Networking: The Career Shortcut You Need to Prioritize

It’s no secret that when advising clients on the job search, I always say: Prioritize people over applications.

Yes, applying matters, and can be effective when done right, but networking and connecting with humans drives more impactful outcomes. Some of the most aligned opportunities don’t come from a job posting – they come from a conversation.

In an era where AI can write your resume, scan your application, and auto-reject it in seconds, human connection is your biggest competitive advantage. The people you build relationships with are the ones who give you the inside scoop, introduce you to others, invite you to apply, and potentially even advocate for you. 

All of my coaching sessions recently have been focused on building stronger networks. I’m recommending my clients take a smarter and more strategic approach to outreach – one that’s rooted in preparation, curiosity, and connection. Below is the framework we use.

Know Your Outcomes

Oftentimes, my clients are moving so fast that they don’t stop to think about the ‘why’ behind their ask in speaking to someone. Before reaching out to someone (regardless if you know them already or not), ask yourself:

• Why am I initiating this conversation?
• What am I curious about, and what impact could this connection have on my path?
• What is my ideal outcome?

Having this clarity ahead of time leads to confidence in your approach and in your conversation. It also shows that you value the other person’s time.

Do Your Research

Just like you’d prepare for a meeting, you need to prepare for an outreach to someone. LinkedIn is one of the easiest and fastest ways to research someone and their career journey. Look into:

• How this person grew their career and how long they’ve been in your target industry/company/role
• What this person cares about, both professionally and personally
• What recent posts they’ve shared publicly (i.e. accomplishments, updates, job postings, etc.)

The more you understand their world, the more you’ll be able to find commonalities between you and the person and ensure your message resonates. 

Tailor Your Message

After you’ve done your research, you can start to identify how to tailor your initial outreach and determine how you best want to come across in your networking approach, taking into account the following:

• What seems to be most important/valuable to this person?
• How does/could my experience tie into their work, goals, or business outcomes?
• What do I want them to know, feel, and do after this conversation?

Relevance creates connection and relevance is what makes you memorable. If you’re stuck and not sure how to get started, below is an example script you can use:

Hi [Name],

 

I saw your post about [idea, article, experience etc. they shared] and I wanted to reach out as your take on [specific insight, challenge, or value they shared] really resonated with me [because of xyz].

 

I’ve been exploring career moves that feel more aligned with [your value/goal – i.e. making an impact through customer success, working for a mission-driven company, etc.], and [Company Name] keeps rising to the top of my list. Given your experience there and how you’ve grown your career, I wanted to see if you had 15 minutes to spare in the next week to connect to share a bit about it with me.

 

To make it easy for you, I’ve shared some of my availability below:

• [avail]
• [avail]
• [avail]

If none of those days/times work, please let me know and I can offer more. I very much appreciate your time and hope to hear from you soon!

 

[Your Name]

Lead with Curiosity

Here’s one thing a lot of people don’t realize: networking isn’t about selling yourself. It’s about showing up, learning, providing value where you can, and being a person others want to know. Going into conversations with others with a curious mindset and armed with questions about them and their experience instead of focusing the conversation around you is going to be much more successful (and increase your likability factor). Here are some example questions:

• “What have you found most rewarding in your role lately?”
• “What trends or challenges are shaping your team right now?”
• “What are your favorite and not-so-favorite parts of working at [Company]?
• “If you were me, exploring this path, what would you recommend as the next step?”
• And, to keep the doors open: “Based on our conversation today, is there anyone else you recommend I speak to or set up time with?”

Taking advantage of asking questions in a more informal setting like a virtual chat vs. a formal interview will also increase your chances of truthful responses. These types of conversations not only build connections with others, but can validate things about areas you’re uncertain about – like a specific role, company, or industry. 

Continue the Conversation

Don’t ghost your network. Continually make an effort to show up and keep in touch, even when you’re not job searching or needing support. Follow up, share a resource, make an intro yourself. Remember: relationships are built over time, not just in one meeting. Consistency is what builds trust.

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And one more thing: connection beats automation. AI can help you optimize your resume. It can even draft outreach messages to send via LinkedIn. But it can’t build actual relationships and do the networking for you. It can’t express genuine curiosity. It can’t show up to a Zoom call with presence and purpose.

That’s your edge. In a world where everything is becoming more automated, being fully human and prioritizing connection is the most strategic move you can make. Because the most powerful career moves don’t happen alone. They happen in community, with advocates, mentors, peers, and new connections who see your value and help to amplify it.