Networking for Jobs: Strategies for Building Connections and Landing Opportunities
Experts and professionals share actionable advice on effective networking, from leveraging existing contacts to initiating cold outreach.
Building a professional network is crucial for career advancement, especially for entry-level roles, with nearly half of Gen Z citing a lack of the right network as a significant barrier, according to LinkedIn research.
Nicole Leverich, chief communications officer at LinkedIn, emphasizes starting with the network one already possesses. This includes connecting with former classmates, professors, past colleagues, and even family and friends. She advises that a small current network is not a permanent limitation.
Leverich, who grew up without industry contacts, built her network by taking on less desirable tasks early in her career. "I raised my hand for a lot of the grunt work that other people didn't want to do and I built connections as I went along," she said.
Initiating Contact
When reaching out to new contacts, particularly online, preparation is key. Leverich suggests referencing something the person has posted or identifying common ground. Requests should be clear, specific, and time-efficient, ideally taking less than five minutes to fulfill.
A crucial element often overlooked is expressing gratitude. "You'd be surprised by how many people are willing to help, but I get so few thank yous," Leverich noted. A simple thank you can encourage future assistance.
Cultivating Relationships
To avoid networking feeling purely transactional, Leverich recommends building relationships before a specific need arises. For those aspiring to enter a particular industry, starting to connect with professionals in that field a year or two in advance is beneficial.
When initiating contact, consider what value you can offer. Instead of directly asking for a job, seeking advice is often more effective. Leverich suggests that offering a small contribution, like reacting to a post or leaving a thoughtful comment, can be a less intimidating way to start engaging with potential contacts.
In-Person Networking
For in-person interactions, Leverich advises that at networking events, the primary purpose is conversation. Simple conversation starters include complimenting attire, introducing oneself, and inquiring about their reason for attending.
She encourages persistence: "Put in the reps and start by going to an event for just 15 minutes or half an hour and then build from there." To politely exit a conversation, she suggests a direct but polite approach, stating the need to engage with others, or a softer exit like getting a drink.
Overcoming Hesitation
Professionals like Taylor Crow, who works in sales, have actively pursued job opportunities by sending numerous cold messages on LinkedIn. Crow admitted the process was "so awkward" but necessary for securing her desired role. She sent over 200 DMs while studying to connect with people at companies she aspired to join.
Vicky Peterlin, 24, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that it's not about being inherently good at networking but rather overcoming the fear of reaching out. She realized that most outreach messages are free and easy to send, and the worst-case scenario is a rejection, which is acceptable.
Katherine Leopold, a tutor at Greenwich Business School, highlights that the initial step is often the most difficult. She advises individuals to be prepared to articulate their skills and value proposition confidently to potential employers, especially given the high volume of applications companies receive.
Clarity of Intent
Madison Brown, who transitioned into tech partnerships after a decade in corporate roles, often receives requests for career advice. He stresses the importance of clarity: "There's nothing wrong with saying what your goal is or what you want to get out of this interaction." Authenticity, he believes, is key to opening more opportunities.