The main purpose of networking is to build meaningful relationships and foster a real connection with others. Although it can feel awkward and cumbersome, it is necessary for all aspects of your career. You may be surprised to find you already have an established network; you just need to find ways to foster those relationships. The following tips are ways you can find those connections and further expand your current network.
1. Take Advantage of Your Personal Network
Utilizing your personal network is the easiest way to start forming relationships because it reduces the number of barriers between you and a certain organization or role you are interested in. Family, friends, and colleagues can personally attest to your skills and character, so they are more willing to make an introduction. Additionally, a recruiter or hiring manager is more likely to seek a relationship if you share a mutual connection. Don’t underestimate the size of your network; it is likely larger than you initially think.
2. Tap into Your School’s Alumni Database
An alumni network is an advantageous resource to tap into. Similar to maximizing resources through your personal network, alumni are just as eager to advise and help you succeed, since you share a solid foundation of experiences to build a strong connection. Additionally, if a hiring manager asks an alum about your qualifications, it is easier for them to vouch for your skills and integrity, given your shared educational background. It is never too early to start working with your alumni network, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
3. Connect With a Recruiter
Recruiters are a great resource to have because they can advocate for you when talking with a potential employer. The job search and interview process can be overwhelming, so it is great to have a recruiter by your side and alleviate some stress. If there are positions that match your skills and experiences, they will make sure to introduce you to a variety of people and opportunities, as well as get your name out there. If you have never worked with a recruiter before, here are ways to introduce yourself to one.
4. Reach Out Through Social Media
A recent Al Jazeera study found that the average person spends five and a half years of their total lifetime on social media. Since many people visit social sites daily, it is time to use these platforms to your advantage. Communication through social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) serves as a vast avenue to pursue professional relationships. Use these virtual connections you’ve already established to reach out to a wider range of individuals and potentially conduct face-to-face meetings.
5. Attend Professional Events
Attending networking events, speaker series, and conferences, and joining professional organizations are great ways to increase your professional development and networking efforts. There is no better way to immerse yourself in a concentrated environment of people who share the same interests and goals. Connections formed at professional events may lead to opportunities to meet and speak with industry leaders who possess an impressive connection pool. While these events may seem intimidating, the potential for substantial relationship-building makes putting yourself out there worthwhile.
6. Conduct Informational Interviews
Once you’ve established valuable connections in your network, a useful next step is to set up informational interviews. Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about an employer and the recruiting process in a less formal setting. This is an opportunity to expand your network because you are gaining information and building relationships, not just asking for a job or interview. In the long run, informational interviews help recruiters and hiring managers keep you at the top of their minds when a position at the company opens up. If you’re unsure how to get started, here are helpful tips to initiate and conduct a successful informational interview.
Networking is crucial in all aspects of your career, so ensure that you are building meaningful relationships with the people in your growing network. The stronger the relationship, the more likely you’ll be in mind for upcoming opportunities. Incorporate several networking strategies to maximize your resources and get your name out there.
Looking for more ways to improve your networking skills? Subscribe to the JOHNLEONARD blog today and receive helpful advice directly from our team!
This blog was originally written by Jalisa DelosSantos in 2017. Updated September 2026 for relevance and content.