< Sprint 3: How to Approach Networking

Step 2

Managing an Efficient Process

We recommend spending 5 minutes on this section.

Managing your time will also help manage your mental well being

Making a career pivot isn't something that happens overnight. We recommend giving yourself at least six months from the moment you start searching to actually starting a new job. Of course, there's no set schedule. You might land that job immediately – or it might take longer to work everything out. Don't worry too much if the process seems to be dragging on – remember to think of this as a learning quest, the more time you have to refine your goals, expand your resources, and develop new skills.

Here's a high level journey:

Research & Discovery Phase (3-4 weeks)
This phase you are a sponge--reading articles, blogposts, having exploratory conversations to build up your network and getting smarter about the roles and companies you are interested in.

Safe Practice Phase (2-3 weeks)
This phase you are spending time honing your interview skills by applying for roles and companies that are low on your list. You can also use this time to practice with peers (in Zeit or otherwise!) and practice your shift pitch!

Ready Interviewing Phase (2-3 months)
In this phase you will iterate your pitch and prep as you move through the interview process. This is a long phase that will go through many ups and downs. It will take persistence and self reflection, which we'll touch on in these sprints.

Negotiation Phase (2-4 weeks)
In this phase you will drive home an offer and focus on expediting conversations based on offers and where you are in the process.

Key Reflections

Which phases of the process are you most excited about and why?
Which phases are you nervous about and why?
What can you start doing now to take on a growth mindset for the phases you are less confident about?