How to Network for Job Success

People ask me all the time how to network. Here’s a short, tactical guide on how to actually do it - grounded in real data, real results, and 3,500+ jobs found through relationships. 🎯 The #1 misconception Networking is not: “Let me ask you for a job.” It is: “Let me have a real, human moment with someone in this industry.” ✅ What actually works This is how you build meaningful professional relationships - the kind that lead to real opportunities: 1️⃣ Be around. Events, Discords, social posts, games projects, ticket giveaways, community coaching - just show up. Start by being visible. Over time, become memorable for the right reasons. 2️⃣ Don’t pitch. Connect. Ask questions. Be genuinely curious. You’re planting seeds, not harvesting. This takes months and years. There are not shortcuts to building real relationships. 3️⃣ Look sideways, not up. A junior colleague can often help you more than a C-level exec. Build trust, first, with people at your level or just above it. 4️⃣ Follow up like a human. Send messages that matter: “Just played [X] - loved the level design.” “Your GDC talk really stuck with me - thank you.” “Noticed you moved from QA to design - would love to hear how.” 5️⃣ Give before you get. Share insights, leave helpful comments, support others’ work - anything that builds trust and makes you recognizable. 6️⃣ Say hi when there’s nothing to gain. That’s the best time. No stakes, no pressure - it’s when real relationships start. 7️⃣ Don’t just “shoot your shot.” ❌❌❌❌❌ Never reach out with “Can you get me a job?” That closes doors, fast. Lead with curiosity and conversation, not a transactional, cold ask. 🔥 If I wanted to be provocative… I’d say this: Applying to jobs without connective tissue is very inefficient. Particularly for early career and more senior folks. Instead of asking, “What should I apply to?” - ask, “Where can I build a relationship?” Posting about hundreds of applications is understandable, but it misses the point. Focus on how many real connections you’ve made - then work backward to the right applications. 🧠 Avoid the Dream Company Trap Too many people focus only on the one studio they love - and end up pinging the same five people as everyone else. I always ask: Where do I already have network strength? Where can I go that everybody else isn’t going? We track 3,000+ game studios. 1,000+ of them hire. Go outside the top 50. 🪜 Think in ladders and sidesteps Instead of aiming straight at your target studio, look at who owns that studio. Think conglomerates. Think sister teams. Adjacent verticals. 📊 The data backs it up. Across our community: Cold apps: ~1–2% yield Apps with any warm connection: 10–20x+ better odds 🧭 The shift is simple Spend more time building bridges than sending résumés. Relationships are the infrastructure of hiring. Build that first. The first thing I ask anyone who's stuck is: Are you spending 80%+ of your effort building relationships? If not, do that.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗠 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿. 𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸. That it was only for extroverts, salespeople, or those who knew the “right” people. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The truth? LinkedIn changed my career more than any job board ever could. From landing internships to publishing research and breaking into power & energy, the biggest opportunities in my career didn’t come from job boards—they came from building the right connections. Yet, so many professionals hesitate to network strategically because they: * Feel awkward reaching out to strangers * Don’t know what to say in a cold DM * Fear getting ignored or rejected I get it—I used to be the same way. But once I started using LinkedIn the right way, I landed mentors, internships, and research opportunities that shaped my entire career. Here’s How You Can Do It Today: ✅ 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 * Look for professionals in your target field (engineers, hiring managers, senior leaders). * Use LinkedIn’s “People Also Viewed” section to find similar profiles. * Join industry groups to see who’s actively sharing insights. ✅ 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 Forget “Hi, can I pick your brain?” That doesn’t work. Instead, try this: 💡 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗠 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲: “Hi [Name], I came across your profile while learning about [topic]. I admire your work on [specific project]. I’d love to hear your thoughts on [question]. Would you be open to a quick chat?” ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗠 * Like and comment on their posts genuinely * Share their work and add your insights * Make your name familiar before sending a message ✅ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 People respond better when you bring something to the table: * Share an article or resource relevant to their work * Offer a fresh perspective on one of their posts * Ask a specific, thoughtful question instead of just “Can you help me?” The Outcome: I’ve used this exact strategy to build meaningful relationships that led to: ✔ Internship opportunities before I even applied ✔ Research collaborations that boosted my career ✔ Insights from industry leaders that I couldn’t find anywhere else If you’re not leveraging LinkedIn for strategic networking, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. 💡 Try this today: Pick ONE person you admire, craft a thoughtful DM, and hit send

