At USPRO, we believe that networking is one of the most important actions a job seeker can take to improve and add value to their connections. With such a competitive market, networking is one of the most effective ways to learn more about the industry, discover hidden opportunities, and land your next job. In fact, 80% of professionals find networking essential to their career success, as it is often who you know that unlocks new career opportunities. 

With that being said, we’ve rounded up the most valuable tips on how to effectively build connections and expand your network. 

Be Authentic and Genuine

When networking it is important to focus on meaningful relationships as opposed to strictly transactional interactions. People can easily sense when you are engaging with them simply for personal gain, so focus on building real connections. You can begin by asking thoughtful questions about their work, career path, or recent projects. It is equally important to actively listen and ask follow-up questions on their responses to show genuine interest. Additionally, share your own goals but do it naturally throughout the conversation.

Specific tips to show genuine interest: 

• Personalize your approach: Ask something specific about their work or industry to show you have done your research and have genuine interest. 
• Balance the conversation: Share your own experiences and aspirations, while being equally interested in theirs. 
• Be patient: Think about the personal relationships you have. Did they form overnight? Authentic relationships take time to develop, and the same goes for professional connections as well. Don’t rush the process by asking for favors too early. Focus on building rapport first, and let opportunities arise naturally.

These tips will help you build a relationship grounded in mutual respect and trust, which can set the stage for long-term professional growth.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

LinkedIn is more than just a place to follow your friends and industry leaders. It is a powerful tool for building your professional network. That being said, it is important to tap into its full potential. Instead of mindlessly clicking “Follow,” use LinkedIn to actively connect with professionals who have your dream job, inspire you, or offer assistance in your career. Be confident and reach out directly! 

Consider using the following as a template for a personalized message to send: 

"Hi [Name],

I’ve been following your work at [Company] and admire your career path in [specific industry or role]. I’m currently working towards [goal or field], and I’d love to learn more about your experience. Would you be open to a quick chat? I’d really appreciate the chance to hear your insights.

Best,

[Your Name]"

This approach shows both initiative and genuine interest in building a mutually beneficial connection.

Attend Networking Events and Job Fairs

While online networking is important, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. In fact, almost 100% of professionals believe in-person meetings build stronger long-term relationships. Attending local job fairs, industry events, and professional meetups provides you with great opportunities to make deeper connections. These meetings are also great opportunities to practice your elevator pitch and gain valuable advice from professionals in your field. Eventbrite posts job fairs, networking events, and professional meetups across the nation, so check out what events are coming up near you! 

Give and Take

Networking is not asking for a job. Rather, it is about building a mutually beneficial professional relationship. No one wants to be part of a one-sided connection where they receive nothing in return. Instead of focusing on what you can receive, think about what you can offer someone else. Whether it’s sharing valuable insights, providing a different perspective, or offering certain services, think about how you can help others to be successful. By having a healthy balance of give and take, you can build a stronger, more meaningful connection. 

Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Networking isn’t just a one-time exchange of information. Following up and staying connected is just as important as the initial meeting. Remember, ideally we want to form meaningful relationships, so keeping communication open is essential. Whether it is a “thank you” email, sharing an interesting article, or even a quick check-in, staying in touch with your connections makes the relationship seem more genuine. This doesn’t mean bombarding them with messages, but rather continuing to offer value while staying in touch. 

For example, after attending a conference, follow up by sending an email to a speaker you admire. In the future, if you see an article relevant to her work, share it to spark another conversation. This simple act turns your initial conversation into a growing professional relationship that can offer valuable insights and guidance for your career path. 

At USPRO, we have seen firsthand how important strong connections are in advancing your career. Over the last decade, we’ve built trusted, long-lasting relationships with leaders in the defense, engineering, and IT industries, who rely on us to provide top talent. By partnering with USPRO, you instantly gain access to our extensive network, allowing you to both find your next opportunity and also expand your own connections. 

Ready to start building connections and take your career to new heights? Contact USPRO today and let us navigate you through professional networking!