Last week during our in-person CV writing workshop, we spent a lot of time talking about communication. Not just interviews or CVs, but the everyday communication that shapes a job search long before an application is ever submitted.
“I don’t know how to stand.”
“I don’t know what to do with my hands.”
“I don’t know how I should look.”
It stayed with me because this is exactly how many expats feel when job searching in Switzerland. Not unqualified. Not unmotivated.
Just ‘unsure’ how to present themselves in a way that feels professional but still authentic. How many times have you felt the same?
You see, communication during a job search is rarely about saying something perfect. In all honesty, it’s about making it easy for people to understand who you are, what you do well, and where you are trying to go.
Many expat job seekers are extremely capable, but their communication becomes very cautious. Emails become very formal. Messages become very long. Networking messages start sounding like apologies for taking someone’s time.
Most try so hard to be polite and professional that their personality disappears from the message. However, effective networking communication is usually simple, clear, and yes, human.
After meeting someone, a good follow-up message doesn’t ask for a job. It continues the conversation. It thanks them for their time, mentions something specific you discussed, and asks for a short conversation to learn from their experience. The goal is not to ask for a position. The goal is to build a professional relationship.
The same applies when someone refers you to another contact. The purpose of the message is not to immediately send your CV. It is to introduce yourself, explain why their company or role interests you, and ask for a short conversation to learn more about their experience.
Communication in networking is not about asking for a job. It is about building familiarity and trust over time. This is something many expats find difficult, especially in a new country where you don’t want to be seen as pushy or inappropriate. So many people stay quiet, apply online, and wait, hoping their documents will speak for them.
But in Switzerland, many opportunities start with conversations first and applications second.
Here are a few simple templates you can adapt and make your own so your messages still sound like you…
Follow-up after meeting someone
“Hello (Name), it was a pleasure meeting you at [event/workshop]. I really enjoyed our conversation about (topic). As I mentioned, I am currently exploring opportunities in (field) and would love to ask you a few questions about your experience when you have time. I would be happy to meet for a coffee or call whenever it suits your schedule.”
Message to someone you were referred to
“Hello (Name), I am writing to you at the recommendation of (referral name). They mentioned that you work at (company/role), which is of great interest to me as I am currently exploring opportunities in this area. I would really appreciate the opportunity to ask you a few questions about your experience when you have time for a short call or coffee.”
Thank-you message after an informational conversation
“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I really appreciated your insight into (industry/company/role), and it gave me a much clearer understanding of the market and how I can position myself. I will keep you updated on my progress, and I hope we can stay in touch.”
These messages are simple, but they keep conversations open. And many job searches move forward because of conversations, not because of online applications.
If there is one thing I hope people took away from last week’s workshop, it’s this: your job search is not only a document process. It is a communication process. It is how you introduce yourself, how you follow up, how you stay in touch, and how people remember you.
If you’ve been meaning to follow up with someone, send that message this week. Small messages often lead to big conversations later. 🙂
And if you would like help with your networking communication, interview communication, or professional presence, I would be very happy to work on this with you.
Sincerely,
Adelina
Adelina Stefan
Founder of Advanced Talent LLC
MCC-ICF Coach & Mentor | MBA, MA
Senior Intercultural Career & Transformational Master Coach
