Networking Mistakes New Graduates Should Avoid

Don’t be that person. I love connecting with people on LinkedIn, but some of these messages? Yikes. Let’s address a few common networking mistakes I see all too often… ❌ “Hi. Can I pick your brain?” Translation: “Can you give me free consulting without context?” ✅ Instead: Be specific. “I’m exploring optimization and have a question about [specific topic]. Would you be open to a quick chat?” ❌ “Can you help me break into [industry]?” Translation: “Please do my career planning for me.” ✅ Instead: Show effort. “I’ve been studying [skill/tool], and I’m stuck on [problem]. What do you recommend I focus on next?” ❌ “Hey, I’d love to collaborate.” Translation: “I want something, but I won’t tell you what.” ✅ Instead: Pitch with purpose. “I see you’re working on [project]. I have experience with [specific skill]. Here’s how I can help.” Networking is not about throwing a line into the void and hoping someone does the work for you. It’s about showing genuine interest, doing your homework, and respecting the other person’s time. Want to stand out in someone’s inbox? 💡 Be clear. 💡 Be concise. 💡 Show you’ve already taken the first step. The best connections come from effort, not copy-pasting the same vague message. Let’s do better, one DM at a time. #GetHired2025

🙅♂️ The 5 Biggest Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them): Most people struggle with networking because they only reach out when they need something. Networking has been instrumental to my career—breaking into tech sales, securing referrals, and helping others land jobs at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Snowflake, Databricks, and Microsoft. Here are five common networking mistakes and how to avoid them: 1. Reaching Out Only When You Need Something The best networking happens when there’s no immediate ask. Engage with people’s content, share insights, and offer help before ever making a request. 🔹 Who to follow: Nick Cegelski, Jen Allen-Knuth, Justin Welsh 2. Sending Generic Connection Requests If your request says, “I’d love to add you to my network,” you’re doing it wrong. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or why their work stands out to you. A simple, “Really enjoyed your post on [topic]—would love to connect” goes a long way. 🔹 Who to follow: Ashleigh Early, Carole Mahoney 3. Neglecting Follow-Ups One conversation isn’t a relationship. Following up can be as simple as, “Thanks for your advice on [topic]. I applied it and saw [result].” Most people don’t do this, which makes you stand out. 🔹 Who to follow: Jeff Bajorek, Anita Nielsen, Amy Volas 4. Not Leveraging Your Existing Network Your next opportunity is more likely to come from a former classmate, ex-colleague, or past interviewer than a stranger. Stay in touch, reconnect, and don’t just rely on cold outreach. 🔹 Who to follow: Todd Caponi, Christine Rogers, Josh Braun 5. Not Setting a Networking Goal Networking shouldn’t be random. Set a simple habit: One new connection per week One virtual coffee chat per month One industry event per quarter 🔹 Who to follow: Amy Franko, Lori Richardson, Jason Bay The best opportunities come from who you know AND who knows you. 💎 What’s the best networking advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechSales #LinkedInTips

I get a lot of requests for coffee chats and referrals, and I've noticed some recurring mistakes in how people reach out. I want to share the strategies that have helped me achieve a 70% response rate. LinkedIn is incredible for connecting, and with thoughtful outreach and content, you can increase your outreach response results. The Don'ts (Vague): 🚫 "Hi there, I'm graduating in May and open to positions at [Insert Company Name]." Why this doesn't work? - It's too generic. No one person knows every open role. - It shows a lack of research. - You're shifting the work onto the recipient. The Do's (Specific & Intentional): ✅ "Hi [Insert Name], I noticed you're a Program Manager at [Insert Company]. I'm interested in the Program Manager role [Insert Job Link] and would love to connect for a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss: - Your interview process - Your day-to-day schedule - Your top challenges and how you overcome them - Any tips you can share Key Strategies for Success: - Targeted Job Titles: If you want an engineering role, connect with engineers. For data analysis, reach out to data analysts. Keep it relevant! - Experience Alignment: Aim for individuals with career tenures closer to your desired level. New grad? Connect with those 2-3 years into their journey. - The Follow-Up is Crucial: After a successful coffee chat, send a personalized THANK YOU. Include 1-2 specific points you discussed to show you were engaged. Strategic and intentional outreach is crucial, especially with so many people looking for jobs right now. It's all about thoughtful research and making it easy for the person you're contacting. What are your favorite outreach tips or questions? Let's connect and share! 👇 #LinkedInNetworking #CareerAdvice #JobSearchTips #StrategicOutreach #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #CoffeeChat #JobHunting #CareerStrategy #NoCeilings #CoffeeChatStrategy #NetworkWithIntention

In the past week I’ve had two different coffee meet-ups with recent grads University of St. Thomas (#ROLLTOMS) and Metro State University who have really impressed me. These two particular young people were curious yet bold, prepared (they both had questions ready) and ambitious. And this week, already, I find myself going out of my way to help them (which I love to do!). Anyway, these two young people that reached out for coffee were actually out of the norm, sadly. I get a lot of LinkedIn invites from young people at St. Thomas and Winona State (because of my connections to both), but also other local universities. And, more times than not, that’s the only time I hear from these young people. And that’s a big mistake. The LinkedIn invite is just the first little part of starting a relationship with a more experienced person in your field. There are several important steps you should take beyond sending that invite that can help you build and nurture a great network. So, recent grads (and even young people 1-3 years removed from college), after you send that initial LinkedIn invite, here’s what I would suggest: 1 – Send a short follow-up DM thanking the person for connecting. You could also reference a recent LinkedIn post in your DM. This will show gratitude and demonstrate that you’re listening and paying attention to their conversations. 2 – Make the coffee ask. I know this is hard, but people from your alma mater (in my case Winona St., but also St. Thomas where I teach), will rarely say no. At the very least, ask for a 15-30 minute Zoom coffee. But, the preference is for the in-person coffee. 3 – Nail the coffee meeting. Prepare and show up with questions to ask. Show up early. Ask if/how there’s anything you can do to help. Follow-up with a prompt thank you email/note. Overall, just make sure you're making an A+ first impression. 4 – Be a frequent liker/commenter on the his/her posts. Believe me, people definitely notice the frequent likers/commenters on their posts. Helps you stay top-of-mind with that person should opportunities come up. 5 – Go out of your way to look for opportunities to help that person. You might think, “how can I help someone with 10-20 years experience when I’m just starting?” You might be surprised! What about business referrals? What about intros to other young people? What about sending them events or articles you see/read they might be interested. Don’t underestimate the value you bring to other people—at any age! You follow those steps after sending those LinkedIn invites and I can almost guarantee you’re going to get noticed and remembered. And that’s really what matters when it comes to the hidden job market.