Networking is the most important component of the job search process because it provides visibility to opportunities that are often not publicly advertised. According to a 2020 survey by LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking, underscoring the importance of personal connections in the job market. By attending industry events, connecting with alumni, or participating in internships, new or soon-to-be college graduates can tap into the hidden job market and increase their chances of finding roles matching their skills and career aspirations. Networking also allows individuals to gain insights into specific industries or companies, making them better equipped to tailor their applications to stand out among competitors.
Beyond job opportunities, networking helps graduates develop professionally by exposing them to diverse perspectives from experienced professionals. A 2022 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found graduates who actively engaged in professional networking were more likely to secure mentorships and build long-term career relationships. These connections can provide guidance on career directions, skill development, and navigating workplace challenges.
Finally, being part of a strong network fosters a sense of community and support, which is invaluable as graduates transition from academic to professional life. Through consistent and meaningful interactions, networking becomes a powerful tool for building a successful and fulfilling career.
The rise of remote work and digital-first hiring practices also presents both opportunities and obstacles for job seekers. While virtual interviews and remote jobs expand access to opportunities, they can also make it more challenging for graduates to stand out in a crowded field of competition from across the country. Once hired in a new job, building meaningful professional connections and demonstrating interpersonal skills can be difficult in virtual settings, leaving many new professionals feeling isolated and making the transition to their next job difficult.
Despite these hurdles, there are strategies to help graduates overcome job search challenges. Seeking guidance from career coaches, learning to network, and engaging in internships or volunteer opportunities can help bridge experience gaps. Additionally, creatively using social networking tools and LinkedIn profiles can improve job prospects. With determination, creativity, and the right resources, graduates can navigate the current job market challenges and position themselves for long-term career success. Over the past year, we’ve worked with and interviewed dozens of recent college graduates about their experiences in securing their first job or internship. A few of their stories offer excellent examples of ways in which recent graduates can overcome job market challenges.
Using social media for effective networking involves leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to build professional relationships and showcase your expertise. Start by creating a well-crafted and professional profile that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and career aspirations. On LinkedIn, for example, a polished profile photo, a concise headline, and a detailed summary can significantly boost your visibility.
But it’s not enough to passively lurk in the shadows, you need to engage in the on-line community. Regularly posting and sharing relevant content, such as industry insights, personal achievements, or thoughtful commentary on current trends, can help position you as a knowledgeable professional. Engaging with others by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts fosters connections and keeps you on their radar.
Expanding your network is an important component of your personal social media strategy. Reach out to professionals in your field, contact alumni from your college, or participants in industry-related groups, and personalize connection requests to make a strong first impression. Joining online communities, attending virtual events, and participating in discussions can also broaden your reach and expose you to valuable opportunities.
In talking with some of our recently-launched young professionals, they suggested a few tips for using social media as a networking tool:
1. Be Authentic— Use the tools and messages that feel true to who you are—or at least the “professional you”.
2. Give Back to the Network— Just like relationships IRL, networking via social media is a 2-way street. You need to give support to others, just as you’re seeking it. Read and comment on others’ posts; celebrate your colleagues’ achievements; offer insight or assistance when possible.
3. Don’t Overdo It— Posting and participating is great. But too much is… too much. Be aware of the social norms within your professional group and be careful not to stray from what feels “right” within that context.
While networking via social media provides a broad spectrum of contacts, meeting people in real life and actually engaging with them gives depth to your professional relationships. Human to human exchanges matter. There’s a reason experienced sales executives meet clients in person to close large deals; or politicians go door-to-door to visit potential voters; or business leaders personally attend conferences in remote locations to discuss their industries. It’s the human part of interactions that often makes the difference.
So, as a recent college graduate or near graduate, how do you start building your network? Here are our favorite network building tips for new grads:
1. Show up—Meet your future colleagues where they are.
2. Meet up—Ask for a meeting.
3. Follow up—Thank people, check in with them, maintain the contact
While this is good advice for any stage of one’s career, we’ve outlined specific ideas for new and emerging college graduates to build their professional networks.
Show up — If your college or local community is hosting a job fair, make a point to attend it. If there are professional clubs or organizations in your school, participate in them. If there are professional conferences in your field of interest occurring nearby, see if they have a student admission rate and attend. If the Career Office organizes interviews or meetings with industry leaders, participate. This is where you can meet and learn from others in your profession. One of our recently-launched college graduates shared how, after a junior year switch to an entirely new major, she participated in a professional club at her school (and became the Treasurer). Several club members shared info about internship opportunities she would never have known about. Ultimately, she got the internship and, subsequently, an excellent job offer.
Meet Up — If the idea of asking a professional for a coffee meeting seems wildly intimidating, start closer to home. Ask a professor for an informational meeting to learn about their ideas for your career directions. Professors often have contacts in the community and can make an introduction. Use LinkedIn to find alumni working in your field and reach out for a short career conversation. If your college’s career office offers meetings with mentors, sign up. Ask everyone if there’s someone else you should be talking with. One caveat here—DON’T ask these people for a job, ask them for advice. If they know of a job, they’ll tell you about it. This is the time to ask questions and learn.
Follow Up — Good manners matter in real life and in your professional life. When people give you the gift of their time and expertise, it’s important to thank them and, when appropriate, follow up with them. For example, after a career conversation, a quick text or email thanks is important. If someone made an intro to their colleague, let them know when you’ve followed up with that intro. The most effective networkers continue to follow up over time—sharing information about an industry conference or event, supporting or congratulating their colleague on a promotion or award, etc., or even getting together socially as the relationship grows.
The Career Coaches at The Launchpad Collective are here to help! We specialize in career counseling for new college graduates. If you’d like to get more creative ideas and pragmatic advice about how to land your first job, contact us at info@thelaunchpadcollective.com. Your career is our mission.
Contact us for a free consultation at info@thelaunchpadcollective.com if any of the following are of interest to you: choosing a career, college graduate employment, career coaching for young professionals, interview practice, finding jobs after college, networking tips, college graduates looking for jobs, personal branding, internships for college students, salary negotiations, jobs for college graduates, optimizing your resume, finding jobs after college.
