Networking can often feel fake, forced, or incredibly awkward, especially when you are in the middle of a job search. 

Try to reframe it: networking is simply building mutually beneficial professional relationships rooted in genuine curiosity. It is not a transaction; it is sharing information and learning from others.

Every time you talk with someone, there is an element of networking involved. Sometimes you see and feel the connection; other times you may feel like there wasn’t any connection at all.

In the many years I’ve been counseling job seekers, here’s what I know. The one reason job seekers get frustrated (and give up) is that it is difficult to see where these conversations and new relationships will lead. You can’t predict who will be able to introduce you to new people or opportunities. So, for people who are looking for quick, tangible results, applying to jobs online checks the box and networking doesn’t.

Networking often requires you to step outside your comfort zone, and sometimes you just have to do it! Here is some advice to make networking less awkward.

Focus on People You Already know: Reach out to former colleagues or friends (your “dormant ties”) with a simple “Hello, I’m exploring new roles” message, or better yet, “I need your help.” The key is to keep it low-pressure with no immediate “ask” for a job or referral.

Become a Commenter: You don’t have to attend exhausting in-person events. Start by leaving thoughtful, insightful comments on 3-5 LinkedIn posts from your network or target companies each week to build visibility.

Make networking “other-centric”. In other words, focus your conversation on learning about the person you are speaking with. Here are some questions you can ask to keep the conversation going  

Along the way, when you are having conversations with people, you may want to shift the focus. When you use this sparingly, in other words, don’t overdo it, ideally only once per conversation. You are politely turning the conversation to your skills, talents, and abilities. Here’s a bridge phrase you might consider using to gently shift the conversation:

“That’s so interesting to hear how [Company] handles that challenge. In my experience with [Your Skill], I’ve seen a similar problem solved by [Your Achievement]. Do you think that kind of approach is valued at your company?”

Before you do anything, develop a plan to network strategically and purposefully. This also helps you see how to structure your time and effort. Read more about this here:  Start with a plan to grow your network

When applying for jobs, studies say that referrals are the number one way new employees are found and hired.  So how can you find company insiders? LinkedIn is the obvious answer. Learn how to  Find the Back Door for a Job Posting Using LinkedIn

You can downplay the importance of networking or even ignore it, but the facts are the facts.

The majority of job seekers report that they secured their last job due in part, if not fully, because of networking! 

When you send an email or text message and don’t hear back, that’s normal. People are busy, and your message is not their top priority. All you need to do is send a friendly reminder.

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Using data from Huntr, here are some of the key findings this quarter:

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If it’s been a minute since you last interviewed, this is a great overview of what to expect from different types of interviews. From phone screens to panel interviews, learn what they expect and tips to help you move to the next level.  

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There are many recruiters and hiring managers who despise AI slop (cover letters, resumes, etc). Anthropic is embedding hidden code (watermarks) into content generated by Claude. This is primarily to meet EU rules, but will be implemented worldwide. It’s just one more reason to edit and personalize AI-generated content. 

How Women Have Closed the Other Workforce Gender Gap - Indeed Hiring Lab

Fascinating research shows this shift in the US labor market. Much of this is due to increases in healthcare hiring (mostly attracting women), and less growth in male-dominated jobs. But there’s also been a decrease in the number of men participating in the workforce. “The gender gap in employment is not disappearing because women have simply entered the workforce in greater numbers. It is disappearing because men are participating less, and that distinction matters enormously for how employers, policymakers, and workforce planners should be thinking about the decade ahead.” 

“Leadership Drift” Is Stalling Your AI Strategy - Herminia Ibarra, Thomas Roulet and HBR

There’s more than just hesitancy on AI implementation. It’s leaders backing down from their viewpoints during group meetings. 

7 Ways to Bounce Back From Setbacks - Nuala G Walsh, Psychology Today

You know job search will be filled with “nos” but it still stings. Here are seven ways to help you dust yourself off and get back out there.EVENTS

The real risk isn't being pushy. It's being invisible.

Most job seekers get conflicting advice on how and when to follow up. Here is a simple, actionable strategy to stay top-of-mind without overstepping:

📌 Confirm Receipt: If you submitted an application online and heard nothing, a polite, immediate inquiry to HR is perfectly acceptable. Technology fails, and confirming your materials arrived is professional diligence. (This happened to a client of mine recently. Good thing she followed up!)

📌The One-Week Rule: If you haven’t heard back about a screening status, a courteous follow-up after one week is appropriate. Be empathetic to their busy workload.

📌The Insider Route: Don't just ping HR. Connect with employees inside the company. They can often provide better insights into where the company is in the hiring process.

📌Stay Visible, Don't Spam: Follow the company on social media. Share their updates. It’s a great way to stay on their radar without clogging an inbox.

📌Context Matters: Every industry is different. A sales role might require more persistence to prove your follow-through skills, while other industries prefer a lighter touch.

💎The Golden Rule: Focus your messages on their process, not your need for an answer. The goal is to demonstrate your interest, not to annoy the recruiter.

If you get a "no," that is your cue to stop. Until then, don't be afraid to take a calculated risk.

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