I recently go asked "what is one thing that no one tells you about networking when you're an international student?" When I came to the U.S. 6 years ago to study Data Science, I had no idea how important networking would be for my career. Coming from Spain, I thought hard work and a good resume would be enough. Spoiler: it wasn’t. As an international student, job hunting comes with extra challenges: visas, sponsorships, and navigating a system that sometimes feels overwhelming. But here’s the truth: networking changed everything for me. Here’s what worked: 1️⃣ Reaching out to alumni: - I was at Suffolk University in Boston, and I used LinkedIn to connect with alumni in Data Science. At first, it felt awkward—what could I possibly say? But I learned this: people love sharing advice when you ask the right questions. Instead of asking for jobs, I asked about their journeys, challenges, and advice. Those conversations didn’t just lead to referrals; they gave me confidence and clarity. 2️⃣ Leveraging LinkedIn: - LinkedIn became more than just a job board. I posted about projects I was working on, shared my thoughts on the industry, and commented on others’ posts. Over time, recruiters and professionals in my field started noticing me. 3️⃣ Attending industry events: - From local meetups to webinars, I treated every event as a learning opportunity. The key wasn’t handing out resumes—it was making meaningful connections. One conversation at a career fair even led to an internship that shaped my path. Looking back, I realized networking isn’t just about getting a job—it’s about building relationships. As an international student, those connections helped me navigate a career system I didn’t grow up in, and they became my biggest advantage. What’s your go-to strategy for networking? Let’s share tips below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!

Networking changed my life. It helped me secure my first big consulting deal that let me quit my full-time job. Here's how to build relationships on LinkedIn (the right way): Networking can either make or break your career. Do it wrong: You’ll ruin your reputation. Do it right: You’ll have people speaking well of you when you’re not around. Here’s how to network like a pro: 1) Be genuine People can sense fakeness from a mile away. Instead, speak with them to get to know them. Not just because you want something. Besides… There’s no point in building relationships with people you don’t like. 2) Be a friend We want to feel cared for. Reach out once every 3 months to see how they’re doing. • Offer help • Schedule a coffee chat • Ask about their recent trip Don’t build connections. Build friendships. 3) Change your intent Turn your “I want this” mindset into a “I want to help” mindset. Start conversations without trying to sell something. But because you want to help them. Stop asking. Start giving. 4) Think long term It doesn't matter if they can’t help you now. In the long run… …you’ll be able to reach out when you need it. Be there for them now. They’ll be there for you later. That’s a real relationship. 5) Don’t ask for immediate favors This is where most screw up. They’ve barely met someone and immediately: • Ask for a job • Request a resume review • Or want some other big favor You wouldn’t do this to a stranger on the street. Why do it on LinkedIn? 6) Be mutually beneficial Start by building foundations. When/if it makes sense, think of how you can collaborate. Just like in business… This isn’t a one-way street. I help you. You help me. That’s how the world works. 7) Create on LinkedIn You never know who’s watching. Share your thoughts on the feed daily. And give people a glimpse into what you’re doing. You may not realize it… But others are going through the same as you. One of them might just come back with a life-changing opportunity. P.s. - What's one more tip you'd recommend for people networking on LinkedIn? Thanks for reading. Enjoyed this post? Follow Jordan Nelson And share it with your audience.

Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some networking tips that were incredibly helpful during my job search. These strategies helped me navigate the interview process and land a role as a Program Manager at Google. Whether you're breaking into tech, switching careers, or just want to build your network, I hope these tips help you too! Tip 1: Targeted LinkedIn Research Before my interviews at Meta, Uber, and Google, I used LinkedIn to find people who were already in the roles I was targeting. I looked for Program Managers with similar years of experience, as their interview process was likely to be similar to mine. I also searched for alumni from my university (University of Houston - Go Coogs!), as this provided an easier "in" for starting a conversation. Tip 2: Clear and Concise Outreach When reaching out, I always stated that I was interested in [insert job title] roles at their company and requested a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - The interview process - Primary skills needed for the role - What success looks like in that position Including specific questions in my initial message dramatically increased my response rate. This approach made it clear to both parties what we would discuss, making efficient use of everyone's time. Tip 3: Focus on Building Relationships While referrals can be helpful, I recommend not asking for them from people you haven't worked with or who haven't seen your work firsthand. I found more long-term value in building genuine relationships through conversations and learning from their experiences. Tip 4: Leverage Diverse Perspectives Meeting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, provided invaluable insights that helped me shape my resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview responses. For example, during one conversation, I learned that one of the companies valued a "scrappy" approach. I highlighted relevant project examples in my interview and received great feedback. I hope these tips help you in your own networking journey. Remember, building genuine connections and seeking diverse perspectives can make all the difference in your job search. Good luck! #networking #techcareers #jobsearch #interviewtips #careeradvice

