For some, networking comes naturally, but for most people, the thought of approaching strangers to build professional connections can be daunting.
Whether you are seeking your first job, striving for a promotion, or looking to switch careers, networking can help you uncover opportunities and forge connections.
However, networking doesn’t necessarily mean making small talk at formal events—it can happen through face-to-face chats over coffee at work, casual conversations, or online interactions via email and social media.
According to a LinkedIn study, nearly half (44%) of Gen Z respondents cited a lack of the right connections as the biggest barrier to landing an entry-level job.
Nicole Leverich, LinkedIn’s Chief Communications Officer, shared her networking secrets, and we also asked municipal workers in New York City what strategies worked for them.
Start by leveraging your existing network
Everyone can begin building their own network.
“Once you connect with classmates, former professors, people you met during summer jobs, family, and friends, you’ll be surprised by how many connections you actually have,” Leverich said.
She told the BBC, “Don’t get discouraged if your network is small; just because you don’t have a network now doesn’t mean you never will.”
Don’t let a lack of obvious industry connections hold you back.
Leverich grew up in a small town in Oregon and moved to San Francisco after college without knowing anyone in the communications industry.
She said that after landing her first job, “I proactively took on the grunt work that others didn’t want to do, and gradually built my network on the job.”
Do your homework—and don’t forget to say thank you
Leverich also told the BBC that if you want to reach out to someone, the key is demonstrating that you’ve done your homework. When replying to messages, you should “quote what they posted or establish some common ground.”
Make sure your request is “clear and specific,” and that it can be completed within five minutes. Most importantly, don’t forget to say thank you.
She says, “You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help, yet I rarely receive a thank-you. I’m not asking for profuse gratitude, but a simple ‘thank you’ makes me much more willing to help you again in the future.”
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Lifschy also suggests that networking can sometimes feel transactional; to avoid this, it is best to build relationships before you actually need something from the other person.
“If you know you want to work in a specific industry, start looking for people in that field a year or two before you actually begin your job search,” she says.
When reaching out to them, consider what you can offer in return.
“If you call me out of the blue asking for a job, I’m far less likely to help than if you call seeking five minutes of advice.”
She also explained to the BBC that you don’t necessarily have to message someone directly; you can start by replying to their posts or leaving comments.
Face-to-face networking can be intimidating, especially early in your career, but remember: everyone at a networking event is there to connect with others.
To start a conversation, Lifschy suggests beginning with something simple—such as complimenting someone’s outfit, introducing yourself, and asking what brought them there. “Practice makes perfect; you might start by attending an event for just 15 or 30 minutes, then gradually increase the time.”
When you want to move forward, don’t overthink it: “I’ll just get straight to the point and say, ‘It’s great to meet you; I want to make sure I can work effectively in this environment.’”
“If you want to wrap up a conversation politely, you could say something like, ‘I’m going to grab a glass of water—it was a pleasure meeting you.’”
Don’t be afraid of hearing “no”!
Of course, knowing what to do is one thing, but actually walking up to a stranger to start a conversation—or sending an unsolicited message online—is quite another.
Taylor Crow, who works in sales, told the BBC she is “pretty good” at networking because she made it a priority during college.
“While I was studying, I sent over 200 cold messages on LinkedIn and reached out to people at the companies I wanted to work for.”
She admits it felt “really awkward,” but it was something she had to do to land the job she wanted.
Her colleague, 24-year-old Vicky Peterlin, agrees. “It’s not really about being a natural at networking; it’s about not being afraid to reach out to people.”
She told the BBC: “I used to think I wasn’t qualified to have these conversations, but then you realize there are no rules—and sending emails or messages is free and easy.”
“The worst that can happen is rejection, but that’s okay.”
Katherine Leopold, a tutor at Greenwich Business School, shares a similar view.
She explained to the BBC that the biggest hurdle is taking that first step, but if you don’t take it, you’re “shutting yourself out.”
She suggests that since organizations receive an “absolutely huge” number of applications, you should try to meet employers in person to show them your authentic self and experiences. “You must tell them: ‘I possess this skill and this knowledge, so I am confident that my joining will make your team stronger.’”
“State what your goal is.”
Madison Brown currently works in technical partnerships, having previously spent ten years in the corporate sector.
Many young people seek his advice on careers and opportunities, and he notes that many of them could actually be clearer about what they want.
“There is nothing wrong with stating your goal or what you hope to gain from the interaction.”
He also adds that being yourself is important: “If you are genuine, more doors will open for you.”