Quick summary:
Networking is the most effective job-hunting skill, yet under-utilized by most professionals. Start building relationships now — not when you need them — by connecting with 20 people over the next month.
Focus on “super networkers,” ask for advice (not jobs), and maintain relationships through regular follow-up.
Good news: networking is a learnable skill that works even for introverts.
According to LinkedIn research, up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than traditional job applications. Yet only 48% of professionals actively maintain their network when not job hunting.
Sure, having a well organized, crisp resume / CV is a good starting point in any job search.
But in this article, we will focus on learning how to network, why it is important for your career, and 7 easy networking tips to kickstart this habit. These work even when you’re a beginner like a college student, and/or an introvert.
The good news is, networking is a skill that anyone can learn, it just requires practice. And since networks take time to build, it’s best to start now as you never know when you need it.
Why do I need to network?
Studies show that referred candidates are:
- 4x more likely to get hired
- 40% more likely to be retained after one year
- Hired 55% faster than candidates from job boards
That’s why networking is crucial. Moreover:
- People tend to do business with people they know and like. Resumes and cover letters alone are often too impersonal to convince employers to hire you. The job application process just isn’t as fair as we’d like it to be.
- You stand out. Having a killer CV helps you stand out, but so does knowing people in the company. Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition with many others. Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller pool.
- The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and job leads, often before a formal job description is created or a job announced.
Network? But I don’t know anyone!
Nonsense.
You may think you don’t know anyone who can help you in your job search.
Before you think that:
- Systematically go through everyone you know and evaluate them, and
- Take who they know into account, i.e. friends of friends.
You may have heard of the six degrees of separation: the idea that everyone is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world.
In finding your ideal job, we believe that you should be able to find a useful contact within 1 or 2 degrees: friends of friends, or at most, friends of friends of friends.
Just tapping into 2 degrees, you could be reaching Richard Branson, Larry Page, Amartya Sen – never mind someone from a company you’re targeting.
So tap that network. Tap it like a maple tree.
Ask people I know for help? That’s embarrassing / against my values.
Then you need some tough love.
As mentioned earlier, the job market is not a fair battleground. You need and will use every advantage you can.
The ability to network effectively is a genuine career and business skill, and if you fight against learning and utilizing it, you will fall behind.
If you’re embarrassed that you’re asking for job-related favors from people you know, try keeping these points in mind:
- It’s all about self-confidence. Confidently asking for help, and finding a job you like, is 100x better than proudly keeping your silence and scoring zero.
- It feels good to help others. Most people will gladly assist you if they can.
- Ask for advice. People love to be recognized as an expert, or a person in the know. They also love to give advice, so ask for it.
- We’ve all been there before. Almost everyone knows what it’s like to be out of work or looking for a job. It’s not that big a deal.
- Job hunting can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with others, you’re sure to get some much needed encouragement, fellowship, and moral support.
- Reconnecting with your network should be fun – even if you have an agenda. The more this feels like a chore the more tedious and anxiety-ridden the process will be.
What are the 7 most effective networking tips?
How do I start networking if I’m a beginner?
Begin with a manageable goal: connect with 20 people over the next 30 days at a pace of 2-3 contacts per week. This makes networking feel less overwhelming while building the habit.
Why start now instead of waiting? Because meaningful professional relationships take 3-6 months to develop. By the time you need your network for a job search, it will already be established and ready to help.
Who should be in your initial list of 20?
- People in your target industry
- Current and former colleagues
- Alumni from your university
- Fellow CFA candidates or charterholders
- Recruiters specializing in your field
Who should I network with first?
Who are the super networkers?
You can spot them quite easily: they’re friendly, they know a ton of people (check out their Facebook or LinkedIn contacts) and are quite busy generally. Oh, don’t forget to spruce up your CV and LinkedIn profile too.
Send a nice and brief email, or make a quick call. Ask them for help & advice over coffee. Take a genuine interest in them too, you’re building a relationship (and friendship) after all. It is not a transaction. People will always prioritize helping people that they like.
How do you be like them?
Take an interest in others, ask questions, and more importantly listen and remember. Once in a while, think of two people who should know each other but don’t, and introduce them. Follow up with them later to learn whether that introduction was worthwhile, so you can get better at making introductions.
Keep on practising, and watch your network grow.
How do I build rapport when networking?
The phrase ‘good communication skills’ is misplaced and confusing.
It’s much better to think in simpler terms – you need to make the person you’re networking with like you.
That means don’t talk over or ignore the person, be attentive, be interesting. If you become friends, they’ll want to help you.
Should I directly ask for a job when networking?
Asking for a job as soon as you meet someone can immediately set you off on the wrong foot. It just doesn’t work that way.
Make it clear that you’re asking for advice on how to apply, more information on roles, and always be appreciative with whatever help you’re given.
What should I ask for when I network with someone?
Try not be transactional about networking. Do not offer something because you want something in return. Instead, show a genuine interest in something you and the other person have in common.
When it comes to asking for a favour – BE SPECIFIC:
- ‘Let me know if you hear of anything’ is rubbish.
- When you’re interested in a role and someone can help you, always be crystal clear in exactly how this person can help you.
- Explain your (career) objectives clearly and whether he or she would make an introduction to person X, provide you a reference, give you an interview, send your CV directly to person X, advice on making the career switch etc.
Is networking something I only do when job hunting?
