Last updated: January 2026
In this article: Take Initiative | Build Relationships First | Schedule Follow-Ups | Get Contact Info | Know Your Industry | Offer Value | Stay in Touch | FAQs
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You never know when a promising networking opportunity will strike. It could be at a conference, a book signing, a friend’s dinner party, or a chance encounter on public transit. In any of these scenarios, the pressure’s on you to make a positive impression—so that when a job opens up, your new connection thinks of you first.
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find a job. According to multiple studies, 70-85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than job boards. Here’s how to make your next networking opportunity count.
1. Take the Initiative
Many people fail at networking because they’re too shy or intimidated to approach someone influential. But the first move is always yours.
If you’re polite, direct, and respectful of their time, most people will be open to a brief exchange. And if someone isn’t receptive? That tells you something about whether they’re the kind of person you’d want to work for anyway.
Tips for making the first move:
- Prepare a brief introduction about who you are and what you do
- Have a genuine question or comment ready to start a conversation
- Approach with confidence—you have value to offer too
- Read the room and choose appropriate moments to engage
2. Start with the Relationship, Not the Resume
Networking is about creating a connection, not making a hard sell.
“Focus first on building the relationship with the executive. It’s important to make a connection before asking for anything,” says Kent Lee, career consultant for Yahoo! and CEO of Perfect Resume. “This can be done by simply asking questions that show a general interest and enthusiasm in the executive’s company.”
Digital marketing consultant Brandon Lewin agrees: “Get to know the person and make it all about them. If you end up liking them, then at the end ask for an opportunity to make contact.”
Be aware of context, too. Recruiting consultant Bill Humbert encourages not taking precious minutes away from someone’s social or leisure time. “It’s best to ask for a time when you may chat with them outside the event,” he says. A corporate or industry event may be a more appropriate setting for a detailed business conversation.
3. Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting
Don’t let the conversation end without planning a more formal meeting.
“You rarely turn a single encounter into a job or even a job lead,” says Caroline Ceniza-Levine, career expert with SixFigureStart. “So the most important thing about meeting a high-powered executive or another influential person is to set up a further relationship.”
Elene Cafasso, founder and president of executive coaching firm Enerpace, suggests requesting 10-15 minutes of their time for an informational interview. Be clear that you’re primarily after information, not a job.
“It’s fair to ask the executive where she thinks the best fit would be considering your skill set and career—but don’t pester her for a job,” cautions Cafasso. “If the executive is willing to meet for coffee or breakfast, even better. If she invites you to the office, it’s a home run!”
4. Get Contact Information
None of this following up can happen if you don’t get contact information.
“How do you get contact info? You ask for it,” says Ceniza-Levine. “Tell them you enjoyed speaking with them and would like to stay in touch. Propose things you might stay in touch about—perhaps you’re attending a conference and will update them on that. Ask for the best way to stay in touch: email, phone, or LinkedIn.”
Important: If someone asks to connect on LinkedIn, make sure your profile is up to date with current information and recommendations before accepting.
5. Know Your Industry
If you manage to start a conversation, establish that you know what you’re talking about.
“Know that person’s business, the competitors, the broader industry—and you can engage with them in a way that shows you know what’s going on,” explains Ceniza-Levine. “You don’t want to be just an outsider looking in. Already understand the industry.”
Quick ways to brush up before an event:
- Do a Google News search on the company and industry
- Read any recently published articles thoroughly
- Check the company’s recent press releases and social media
- Prepare to break the ice with “I was just reading this morning that…”
6. Offer Something of Value
Networking requires “give and take,” says Humbert. “Make sure you ask if there’s something you can do for them.”
Meagan Feeser, director of PR and communications for Gavin Advertising, used this approach to land her job:
“I met my now-boss three years ago at a monthly networking event she founded. When she needed help organizing the events six months down the line, I volunteered. Based on that interaction and working together in that capacity, I was her first hire when she started her own advertising agency several months later.”
Ways to provide value:
- Share a relevant article or resource
- Make an introduction to someone in your network
- Offer to help with an event or project
- Provide expertise or perspective on a challenge they’re facing
7. Keep Following Up
How do you keep a relationship going without caving in and saying, “Please give me a job”?
Ceniza-Levine suggests sending “a results update based on whatever you talked about in that first contact” or simply an insightful article. “There are lots of ways to follow up that have nothing to do with asking them for help on your job search,” she says.
Cafasso encourages you to stay in touch with monthly email updates on the status of your search. “And be sure to circle back after you speak with contacts they recommend,” she says. “Basically, stay top of mind so that, if they see something right for you, they’ll forward your resume to the hiring manager.”
Getting an inside referral to a hiring manager is the next best thing to getting a direct interview offer. And don’t forget the thank-you note.
Networking Dos and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Focus on building genuine relationships | Lead with “I’m looking for a job” |
| Ask questions and listen | Dominate the conversation by talking about yourself |
| Follow up within 24-48 hours | Wait weeks to reach out |
| Offer value before asking for favors | Only reach out when you need something |
| Research the person/company beforehand | Ask questions you could easily Google |
| Be respectful of their time | Corner someone at a social event for 20 minutes |
Where to Network for Jobs
- Industry conferences and events – Focused networking with people in your field
- Professional associations – AMA, PRSA, local chapters with regular meetups
- LinkedIn – Connect with people at target companies, engage with their content
- Alumni networks – College and university connections
- Meetup groups – Industry-specific gatherings in your city
- Informational interviews – Proactively request conversations with people in roles you want
- Friends and family – Let your personal network know you’re looking
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I network for a job if I’m introverted?
Focus on one-on-one conversations rather than large group settings. Prepare talking points in advance so you feel more confident. Set small goals—like having two meaningful conversations at an event. Follow up via email or LinkedIn, where you may feel more comfortable than in person.
What should I say when networking for a job?
Start by showing genuine interest in the other person—ask about their role, their company, or their career path. Share briefly what you do and what you’re looking for, but don’t lead with a job request. Focus on building a relationship first, then ask if you can stay in touch or schedule a follow-up conversation.
How do I ask for a job through networking without being pushy?
Don’t ask directly for a job. Instead, ask for advice, information, or introductions. Say something like “I’d love to learn more about how you got into this field” or “Do you have any suggestions for someone looking to break into this industry?” If the relationship develops, job opportunities often follow naturally.
How long should I wait to follow up after meeting someone?
Follow up within 24-48 hours while the conversation is still fresh. Send a brief email or LinkedIn message thanking them for their time, referencing something specific you discussed, and suggesting a way to stay in touch or meet again.
How do I network when I don’t know anyone in my target industry?
Start with LinkedIn—search for people at companies you’re interested in and send personalized connection requests. Request informational interviews. Attend industry events and conferences. Join professional associations. Ask friends and family if they know anyone in the field who might be willing to talk.
Is networking really that important for finding a job?
Yes. Studies consistently show that 70-85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than job boards. Many positions are never publicly posted—they’re filled through referrals and internal recommendations. Building a strong professional network significantly increases your chances of learning about and landing opportunities.
How do I maintain networking relationships over time?
Stay in touch periodically—not just when you need something. Share relevant articles, congratulate them on achievements you see on LinkedIn, and provide updates on your own career. Aim for genuine, helpful interactions rather than transactional ones.
What if someone I networked with doesn’t respond?
People are busy—don’t take it personally. Wait a week or two, then send a polite follow-up. If you still don’t hear back, move on. Focus your energy on connections who are responsive and engaged.
Ready to put your networking skills to work? Browse open positions on Mediabistro’s job board.
