, mentorship, and continuous development. That’s your retention strategy. This isn’t about catering to Gen Z. It’s about adapting to where the workforce and the world is going. Ignore it, and you’ll lose more than talent. You’ll lose your relevance.

I went from 0 - 11 clients in 1 year. One skill that helped me the most: Negotiation Most people think it's too complicated. Here are my 4 golden rules to help you negotiate like a pro: 🧵👇🏼 Rule #1: Know your worth Confidence is everything. Every choice in your life (good or bad) comes down to the level of confidence you have in yourself. If you're not confident, none of the tips below can help. To boost confidence: • Write down your wins • Compare yourself to yourself • Celebrate each goal reached Most importantly: Don't let the losses get you down. Rule #2: Be willing to walk If you want to truly get ahead in life, you have to become highly selective. Just b/c you got a job offer doesn't mean you should go and sign the deal. Keep the long game in your mind. Be willing to walk when you need to. I can personally say... Don't neglect: • Work-life balance • Who your manager will be • What your career path looks like After you get over the initial high of more money, these things will matter more to you in the long run. They always do. Rule #3: Leverage your situation Take the time to do your homework Do more research about your employer What are their: • Fears • Needs • Dreams • Frustrations If you can nail these down, you'll be more confident while countering their offer or asking for a higher amount Best way to do that? Strive to always be interviewing at multiple places. This helps prove you are of high value and shows you what companies expect in your role. Their goal is to minimize costs, Your goal is to maximize return. Rule #4: Factor in perks + benefits Money isn't everything. I found this out the hard way. I chose a higher salary instead of more stock options while working for the last startup I was at Consider what the other perks mean to you. They are on the table to negotiate as well. TL;DR 4 golden rule to negotiate like a pro: • Know your worth • Be willing to walk • Leverage your situation • Factor in perks + benefits What would you add?

Most PMs flex critical thinking on projects. But forget it in their job search. That’s why they stay stuck. Think about it: As a PM, you’d never: → Approve a project without scoping the problem → Throw resources at random tasks without a roadmap → Report success without defining KPIs Yet, in job searches, even mid-level PMs do exactly that. They: → Apply everywhere with no clear strategy → Collect certifications without a defined career goal → Accept “ghosting” without analyzing why their message isn’t landing That’s not a job search. That’s chaos. Here’s how high-performing PMs apply critical thinking to land $100K+ roles: 1️⃣ Define the problem. Not “I need a job”, but “I want a Senior PM role in fintech where I can drive cross-functional delivery.” 2️⃣ Analyze the root cause. Why am I not getting traction? Resume? Storytelling? Wrong targets? Lack of networking? 3️⃣ Test assumptions. Don’t assume more apps = better odds. Test targeted outreach vs. cold applies. Track results. 4️⃣ Synthesize solutions. Build a repeatable playbook: LinkedIn positioning + referral system + interview frameworks. 5️⃣ Measure impact. Did this week’s actions move me closer to interviews? Offers? Or just drain my energy? A job search isn’t about luck. It’s a project with strategy. And critical thinking is the framework that turns effort into results. 📥 Want to apply PM-level strategy to your job search? Apply for my 1:1 coaching (link in comments). ♺ Repost to help a PM break the cycle of chaos with strategy. Follow Jesus Romero for more career positioning insights.