Networking is not something you ‘switch on and off’.
In fact, ‘networking’ is simply a fancier term for ‘being friendlier to people and making and effort at staying in touch’.
That’s simply what it is, and it also means that it’s a lifestyle rather than a concentrated effort when you need a job.
How do I maintain my network long-term?
Good relationships take time, but not as long as you think if you work on it but let it develop as its natural pace. It’s kinda like dating really. Rushing makes things awkward and weird.
Because relationships are progressions, follow-ups are important. If you’ve bad memory, make notes about the person and summarize the meeting outcome in a spreadsheet to remind you.
It’s OK to email, but bear in mind that their inbox are probably swamped. Follow up by email again after a week even if you have not heard back.
It’s OK if that person doesn’t respond, every bit helps to remind him/her of you, and sometimes they just don’t have time to respond, but it doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about you, especially if you’ve been writing to offer a connection or relevant information to that person, i.e. looking out for them.
Humans have a tendency to want to reciprocate, so the more you show you’re looking out for someone, the more likely that person will begin to keep you in mind as well.
Maintaining your network may not be as hard as it sounds. In this day of LinkedIn, Facebook and email, it’s easy to continue to stay in touch, and reach out to people. Say hello, send an interesting article, ask about their family. It’s the little things that matter.
Review your efforts after 1 month and meeting 20 new people. You’ll be surprised how many more new opportunities you’ve discovered through this.
Frequently asked questions about professional networking
How long does it take to build a professional network?
Building a meaningful professional network typically takes 3-6 months of consistent effort.
Start by connecting with 2-3 new people per week, and you’ll have 20-30 valuable contacts within your first month.
The key is consistency—networking is a marathon, not a sprint
What’s the best way to network if I’m an introvert?
Introverts can excel at networking by focusing on one-on-one coffee meetings rather than large networking events.
Start with smaller, more intimate settings where you can have deeper conversations.
LinkedIn messaging is also effective for introverts, allowing you to initiate contact in writing before meeting in person.
How do I network effectively in finance careers?
In finance, networking is particularly important as many jobs are never publicly advertised.
For example, if you’re a CFA candidate or charterholder, you can attend CFA Society events, and joining finance-specific LinkedIn groups.
Headhunters and recruiters are also valuable contacts for finance professionals.
Should I network even if I’m not looking for a job?
Absolutely. The best time to build your network is when you don’t need it.
Networking while employed is less transactional and allows you to build genuine relationships. When you eventually need your network for a job search, you’ll already have established trust and goodwill.
How do I ask someone in my network for a job referral?
Be specific and make it easy for them to help.
Instead of “let me know if you hear of anything,” say: “I’m targeting equity research analyst roles at mid-sized investment banks. Would you be willing to introduce me to your contact at [specific company] or forward my CV to your HR team?”
Always express genuine appreciation for their time.
What if someone in my network doesn’t respond to my message?
Don’t take it personally. People are busy and emails get buried. Follow up once after 7-10 days with a brief, friendly reminder.
If there’s still no response, move on—not everyone will be able to help, and that’s okay. Focus your energy on those who do respond positively.
How often should I reach out to maintain my network?
For key contacts, reach out every 2-3 months with something valuable—an interesting article, a congratulations on their achievement, or a quick “checking in” message.
For broader network contacts, touching base 2-3 times per year is sufficient. Quality matters more than frequency.
Is LinkedIn enough for networking, or do I need in-person meetings?
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool for initiating connections and staying in touch, but in-person meetings (or video calls) build stronger relationships faster.
Use LinkedIn to research and initiate contact, then aim to transition to a phone call or coffee meeting for deeper relationship building.
What are the biggest networking mistakes to avoid?
The three biggest mistakes are:
(1) Only networking when you need a job—this appears transactional;
(2) Failing to follow up after initial meetings—relationships require nurturing; (3) Not being specific about how someone can help—vague requests rarely get results.
Always be genuine, specific, and maintain the relationship long-term.
How do I network if I’m changing careers into finance?
Career changers should focus on informational interviews to learn about the industry while building contacts.
Be upfront about your career transition, emphasize transferable skills, and show genuine curiosity about the finance field.
E.g. CFA candidates changing careers often find success networking through local CFA Society chapters and study groups.
Do you have further tips to add on how to network better? Up for taking the 1 month networking challenge? Comment below or share your progress with us in the Forum!
Meanwhile here are some related articles that may be of interest:
- How to Write a Good Resume: 11 Actionable Tips
- 5 Areas You Need To Focus on To Write A Killer Resume
- Are Professional Resume Writing Services Worth It? Here’s Our Verdict
- How to Prepare for An Interview: 3 Steps to Secure Your Job Offer
- How to Properly Display CFA on Resume, LinkedIN and Business Cards
@DollarsToDonuts: Awesome. We’ll be adding to the board over the next few weeks, but you can sign up for it already!
What a great series of articles! And once again your timing couldn’t be more perfect. I am in the middle of a job search (equity research) that began two months ago and have been networking like crazy. People help who they like, so it pays to heed your advice of befriending your network.
Thanks DollarsToDonuts! We’re thinking of setting up something job/career focused in our forum as well – do you think that’s something you’d be interested in?
Definitely! For me in particular that would be great and I’m sure others taking the CFA are doing it to prepare for a career move so it would be a great addition to your site.