How to network


Summary

Tips to build your network in a way that fits you (+quick preparation checklist)

null

Networking means meeting people and building relationships within your professional field. More specifically, it helps you build professional relationships and to identify and create opportunities that benefit both parties. To help you network, we provide you with tips to build your network in a way that fits you. It may sound scary but once you get started, networking can be both enjoyable and rewarding!

How to network: a step-by-step guide

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start networking, prepare by answering the following five questions:

1. Why do you need a network?

  • First think of why you need a network. What do you want to achieve with it? What is your goal? Are you looking for a job or internship? Do you want to know more about aa specific topic?

2. Which networks? 

  • Think about the networks you would like to access. Keep an open mind and think broadly. Focus on those groups that best fit your (professional) needs and interests.

3. Who do you know? 

  • Do you already know someone who could help, or someone who could introduce you to the right person? The 6 handshakes rule claims that anyone van be connected through a chain of 6 people or even fewer.

4. What do you have to offer? 

  • What do you have to offer to another person or a network? How can you help?

5. How do you introduce yourself? 

  • Have your introduction pitch ready.

Step 2: Start networking

Networking is based on visibility. When you have answered the preparation questions, you’ll be able to start networking! In this process, be proactive. Show your expertise and  enthusiasm and take the initiative to connect with others.

Events/Conferences/Meetings

  • Participate in (networking) events/conferences/meetings/field-specific events.
  • At the event, approach people and start with some small talk about a shared contact, interest or goal. Explain what matters to you and be open about what you are looking for or can offer.
  • At multi-day events, start with networking on the first day, when attendees are often most open to making new connections.
  • Keep in mind the etiquette rules of other people and/or country.
  • Attend with a giving mindset; help whenever you can, share advice openly.
  • When appropriate, take pictures / selfies and share after the event as a natural way to stay in touch.
  • Tip for introverts: Attend small events. Start connecting with people based on the content. Make small steps e.g., reach out to people you already know. Ask that person to introduce you to others. 

Socialize!

  • Participate in social programs at school, work, conferences, meetings, etc.
  • Connect with like-minded people through platforms such as LinkedIn, alumni networks or professional communities relevant to your field.

Presentations

  • Present a PowerPoint or poster (with handouts), and/or organize a workshop.
  • Attend presentations in your field of interest, ask questions and participate in discussions.
  • Introduce yourself to the presenters or lecturers during a break.
  • Meet new/other colleagues in your specialism.
  • Keep in contact with colleagues after the presentation through email/social media.

Publications

  • Publish with (international) colleagues.
  • Recognize your colleagues' contributions and give them the opportunity to be first author.
  • Inform your network on new articles/papers/achievements.

Create a network online (through email/social media)

  • Use email proactively; reply to emails as soon as possible, send follow-up emails before/after meetings.
  • Use social media proactively; connect with people online, send messages and reply to messages as soon as possible. LinkedIn is the easiest way to connect. You can easily find the people that are working/studying in the same field and connect with people via a request to connect. Once your connection request has been accepterd, continue the conversation through a message or suggest to meet online or in person. See also our LinkedIn guide.
  • Meet people online, for example via Microsoft Teams, to learn more about someone’s job/career path or organization they work at.

Meet/visit each other

  • Organize meetings/exchanges/(lunch) appointments and invite your peers/contacts/colleagues. These can also be short 1-1 meetings to hear more about a person’s job/work/life, about the organisation they work at, etc.
  • When visiting abroad, bring typical presents from your home country (can be small presents)
  • Make and share pictures if that fits with who you are.

Tip

  • If an organization you are interested in has no current vacancies, ask your contact about future opportunities. If they are not the right person to ask, request an introduction to someone who may be of help.

Intro examples for requests to connect online

  • Would you like to be part of my network?
  • Would you like to join or be in my network?
  • I saw that you also work with <topics> / in the field of <topics> / in that <area> ...
  • I saw that you also know <person>, whom I work with now.
  • I saw you at an interesting event. I would be pleased to connect with you.
  • I liked your presentation very much, would be nice to connect with you.
  • We did the same study and I am enthusiastic about your work, shall we connect?

Step 3: Maintaining your network

Meet/Visit each other

  • If you have met somebody at an event, make sure to follow up. For example, make an appointment to (further) discuss a common interest/topic, connect with them online, etc. You can also reconnect sometime after the event, when a (new) common interest/topic comes along.
  • If you need a person or see an opportunity to help somebody, it’s a reason to (re-)connect. Start the conversation by referring to interests/topics you have talked about.
  • If people from another country come to the location where you are, you can invite them to your home or arrange a warm welcome in another way.
  • Make and share pictures if that fits with who you are.

Maintain your network online (through email/social media)

  • Use email proactive; reply emails as soon as possible, send digital Christmas cards and such, send follow up emails before/after meetings.
  • Use social media proactive; inform your network on interesting developments, update your profile regularly, send messages and reply messages as soon as possible.
  • Keep contact with people who are important to you (“how are you doing?”).

How to prepare for a networking event: Quick checklist

1. Determine your goal 
  • What do you want to achieve? Are you searching for opportunities (orientation, internship, job), expanding your network, or showcasing your skills?
2. Get to know the attendees
  • Research attending companies/organisations: their company culture, their projects and their vacancies (on their website or on JobTeaser)
  • Make a list of attendees you want to meet
3. Update your CV & LinkedIn 
  • Check out our quick checklists to refresh your CV and LinkedIn
  • Use your LinkedIn QR code at the event to stay connected
  • Optional: Bring copies of your CV. Note: Nowadays, some employers and organisations are not open to receiving a printed copy of your CV due to privacy concerns. 
4. Create an intro pitch 
  • Know your strengths
  • Prepare how to introduce yourself to employers naturally. Check out our step-by-step guide to help you create an introduction pitch
5. Prepare questions 

When you quickly feel overwhelmed at networking events

What should you do when you quickly feel overwhelmed at big networking events (e.g. the WUR Career Day)?

  • Attend the event early (directly at the start) or at the end of the event.
  • Start small/warm up first with someone you already know like a peer: begin with casual conversations to build confidence before heading to your preferred employers.
  • Ask people you already know to introduce you to others.
  • Only focus on people/organisations of your interest (create a list in advance).
  • If you don’t know how to start the conversation yourself, start with small talk about a mutual colleague/friend, interest, goal. Then connect based on content.
  • Take breaks: Step outside, breathe, recharge when needed, eat something.

Tips and pitfalls

When it comes to networking, there are also some pitfalls that need to be kept in mind: 

  • Be yourself, stay true to yourself! Network in a way that fits with your personality and preferences.
  • Personal branding is important, share where you stand for. But, very strong political statements can be tricky.
  • Keep in mind the etiquette rules of other persons and/or country, for example, think of wearing the correct clothing.
  • Over-enthusiasm is not (always) considered very professional.
  • Sometimes, presents may be too pushy (be aware of the culture).
  • Don’t stay too long in a certain club/network, if you feel that there is no common ground anymore. Keep your network updated.
  • Do not promise too much, only if you are sure you can fulfil the promise.
  • Diminish contact when people are not dependable.
  • Relation building takes time, there must be a mutual interest.
  • If you help someone, don’t automatically expect something in return. Approach networking as an opportunity to build mutually valuable relationships, nog only for your own benefit.
  • Only refer people to others, if you believe in the qualities of that person or network, otherwise it may damage your own reputation.
  • You don’t need to become friends with every person.
  • Be fair and inclusive in how you treat others.

Grow your network: professional associations