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

“Let me know if you hear of any jobs you think would be good for me…” 𝙉𝙤. This is the absolute wrong way to approach networking and trying to find out about job openings. I’ll tell you why it’s wrong first and then suggest some much more effective alternatives. It is an UNREASONABLE ask. It is no one’s job to keep an eye out for opportunities for you. It also puts the power in someone else’s hands - what are you going to do while you’re waiting? And, unless the individual is close to you and has a vested interest in the outcome of your job search, it’s ineffective. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙? Here are a few suggestions: 💼 Tell people you are networking with what companies you are interested in, and ask if they have any connections there 🏢 Ask people what companies in your industries are growing and/or great places to work 💻 Monitor the career pages of the companies your connections work at and when you see roles that interest you, get back in touch to see if they have any insights about the job, or know the hiring manager 📨 Stay top of mind with regular (every 4-6 weeks) email check-ins, sharing posts of mutual interest, updating them on your progress and follow-up on any suggestions they made These 4 strategies are far more likely to yield the results you are looking for. Try them out! Not sure how to navigate your job search, networking, or where to begin? Get my free 10 Habits of Successful Job Candidates here! https://lnkd.in/e66-iSpX #OpenToWork #JobSearchTips #CareerCoaching #LinkedInTips #ProfessionalNetworking #CareerDevelopment #JobHunting

I sat across from a colleague who was on the verge of giving up on medicine. A brilliant mind, yet he felt trapped. What changed his path? Networking. Here’s how you can harness the power of networking to pivot your career in medicine. Whether you're an earlycareer physician or a seasoned practitioner, networking can redefine your trajectory. Think of it as building a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Here are actionable steps to leverage networking: ✅ Start with your current network. → Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and even patients. ↳ You never know who might have the connection you need. ✅ Attend medical conferences and seminars. → Not just for learning, but also for meeting likeminded professionals. ↳ Use these events as opportunities to discuss your goals and aspirations. ✅ Join professional organizations. → Become active in groups like the American Medical Association or specialtyspecific societies. ↳ These groups often have career resources and networking events. ✅ Utilize social media platforms. → LinkedIn isn't just for corporate professionals. ↳ Engage in discussions, post your insights, and connect with peers globally. ✅ Seek informational interviews. → Identify and reach out to physicians who have made similar career changes. ↳ Learn from their journeys and ask for advice. ✅ Offer value before asking for help. → Share your knowledge, offer to help with projects, and be a resource. ↳ Relationships are reciprocal, and giving first often leads to receiving. Remember, a single conversation can open doors to new opportunities. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can guide you to your next career milestone. Start today. Who will you reach out to first? 🔔 Follow me, Dr. Heath Jolliff, for more tips ♻️ Share with your network to help them

Can I be vulnerable for a minute? There's a genuine part of me that wants to assist every person I come in contact with or reaches out to me. At times, this responsibility weighs on me, oftentimes keeping me awake at night. The sheer compassion I feel and my desire to make a positive impact drives me...however, I also recognize the reality that I can't fulfill every dream job aspiration. Which sincerely kills me. While I dedicate myself to this endeavor with strategic effort, I believe it's essential for job seekers to consider the following steps: ✅ Define Your Goals: Before reaching out to your network, be clear about what you're looking for in your career. Whether it's a specific role, industry, or company culture, having a well-defined goal will guide your networking efforts. Don't settle. Trust me, you'll be happier in the long run. ✅ Craft Your Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise and compelling introduction that highlights your skills, experience, and what you're seeking. Make sure it's adaptable to different situations and captures your unique value. ✅ Leverage LinkedIn: Utilize your professional network on LinkedIn. Connect with colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, and yes- other recruiters! Engage with relevant content and share your insights to showcase your expertise. ✅ Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your field. These events provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network. ✅ Reach Out with a Purpose: When connecting with someone, be genuine in your approach. Clearly express your intentions, whether it's seeking advice, information about a company, or discussing potential opportunities. ✅ Offer Value: Networking isn't just about taking; it's also about giving. Share your expertise, offer assistance, or provide insights that could be beneficial to your connections. This reciprocity strengthens relationships. ✅ Follow Up: After making initial connections, don't forget to follow up. Express gratitude for their time and insights, and keep the conversation alive by providing updates on your progress. ✅ Be Patient and Persistent: Building a strong network takes time. Not every connection will lead to immediate results, but persistence pays off. Keep nurturing your relationships and staying active in your efforts. ✅ Continuously Learn: Stay updated on industry trends, developments, and best practices. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations but also showcase your commitment to growth. Remember, networking is a two-way street. Just as I strive to help candidates find their dream jobs, your efforts and engagement in the networking process are crucial for achieving your career goals. 💪🏻 Stay persistent, authentic, and open to the possibilities that networking can bring. Your proactive approach can make a significant difference in your journey. As always, I'll do whatever I can to help! Wishing you success.

In the last 3 years, I helped 49 clients find the job they love. The common networking advice job seekers get: Step 1: Send generic connection requests. Step 2: Wait (and hope) for responses. Step 3: Share your resume immediately. Step 4: Repeat until success. I found a better approach: 1. Research the right people: Focus on recruiters, hiring managers, and practitioners in your target field. 2. Personalize every message: Mention shared interests, their work, or the company in your outreach. 3. Start with value: Ask thoughtful questions or express genuine admiration for their expertise. 4. Build a relationship: Engage with their posts or provide insights before asking for help. 5. Follow up strategically: Stay polite and persistent without overwhelming them. If you follow this process, you'll build meaningful connections that can help you find the place where you enjoy working.