When you think of networking, you may imagine forced conversations at conference happy hours. And that thought may make you cringe. Fortunately for you, that's not how networking works...at least, that's not how good networking works.
Networking is simply building professional relationships with people in your field or in a field you want to enter. The way you do it can make the difference between landing a job that fits you, versus settling for the first offer.
Whether you're actively searching or positioning yourself for a promotion or career shift, the people you know (and the people they know) often have access to opportunities that never hit job boards. That's not unfair; that's how careers work.
You're Not Starting From Zero
You probably already have connections in your industry without realizing it. Former colleagues, classmates, people from previous roles, folks you've met at conferences — these are your foundation. Before reaching out to strangers, reconnect with people who actually know your work. A brief, genuine message to someone you've worked with carries far more weight than a cold outreach. It's much lower pressure, and it reminds people that you exist before you need something.
Reaching Out to Strangers Gets Easier With a Real Reason
Social media — especially (but not exclusively) LinkedIn and Twitter — makes it possible to reach people you've never met. But there's a right way to do it. Look for someone whose work genuinely interests you. Read something they posted or wrote. Reference it specifically in your message. Show that you didn't just copy-paste a template to 500 people. People respond to authenticity. Your opening is not a job request, it's a conversation starter about something they care about.
Offer Value Before You Ask
This is the non-negotiable rule of modern networking. Don't open with "Can you help me find a job?" Instead, think about what you can offer. Share an article relevant to their work. Congratulate them on a promotion or achievement. Ask an informed question about their experience in a role or industry you're curious about. When you make the relationship about their interests, not your needs, they're far more likely to remember you and want to help down the line.
How to Reach Out: The Practical Steps
The hardest part isn't deciding to network, it's knowing what to actually say to a stranger.
Start with a genuine observation: Before you send a message, read something they've posted or written. Reference it specifically. "I read your post about [specific topic] and liked your point about [detail]." This will show you're not mass-messaging, but genuinely reaching out to make a connection, one human to another. Generic praise (like "Your company is really impressive") reads like spam. Specific observation reads like respect.
Keep it short: People are busy. If your message requires scrolling, you've already lost them. Aim for 50–80 words in your initial outreach. Save the longer story for when they actually reply.
Make a clear, modest ask: Don't say "Can I pick your brain?" That's vague and puts the burden on them to figure out what you want. Instead, be specific: "I'd love to hear your thoughts on transitioning from [current role] to [target role]" or "I'm curious how you approached [specific challenge]." An actual question is easier to answer than a favor.
Add a note to your connection request: Research shows that adding a personalized message to your connection request increases response rates by 71% compared to requests with no note. Do not skip this step.
Practical example: Instead of "Hi, I'd like to add you to my professional network," try this...
"Hi [Name], I came across your post about [specific achievement] and found your perspective on [detail] really valuable. I'm currently exploring opportunities in [industry/role] and would genuinely appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks for considering."
That's it. Short, specific, genuine, and it shows you did your homework.
Give It Time
Real relationships don't materialize overnight. Engage with someone's content occasionally. Drop a thoughtful comment. If you've had a conversation, follow up a few weeks later with something relevant. Consistency and genuine interest compound over time. When an opportunity does come up — or when you eventually need advice — you won't be a stranger asking a favor. You'll be someone they already know and respect. This is why it's better to start networking today, rather than when you need work as soon as possible.
It's not about luck or connections you're born into. Networking is about showing up authentically, being interested in other people, and building relationships that benefit everyone involved. You're not making a transaction, you're making a new friend. That's how careers actually move forward.
While networking is vital to your career, and while it is a big part, it's just one part of how you realize your career goals. Your understanding of what you have to offer informs the goals you choose. The expert career advisors at BCS can help you make sure you're not selling yourself short.
Take control of your career. Contact BCS today:
(913) 961-0260