A common myth among students and young professionals is, “I don’t have a network.” But that’s simply not true.
Look at the people in your life:
– Family and friends (and their coworkers, friends, or neighbors)
– Classmates and professors
– Former teachers, coaches, or mentors
– Supervisors from part-time jobs or internships
– Neighbors, community leaders, and even your dentist or barber!
Every single one of these people is part of your existing network. And most of them would be happy to help you, especially if you reach out with a specific ask.
Why Networking Matters (and the Stats to Prove It)
Still not convinced? The numbers speak for themselves:
– According to a 2023 survey by Zippia, 85% of jobs are filled through networking.
– A LinkedIn study found that over 70% of professionals hired in the past year had a connection at the company where they got the job.
– And Harvard Business Review reported that referred candidates are 15x more likely to be hired than those who apply online without a referral.
If you’ve been applying to jobs online and hearing nothing back, it’s not you—it’s the system. Networking isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the unofficial hiring channel most people don’t realize they’re missing out on.
How to Reach Out to Your Network Without Feeling Weird
Here’s the thing: it’s perfectly okay to reach out to your network—even if you haven’t spoken to someone in a while. People love to help, especially when it’s low-stakes and specific.
Here are a few sample messages that feel natural:
“Hi Mr. Garcia, I’m exploring careers in marketing and I remember you used to work at an ad agency. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call sometime next week? I’d love to hear about your path and any advice you might have.”
“Hey cousin Jess! I saw you recently started a job in cybersecurity—congrats! I’m thinking about going into that field too. Could we chat sometime soon about what your job is like?”
“Professor James, I’m applying for internships this summer and would really appreciate your feedback on my resume or if you know anyone in [industry].”
Keep it short, sincere, and specific. That’s the magic formula.
Parents: You’re a Hidden Superpower
Parents often underestimate their own networks—but they’re often a goldmine. Maybe you went to college with someone who now works in tech. Maybe you know someone in HR, or you’re connected with small business owners in your community. Don’t be afraid to activate your network on your student’s behalf. And students—it’s okay to ask your parents for help connecting with someone. This isn’t cheating. This is how most careers actually work.
Tips for Networking That Doesn’t Feel Gross
1. Be curious, not transactional. Ask questions. Be genuinely interested in someone’s story.
2. Say thank you—and mean it. A thoughtful follow-up note or email goes a long way.
3. Keep in touch. Don’t let it be a one-and-done. Relationships grow over time.
4. Offer value. Even if you’re young or inexperienced, you can share articles, ideas, or help others
in return.
Final Thought: Networking Is Human Nature
You don’t have to be slick, extroverted, or powerful to network. You just have to be willing to connect. Your network is already bigger than you think—and growing it is one of the best investments you can make in your career.
Want to Get Started Today?
Pick one person in your life—just one—who might have insight into a field you’re curious about. Send them a message. That’s it. No big ask. Just curiosity and connection. The rest will come.
