For many people, “networking” brings to mind a crowded room, name tags and forced small talk. If that sounds miserable, good news: most useful networking for a first job happens one message and one short conversation at a time.
Networking is simply building relationships with people who know more about the work you want to do. Done well, it gives you inside information, honest advice and, sometimes, a referral. Here is how to do it even if you are shy, have a small network or have never done it before.
Reframe what you are asking for
The biggest mistake beginners make is asking strangers for a job. That puts people on the spot. Ask for something smaller and easier to say yes to:
- 15 minutes of advice about their career path.
- Their view on which skills matter most in their role.
- A recommendation for where people in their field find openings.
People generally like being asked for advice. A referral, if it happens, comes later and is offered rather than demanded.
Who to contact first
Start with the people most likely to answer:
- Warm contacts: friends, relatives, former classmates, teachers, coaches, former managers from part-time jobs.
- Alumni: graduates of your school or program, especially those one to five years ahead of you.
- Shared-community contacts: members of the same club, association, online community or volunteer group.
- People in your target role at companies you like: colder, but often very helpful.
Write down 20 names before you send a single message. Mixing warm and cold contacts keeps your confidence up while you practice.
What to write: a simple message formula
Keep your first message under 100 words. Use this structure: connection, specific reason, small ask, easy out.
Message to an alumnus
Hi Priya,
I’m a recent graduate from Lakeside College’s business program and noticed you work in operations at a logistics company. I’m exploring entry-level operations roles and would really value your perspective on what the first year looks like.
Would you be open to a 15-minute call in the next couple of weeks? Completely understand if you’re busy.
Thanks,
Daniel
Notice what it does not include: your resume, a request for a job or a long life story. If you are writing on LinkedIn, our guide to using LinkedIn to find your first job covers connection requests and profile basics.
Running a 15-minute advice call
Prepare five questions and do not try to use them all. Good options:
- “What does a typical week look like in your role?”
- “What surprised you most in your first year?”
- “Which skills do new hires on your team usually lack?”
- “If you were starting again, what would you do differently in your job search?”
- “Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?”
Respect the time limit. At 14 minutes, say “I want to respect your time” and start wrapping up. That small moment of professionalism is often what people remember.
Follow up the same day
Send a short thank-you message within 24 hours that mentions one specific thing you learned. If they suggested a person, resource or action, follow it and report back a few weeks later:
Thank-you note
Hi Priya, thanks again for your time today. Your point about learning shipment tracking software before applying was really helpful; I’ve started the vendor’s free tutorial. I’ll let you know how my search goes.
This update is the step most people skip, and it is the one that turns a one-off call into a relationship.
When and how to ask about openings
If a contact works at a company with a relevant opening, it is reasonable to ask after you have spoken:
Asking about a specific role
“I noticed your team has posted an Operations Coordinator role. Based on our conversation I think it’s a strong fit for me. Would you be comfortable sharing any advice on the application, or pointing me to the right person?”
Let them decide whether to refer you. Many companies run employee referral programs, so you may be doing them a favor as well.
Networking for introverts
If talking to strangers drains you, use formats that suit you:
- Prefer writing over calls when people offer that option.
- Schedule calls with a buffer afterwards to recover.
- Prepare a short introduction you can say without thinking: “I’m a recent graduate looking for entry-level operations roles. I’m especially interested in how teams keep shipments on track.”
- Aim for two conversations a week, not ten.
Our article on fitting in with a new team as an introvert has more strategies that also apply here.
Track your relationships
Add a “Networking” tab to your job search tracker with name, how you know them, last contact date and next step. A reminder to send a brief update every two or three months keeps the relationship alive without feeling forced.
Common mistakes
- Sending a long message with your full resume attached.
- Asking “Can you get me a job?” in the first message.
- Disappearing after the call without a thank-you.
- Only reaching out when you need something.
Send your first two messages
Write your list of 20 names today and send two messages this week using the formula above. If someone does not reply, a single polite follow-up after a week is fine. For companies you admire that have no openings at all, try a cold email to a company that isn’t hiring.