How to network

Valuable guidance to help you build a network from scratch.

Online network

This is especially relevant if you need to start from scratch​​​​​. Focus on your immediate networks or the Internet to reach out to people by following these steps:

• Set a goal. ​If you do not enjoy networking, it is important that you are strategic in your moves, so you limit the amount of exposure. Getting into X university or company can be a goal.

• Scan your networks. If you are lucky enough to have relevant connections directly within your reach, contact them​.

• Create/ Improve your professional LinkedIn profile.

• Join online forums and community groups that are related to your industry or position. You can connect with professionals, ask questions, etc. Even if you do not post, reading can be helpful (for example: if you are preparing for a consulting job, the LinkedIn group Case Interview Community - PrepLounge)

• With your goal in mind, connect with relevant people: recruiters, people with similar positions to the ones you are seeking (e.g. MBA Candidate 2025), and people who are doing something you feel passionate about.

• Schedule informational interviews when you need specific insights into their careers, choices, recruiting processes and tips (more detail below).

• Schedule informal chats for conversations that can help you with broader topics such as switching careers, understanding if an industry or career is right for you, etc. (more detail below).

You may be wondering about mentors. 

Mentors are great; they provide guidance and support, help you navigate your career path and expand your network. You should proactively look for one or a few (such as professors at university or senior peers at work). However, when networking, you don´t usually ask someone to be your mentor, or at least not in a first chat.

When networking, someone becomes a mentor organically when you chat with them and there is a good connection, which develops over time if you both keep in contact frequently.  

Below we help you understand when to schedule informal interviews and informal chats, and how to prepare and navigate the conversations in these sections.

Informational interviews 

These interviews focus on information gathering. They are good options if you don´t love socializing or you are just starting to network. They are very structured (meaning there is less room for awkwardness) and give you insights fast. 

Most of these recommendations also apply to informal chats.

• Ask for an interview. 

When you reach out to people you don't know (e.g. on LinkedIn), you can take as a reference a simple structure (below) and adjust as needed. Avoid generic messages ("I have reviewed your career, and I am impressed.")

Hi [Name],

I hope you are doing well.

My name is X and I am currently doing X.

For the last few years, I have been following X industry/ company very closely. I am getting ready to apply, which makes me very excited. I can see you made it to Y, one of my top options.

I know you are very busy, but if you have a few minutes, I would love to hear about your experience in the recruitment process and any advice you may have.

Do you have 20-30 min to talk this week?

Thank you in advance!

• Do research before reaching out to people

• Do not give up if they don't respond. Wait 3-4 days and send a reminder. Some will respond eventually. Often it takes 15-20 attempts for one person to get back to you.

• Do not only reach out to senior people. Entry-level people can give you more practical tips about the process, while senior people can discuss more high-level topics such as corporate culture or market trends

During the interview:

• Start by thanking them for their time and introducing yourself

• Show genuine interest with your voice tone and a smile. That will make them feel more engaged.

• Have your questions/ topics ready before any call/ discussion. Take time to prepare questions that are relevant to you and the other person can respond to, and organize them in order of priority (in case you can´t cover all of them). Asking good questions can prompt interesting follow-up discussions to keep the conversation going

• Use their time to learn (about the job, the firm, the culture), not to ask for a job

• Have ready your elevator pitch - have an answer for basic questions such as "Why are you interested in this?" "When do you plan to apply?", "What are your top options"?

• Be very respectful of their time - do not ask for more than 30 minutes in the first contact, acknowledge you know they are busy and never be late to an appointment

• Listen more than you speak. Ask open-ended questions, maintain eye contact, and use active listening to show you care. Being a good listener is how you set the foundation for a potential connection

• Ask for an additional session or favor only if the person shows high engagement, and willingness. You will need to read the person and their body language

• Keep track of your connections - send "thank you" notes and keep them updated (especially helpful if you need to reach out again later)

Informal chats

You can follow most of the guidance given for informational interviews (above). You still need to prepare it, but less as a list of questions (a less structured approach). These conversations help you with broader topics such as switching careers, understand if an industry/ career is right for you, etc.

• Ask them questions about themselves. Why are they here? How did they get into the industry? What do they think of a recent trend in the business? Asking good questions can prompt interesting follow-up discussions to keep the conversation going.

• Be a fan. Mention you appreciate they accomplished something (e.g. being recruited by a top company in the field). It’s okay to gush a little and ask questions about their accomplishments — everyone likes to feel flattered.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help if the person shows high engagement, a good attitude, and willingness. You will need to read the person and their body language.

Giving back - how?