For some, networking comes naturally but for others, the thought of approaching someone they don't know and trying to make a professional connection can fill them with dread. Whether you're looking for your first job, trying to get ahead at work or hoping to change career, building a network can help you find opportunities and make connections. Networking doesn't have to mean working a room at a formal event - it can happen in person over a coffee at work, through a chance conversation or online, through email and social media.
Just under half (44%) of Gen Z say not having the right network is the biggest barrier to landing an entry-level role, according to research from LinkedIn, external. Nicole Leverich, chief communications officer at LinkedIn, shares her top tips on how to network and we took the same question to city workers in New York to find out what has worked for them. Everyone can start building their network online and "you'd be surprised how many connections you have once you connect with people you went to school with, former professors, people you met through summer jobs, family and friends," says Leverich.
Don't be discouraged if your network is small as "not having a network right now doesn't mean you'll never have a network", she says. And not having obvious industry contacts shouldn't put you off. Leverich grew up in a small town in Oregon and moved to San Francisco after college without knowing anyone who worked in communications.
After getting her first job, she says, "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." If you're thinking about reaching out to someone online, the key is to show you've done your homework, Leverich says. In a message you should "reference something they've posted or establish some common ground". Make sure your request is "clear and specific" and something they can do in less than five minutes.
And, most importantly, don't forget to say thank you. "You'd be surprised by how many people are willing to help, but I get so few thank yous," she says. "I'm not talking about anything excessive but just a 'thanks' makes you want to help next time." Networking can feel transactional, so to avoid that, try to build relationships before you need something from them, Leverich advises.
If you know you want to work in a particular industry, "start finding people in that field a year or two before you're looking for a job". When you reach out to them, think about what you can offer them in return. "If you call me and say you want a job randomly, I'm much less likely to help than if you call and ask for five minutes of advice." You also don't have to start by messaging someone directly, she says.
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