Networking for Graduates in a Remote World

More introverted personalities may find that the current social distancing environment is better suited for them as they can more comfortably express themselves in writing or over the phone, without the stress of being in a crowded party or conference.

I always try to connect with anyone that I have had a meaningful exchange with in my personal or professional life. I primarily use LinkedIn as my networking platform but do my networking both online and offline.

The following is my personal approach to networking:

Be Strategic: My process has always revolved around finding a job/role that I am interested in or a company that I am interested in working with (regardless of job postings). Not all jobs or opportunities are posted online.

Identify if you have shared connections on LinkedIn, even 2nd or 3rd connections in common. An email introduction from a shared connection is worth a lot more than a blind message. Always leverage your network: alumni, professors and guest speakers are often a great source of contacts for recent grads. From my experience, 75% of my professional opportunities have come through a personal contact or connection.

Be Prepared: Research your contact and learn as much about their career path and journey before speaking with them, so that you can ask them specific questions related to how they were able to grow in their organization or how they got their first job.

In some cases, you may be trying to understand their role. For example, what does a product manager do and what experience or education do I need to be considered for similar roles? These can be great exploratory calls that have less pressure then trying to get an immediate referral.

Be Respectful: If someone gives you 20 minutes of their time, make sure you do not surpass it. If the conversation is flowing, ask them around the 20-minute mark if they have a few more minutes (only if you have more questions). If they do not have more time, ask them if you can follow up via email with any additional questions.

Be Human: Building relationships take time. Nobody wants to feel like they are being used, so do not ask for a recommendation or referral in your first communication. People need to have an interaction with you first, preferably in person or over the phone, to understand if you are someone that they want to recommend.

Be Persistent: It is YOUR job to do the follow up. People are extremely busy, and they may not get back to you simply because they have a lot of other commitments. I typically send a thank you message within 24 hours, with other questions or follow ups.

With that said, if you have sent someone a reminder/email more than 2–3 times, it is best not to become a nuisance. Not everyone will be willing to speak with you and that is ok.

Be Grateful: Send a well-crafted thank you message (always) or hand-written card (in special instances) to the person that was able to connect you and to your new connection.

Finally, pay it back when someone junior contacts you for advice or information. Some day you will be in the position to be the person that others are trying to connect with.

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