You may hear the word “networking” and immediately picture super-awkward conversations or having to message strangers on LinkedIn to ask for a job. That misunderstanding is exactly why so many people struggle with networking in the first place.
The definition is very simple, but has been overcomplicated through the years by jargon and buzzwords. Networking is about building relationships and a reputation.
It’s being curious about people, learning what they do, remembering what matters to them, and staying connected over time instead of only reaching out when you need something. Most networking happens in small, normal moments.
Real-life examples:
- Staying after a class, event panel, or webinar to ask the guest speaker(s) a thoughtful question
- Messaging an alumni from your college and asking about their career path
- Consistently commenting on LinkedIn posts so people begin recognizing your name
- Joining a Discord, Slack group, Reddit community, or professional group related to your interests/industry and actually participating (instead of only lurking)
- Helping someone else first by sharing an opportunity, resource, article, or connection
- Volunteering at an event and naturally meeting people while working alongside them
- Building a reputation as someone reliable in group projects, student organizations, internships, gaming communities, creative communities, or online spaces
- Posting your own work, ideas, projects, art, writing, coding, research, or accomplishments online so people begin associating your name with certain skills or interests
- Joining national organizations for your industry of interest, getting involved with any offered mentorship programs, engaging with others online, or attending events
Networking is ALSO maintenance. A lot of people make connections and then disappear forever (or until they need something), which feels transactional and gives the professional “ick”. When I work with college students and young adults, I often remind them that the actual relationship-building involves follow-up and follow-through. Remember, the goal is: “How do I become someone people remember in a positive way?”
Opportunities often happen behind closed doors before jobs are ever posted publicly. This is called “the hidden job market.” Perhaps someone might share your name because they remember you were thoughtful and reliable, liked talking to you, saw your consistency, or you showed genuine curiosity rather than just trying to impress them.
THAT is networking. Build enough real relationships, and your name will start traveling into rooms you haven’t even walked into yet.
With that in mind, here are some of the biggest networking mistakes people make, and the advice I give young adults in my career coaching sessions.
Mistake #1: Only Networking When You Need Something
One of the biggest mistakes people make is disappearing for months or years and only reaching out when they need a job. Most people can immediately sense when a conversation is about getting something from them.
The strongest professional relationships are built long before someone needs help. People who network well stay visible consistently. They engage with others even when they are not actively job searching.
Instead:
Stay connected over time in small, manageable ways. Comment thoughtfully on LinkedIn posts. Congratulate someone on a promotion. Share an article that reminded you of a previous conversation. Attend events consistently enough that people recognize your name and face.
Mistake #2: Treating Networking ONLY as Self-Promotion
A lot of people approach networking thinking they need to impress everyone immediately. They focus so much on selling themselves that they forget to actually connect with the other people. Ironically, most people are usually more drawn to curiosity and authenticity than rehearsed or “fake” perfection.
Instead:
Ask questions that you actually care about. Listen carefully and be genuinely interested in how someone got started, what challenges they faced, or what trends they are seeing in their industry. People tend to remember conversations where they felt you were really interested rather than very obviously trying to “pitch” yourself.
Mistake #3: Thinking Networking Only Happens With Recruiters or Executives
Many people underestimate the power of weak ties and every day relationships. They focus entirely on recruiters, hiring managers, or high-level professionals while overlooking the people around them and in their immediate circle.
In reality, opportunities often come from friends, classmates, alumni, former coworkers, professors, friends of friends, and online communities.
Instead:
Build relationships everywhere. Your classmates may eventually become hiring managers. A professor may recommend you for an opportunity years later. Someone you volunteered with may think of you when their company is hiring.
The people who tend to get hired are rarely the people who “network perfectly.”
The best candidates are usually the people who consistently stay engaged, remain curious, build relationships over time, and continue showing up.
You do not need thousands of connections. You need genuine interactions, some consistency, and the willingness to build (and maintain) relationships. That is what effective networking actually looks like.
If you need help getting started, reach out to Educational Connections to learn about our virtual Career Coaching programs!
About Our Guest Author:
Britt Chill is a Career Counselor with Educational Connections’ Launch Coaching Program, with 13+ years of experience helping college students and recent graduates land their first jobs. She holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Counseling, as well as a background in business and career development.
Britt specializes in resume strategy, interview prep, LinkedIn optimization, and using AI tools to strengthen applications. She’s known for guiding overwhelmed young adults from “I have no idea what I’m doing” to a clear plan and real job opportunities.