Would you believe me if I say that a two-minute chat at the coffee station could open a ‘door of opportunity’ you didn’t even know existed?
It sounds ordinary because it is. Most turning points begin in moments that look unimportant at first. A quick comment about the weather. A shared laugh about the slow elevator. Someone mentioning what team they work in, and suddenly you learn something useful.
In Switzerland, these small interactions often carry more weight than we expect. People want to feel comfortable with the person they hire. They want to recognize a face or remember a short conversation before they read a CV. This is why transitions and job searches here feel heavier. You’re not only proving your skills. You’re finding your place in a system built on familiarity and trust.
If you’re in a season where you’re applying, shifting careers, or trying to understand how things work here, it’s normal to feel unsure. Many of us have gone through the quiet stage where nothing seems to move. But progress here often begins with regular human moments.
Why Networking Matters (Even When You’re Not Looking Yet)
When someone finds their next opportunity, it’s almost never because they kept sending 150 applications at 2 AM.
What actually moves the needle is much more ordinary:
A coffee chat. A short LinkedIn message. A colleague who remembers your work. A recommendation passed along in a meeting you weren’t even in.
As always say, most jobs, no matter if internal and external, travel through conversations long before they appear online.
If You’re Staying Inside Your Company
You actually have an advantage many job seekers envy: a built-in network that already knows your work.
This includes your manager, teammates, cross-functional partners, the people you collaborated with once three years ago, and even those you chat with during office events.
These connections are often the fastest way to learn:
- which teams are growing
- who’s quietly hiring
- what skills are suddenly in high demand
- how decisions really get made
Use that access. It’s something external candidates would love to have.
If You’re Looking Outside or Transitioning
The same rules apply, just with new faces.
Start with the warm circle: former colleagues, friends, old managers, classmates, anyone who knows your work.
They’re your easiest entry point. Ask for perspective, not favors.
Then expand to new contacts:
- people in your target roles
- professionals in your desired industry
- individuals you admire
- local community or professional groups
- connections recommended to you
Here’s a simple message you can use:
Hi , I’m exploring roles in and would appreciate your perspective on the work your team does. Would you be open to a short chat?
Most people appreciate clarity and respect for their time. So don’t be afraid to go for it. 🙂
By the way, I enjoyed meeting so many new people at the Expat Expo last weekend! But it also reminded me that most opportunities don’t come from big events. They come from simple daily interactions… the ones we usually overlook.
You don’t need the next big gathering to start networking. Start with the people already around you. Sometimes one small conversation is all it takes.
If you me to help you more on a professional level, book a clarity call with me here.
@Advanced Talent
If you met me at the Expat Expo Zurich last weekend, I hope I got to share something valuable with you. Please explore my website for more resources and message me on LinkedIn if you need more help!
To your career success,
Adelina Stefan
Founder of Advanced Talent LLC
PCC-ICF Coach & Mentor | MBA, MA
Senior Intercultural Career & Transformational Master Coach
