NETWORKING & LINKEDIN

Build Relationships Before You Need Them

Networking isn’t about asking everyone you meet for a job. It’s about building genuine professional relationships, learning from other people, and making sure people understand what you do and what you’re looking for.

The strongest networks are built through conversations—not requests for favors.

START WITH THE PEOPLE YOU ALREADY KNOW

Your network is probably larger than you think.

Former coworkers, supervisors, classmates, instructors, friends, family members, community contacts, and people you’ve met professionally can all be part of your network.

Let people know what you’re looking for.
Be specific about the type of work or opportunities you’re pursuing.

Don’t simply ask, “Do you know anybody hiring?”
Instead, start a conversation. Ask about companies, industries, people they know, or advice they may have.

Stay connected even when you don’t need something.
A relationship becomes stronger when the only time someone hears from you isn’t when you need a favor.

Networking works best when people know who you are, what you can do, and where you’re trying to go.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK WITH PURPOSE

Look for opportunities to meet people naturally.

Networking can happen almost anywhere—hiring events, workshops, professional associations, community organizations, training programs, conferences, volunteer activities, and everyday conversations.

Introduce yourself with confidence.
You don’t need a complicated elevator pitch. Be ready to briefly explain who you are, what you do, and what type of opportunities interest you.

Ask good questions.
Show genuine interest in the other person. Ask about their work, organization, industry, or career path instead of immediately turning the conversation toward yourself.

Listen for connections.
A conversation may lead to information, advice, an introduction, or an opportunity you didn’t know existed.

Follow up while the conversation is still fresh.
If you exchange contact information, send a brief message within a day or two reminding the person where you met and thanking them for the conversation.

You don’t have to work the entire room. A few meaningful conversations can be more valuable than collecting dozens of names.

USE LINKEDIN AS A PROFESSIONAL TOOL

Your LinkedIn profile should help people understand your professional story.

LinkedIn is more than an online resume. It can help you research employers, discover opportunities, build professional relationships, and stay visible to people in your field.

Make your headline clear.
Use more than just a job title. Give people a quick understanding of the type of work you do or the value you bring.

Complete the important parts of your profile.
Include a professional photo, headline, About section, work experience, education or training, and relevant skills.

Connect with purpose.
Build connections with former coworkers, supervisors, classmates, instructors, recruiters, employers, and people you meet at professional events.

Personalize your connection requests when appropriate.
A short message reminding someone where you met or why you’d like to connect can make the request more meaningful.

Engage—don’t just collect connections.
Follow organizations, comment thoughtfully on relevant posts, congratulate people on professional accomplishments, and share useful information when you have something worthwhile to contribute.

Keep your profile current.
As you gain new skills, complete training, earn credentials, or change positions, update your profile.

LinkedIn works best when your profile supports the same professional story you’re telling through your resume, applications, and conversations.

TURN CONNECTIONS INTO RELATIONSHIPS

Making the connection is only the beginning.

A professional network becomes valuable when you stay in touch and build genuine relationships over time.

Follow up after meeting someone.
A simple message can be enough: remind them where you met, mention something from your conversation, and thank them for their time.

Don’t make every conversation about finding a job.
Stay connected by sharing useful information, congratulating people, checking in occasionally, or simply continuing a professional conversation.

Look for ways to give as well as receive.
Networking works both ways. Share information, make introductions, or help someone when you can.

Keep track of important contacts.
Make a simple note about where you met, what you discussed, and when you last connected. You don’t need a complicated system.

Reconnect with people you already know.
Former coworkers, supervisors, classmates, and professional contacts don’t disappear from your network simply because you haven’t spoken recently.

Be patient.
Not every conversation will lead directly to an opportunity. Sometimes the value of a relationship becomes clear months or even years later.

The goal isn’t to know the most people. It’s to build relationships where people remember you—and understand the value you bring.

REMEMBER

Networking is not about using people. It’s about building professional relationships.

Be clear about who you are. Be interested in other people. Stay connected. Follow up. Look for ways to help as well as ways others might help you.

Your network can introduce you to opportunities, information, employers, and people you may never find through an online application.

Sometimes the opportunity doesn’t come from who you know. It comes from who knows you—and remembers what you can do.