Networking

Networking cultivates relationships to leverage in your job-search and career-development processes. These relationships can provide information, support and job leads. Networking occurs in formal and informal settings and consists of meeting and talking to people, asking questions, organizing information and following up on referrals.

What is networking?

Networking is a strategy used to cultivate relationships both in person and online to leverage in your career development process. Get additional help or tips by meeting with a Business Career Services advisor.

Networking strategies


LinkedIn tips

  • Join professional groups related to your career.
  • Complete your LinkedIn profile as thoroughly as possible.
  • View our student sample profile on LinkedIn. Use this to guide you as you develop your first LinkedIn profile.
  • Use a professional photo of yourself.
  • Update your profile regularly.

Networking tips

Be prepared.

  • If you are in the initial stages of your career planning, you may want to use your contacts for informational interviewing and career research.
  • If you are in the later stages of the process, you might consider networking to obtain job leads, referrals or advice on how to conduct your job search. Enter conversations knowing what you hope to get out of it. Prepare questions to facilitate the discussion.
  • Review your accomplishments. Know what you are seeking and what you have to offer. Consider your skills, interests and values. Knowing yourself will allow you to connect with contacts with greater ease and confidence and deliver the best impression. Practice your introduction or “commercial.”

Be sincere.

  • The best networkers are sincerely interested in people. Do not seek out contacts just because you believe they could somehow benefit you. Instead, cultivate relationships with those whom you are genuinely interested in.
  • Remember to be courteous, professional and gracious at all times.

Take the time.

  • Forming relationships can be time-consuming. One meeting is not enough to solidify a new contact. Keep in touch and make time for several interactions.

Resources

Kansas City metro career and business resources

All communities have a Chamber of Commerce; if you’re searching in an area other than Kansas City, identify the Chamber for your targeted location to research prospective organizations in your interest area.