Networking Ideas for Introverts and Socially Anxious Job Seekers
Networking can be a challenging task for introverts and individuals who find social interactions draining or overwhelming. However, building professional relationships is essential for discovering new job opportunities and advancing your career. Here are some strategies to help you navigate both in-person and online networking more comfortably:
Attend structured events: Opt for workshops, seminars, or volunteer projects that have a clear agenda and purpose. These events provide a structured environment that can be less intimidating than open-ended networking sessions.
Practice your elevator pitch: Prepare a concise summary of your professional background, skills, and career goals. Practicing your elevator pitch ahead of time can boost your confidence and help you communicate effectively when meeting new people and someone asks, “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself.”
For example: “Hi, I'm Sarah, a junior Computer Science student at XYZ University. I'm passionate about artificial intelligence and have been developing my skills through AI-focused courses and projects. For example, I recently created a machine learning model that predicts customer churn, which strengthened my data analysis and programming skills. I'm seeking opportunities to work as a data science intern where I can apply my problem-solving abilities to drive data-driven decisions. I'd appreciate any advice or insights you might have!"
Memorize some small-talk questions: Having a few go-to questions can help ease the anxiety of starting conversations, especially when you only have a few minutes to chat.
Some examples include:
"What brings you to this event?"
"What do you do for work?"
"What's your favorite part of your job?"
"How did you get into your field?"
"Any advice for someone just starting out?"
"What's the most interesting project you've worked on lately?"
"Any recommended resources for learning more about your industry?"
Practice active listening: Show genuine interest in the other person's responses by focusing on them and what they’re saying instead of glancing around the room while they’re talking.
Have an exit strategy: Sometimes you may find yourself ready to leave a conversation but don’t want to appear rude. The key is to have a plan of what to say when this happens using a template: Thank the person for their time and take control of the next step. Here are examples of lines you can have ready in this situation (tweak to fit your voice/style):
If you’re at a networking event: “It’s been fantastic talking to you. My goal is to meet 5 people today, so I’m going to move on to my next person. I hope you have a great day and I look forward to connecting on LinkedIn.”
If you’re at a one-on-one informational interview: “Well, thank you so much for all of your insights today. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, and I don’t want to take up any more of your day. I’m going to go make use of your advice right away!“
Schedule one-on-one coffee chats: If large group events feel overwhelming, focus on scheduling individual coffee chats or informational interviews. These intimate settings allow for more focused conversations and can be less mentally taxing.
Take breaks to recharge: Listen to your body and mind. If you feel drained during a networking event, conference, or career fair, don't hesitate to step away for a few minutes to recharge. Take a quick walk, find a quiet corner, or engage in a calming activity like deep breathing exercises.
Related: What if it’s too difficult to network in-person? How To Network Virtually to Build Meaningful Connections.
Follow up to nurture connections: After meeting someone new, be sure to get their contact information. Then follow up with a personalized message. Make sure to reference something positive you remember about what they said. This could be a thank-you email, a LinkedIn connection request (always with a message!), or an invitation to meet again. Following up helps to nurture the relationship and keeps you top of mind when job opportunities arise.
Here are 4 specific examples of following up to nurture connections:
Share relevant content: If you come across an article, video, or podcast that relates to a topic you discussed with your new connection, forward it to them with a brief message. For example, "Hi [Name], I remember you mentioned your interest in [topic] during our chat. I came across this article and thought you might find it insightful. Let me know your thoughts!"
Offer valuable insights: If you have knowledge or experience related to a challenge your connection is facing, reach out with some helpful suggestions. For instance, "Hi [Name], I was thinking about the [specific challenge] you mentioned during our conversation. I faced a similar situation in the past, and I found that [suggestion] was really effective. I hope this helps, and let me know if you'd like to discuss further!"
Request advice or guidance: As a college student, you can leverage your connections for mentorship and career advice. Reach out to your new connection with a specific question or request for guidance. For example, "Hi [Name], it was great connecting with you [at event] or [on specific social media platform]. I'm really impressed by your experience in [industry] and would love to learn more about your career journey. If you have some time, I would be grateful for the opportunity to ask you a few questions and get your advice on breaking into the field. Please let me know if you're available for a quick phone call or virtual coffee chat next week!"
Like, share, and comment: When your connections share content or post on LinkedIn, interact with relevant posts by liking, sharing, or commenting. That keeps you on their radar.
Remember, the key to nurturing connections is to be genuine, helpful, and consistent in your communication. By showing interest in your connections' goals and experiences, you'll build stronger relationships and create opportunities for mutual growth and support.