What is one piece of advice you would give to someone struggling with networking during their job search? How can they build meaningful connections and make the most of their network?

Question

Networking during a job search can be challenging, but it's a crucial skill for career advancement. This article presents expert-backed strategies to make meaningful connections and expand professional opportunities. From setting achievable goals to fostering genuine relationships, these practical tips will help job seekers approach networking with confidence and purpose.

Pat Fligge · Answer

When you're looking to network or connect with someone, ask them for advice, not influence. Sometimes people are hesitant to respond to a networking request that comes across as too direct or too transactional. Even saying something as seemingly innocuous as "Can you help me with this role I just applied to?" can seem like you're asking someone to influence a process for you.
You also don't want to be too vague or general in your networking outreach, like saying "Can I pick your brain?" or "Could I hear more about your role?" Think about how you can ask for a piece of advice or perspective that only this specific person can provide you. For instance, maybe you've found a fellow graduate from the same college you attended who works at a company where you just applied for a job. You could reach out to them and say, "I just applied to a role with your organization. Would you be willing to talk with me about the culture there? I know I work best in an environment that grants autonomy and offers clear feedback, and so I'd like to learn from your experience how the company values these things."
A specific question that simply asks for someone's perspective opens the door to a conversation where you can build up a relationship and cover lots of other questions, too! And you're approaching the conversation in a non-threatening way, where you're clear you simply need their advice, not for them to try to influence any outcomes.
As you navigate your networking conversations, assume that people want to help you! It can be scary to make the first step of reaching out, but if you assume that most people in general want to help others, that will make it a little easier to send that networking message.

Dr. Kyle Elliott · Answer

Networking can feel intimidating, especially when you're searching for a new job. Start small and set realistic, tangible goals, like reaching out to just one new person each day at your target company. Focus on reconnecting with people you already know, even if it's been a while since you last spoke, rather than feeling pressured to build relationships only with strangers. At the end of each conversation, simply ask, "Who else do you recommend I speak with?" That one question can quickly fill up your calendar and expand your network in a natural, manageable way.

Dilyar Buzan · Answer

One piece of advice I would give someone having trouble with networking when searching for a job is to focus on establishing actual relationships instead of gathering contacts. When I first started my professional life, I was clueless and thought networking was about accumulating business cards and LinkedIn contacts. I quickly learned the actual value is in creating authentic relationships.
In order to build these kinds of relationships, start by being interested in people. Get to know them by inquiring about their work, their struggles, and their aspirations. Listen carefully and respond insightfully. Returning something in exchange is a necessity, whether it is advice, resources, or even just a willingness to assist. When you invest in others, they will invest in you.
Also, don't just network when you need something. Periodically stay in touch with your connections, celebrate their successes, and return favors whenever possible. This approach not only turns you into a deeper contact, but also one who becomes well-known and trustworthy, making it more probable for something to naturally happen. Networking is not to get something directly but to create a relationship on a long-term basis.

Ben Bouman · Answer

I suggest starting conversations by asking for book or podcast recommendations related to your shared industry or interests. This kind of request feels casual and approachable—it shows that you're curious and eager to learn, without putting anyone on the spot for a job favor.
When you take the time to actually explore their recommendations, you create an opportunity for genuine follow-up. Reach out a week later to share what stood out or how the content influenced your thinking.
With this kind of thoughtful response, the conversation flows naturally and helps build a sense of connection. This approach allows you to deepen relationships without rushing into job-related inquiries, making networking feel more like a two-way exchange.

Kathryn MacDonell · Answer

Tracking your conversations with emotional tags is highly recommended—go beyond just noting that you met someone and include how you felt during the interaction. Was it energizing, helpful, or maybe a bit draining? Paying attention to these emotional cues helps you see which connections truly boost your motivation and which ones might be wearing you down.
When you reflect on these feelings regularly, you can prioritize building relationships that inspire and support you, making your networking efforts feel more rewarding. This mindset shifts networking from a numbers game into a thoughtful process of cultivating meaningful, positive connections that sustain you through the ups and downs of your job search.

Elizabeth Harders · Answer

One piece of advice I always give is to start by giving, not asking. Instead of immediately asking for a job lead or referral, reach out with genuine interest, comment on their work, ask thoughtful questions, or share something relevant you found helpful.
People respond better when they feel you're building a relationship, not just trying to get something. From there, ask for a quick chat or advice, not a job. Networking works best when it's built on curiosity, gratitude, and consistency, not cold outreach or pressure. The more you focus on connecting over common ground, the more likely those conversations lead to real opportunities.

6 Networking Tips for a Job Search

Table of Contents

6 Networking Tips for a Job Search

Ask for Advice Not Influence

Set Small Daily Networking Goals

Build Authentic Relationships Not Contacts

Request Industry Book or Podcast Recommendations

Track Conversations with Emotional Tags

Start by Giving Not Asking

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