Whether you’re exploring entry-level science jobs in NJ or are looking for higher-level positions that can take your career to the next level, good professional relationships make a difference. By building a rapport with others, there’s a sense of support and comradery. As a result, it can make accessing opportunities easier, ensuring you can reach your career goals.

Generally speaking, building a rapport with a new contact can take time and effort. However, it’s possible to expedite the process. Here are some tips that can help.

Seize Opportunities to Connect

Common ground makes it far easier to build a rapport with a hiring manager, prospective mentor, or anyone else in your life. Since that’s the case, it’s wise to seize any opportunity to connect.

For example, if you notice that the hiring manager has sports memorabilia on their desk and you’re also a fan of the team, engage them in conversation regarding that shared interest. If you and a potential mentor are both intrigued by a particular emerging technology, dive into the topic together.

Any extra degree of connection can make a difference. As a result, it’s wise to seek out common ground whenever possible, allowing you to quickly build a rapport.

Ask Them Questions About Their Careers and Interests

Permitting the other person to talk about themselves can be an excellent way to forge a stronger connection. In most cases, people are flattered when others want to find out more about them. Since that’s a positive feeling, it can make them associate conversations with you with good things, helping you build a rapport.

Initially, it’s wise to keep the discussion professionally focused. That way, you can start forging a relationship without accidentally asking about something the other person feels is too personal. Try to learn more about how they reached their current position or why they entered the field as a starting point and ask follow-up questions based on what they share. As you get to know one another, you can branch out into other interests.

Build Upon Past Conversations When Possible

When you re-engage with a new contact, try to build upon a detail they shared during your last conversation. By revisiting a point they made, you’re showing that you were genuinely interested in what they mentioned, as you retained the information.

Let the person know that you spent time thinking about what they discussed. Then, choose follow-up questions that move that discussion forward. That creates a sense of building something together, leading to a stronger rapport.

Be Happy to See Them Again

Seeing that someone is happy to see you can work wonders when you’re forging new connections. Whether you have an appointment with the person or happen to pass one another in the hall, make sure to smile as you greet each other. Even if it’s just a brief moment, that can be a bright spot for the other person, making the rapport stronger in mere moments.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking for entry-level science jobs in NJ or are well into your career, cultivating relationships is often critical if you want to advance. By using the tips above, you can make that process easier. If you’d like to learn more, the team at Alpha Consulting wants to hear from you. Contact us today.