Networking for Recent Graduates

Networking can open doors…or close them. Avoid these 7 mistakes to make the right impression. 1. Only networking when you need something ❌ Don't: Wait until you're job hunting to build connections ✅ Do: Regularly engage with your network and build relationships before you need them 2. Neglecting to follow up on advice ❌ Don't: Take someone's advice and disappear ✅ Do: Take action on their suggestions and circle back to share your progress. Show them their time mattered 3. Dominating the conversation ❌ Don't: Dominate conversations with your own achievements ✅ Do: Ask thoughtful questions and practice active listening. Aim for 30% talking, 70% listening 4. Rushing to ask about jobs ❌ Don't: Don’t rush to ask about job openings right away ✅ Do: Focus on learning about their experience and building genuine rapport first 5. Ignoring online networking ❌ Don't: Treat LinkedIn as just a resume database ✅ Do: Engage meaningfully by commenting on posts, sharing relevant content, and celebrating others' milestones 6. Forgetting to add value ❌ Don't: Focus solely on what you can get from the relationship ✅ Do: Learn about their goals and actively look for ways to help them succeed 7. Letting connections fade ❌ Don't: Let valuable connections fade away ✅ Do: Create a simple system to track check-ins and send quick, personalized notes about their achievements The key to successful networking isn't just about making connections. It's about nurturing them. Reshare ♻ to help others in your network. And follow me for more posts like this.

I started building my personal brand on LinkedIn at 16. In a new country. With no network. No job titles. No professional contacts. Just curiosity, a few school projects, and a drive to be seen. But instead of waiting for recruiters to notice me, I started showing them who I was. → I shared what I was learning. → I posted my projects. → I gave my perspective, even when I felt underqualified. And guess what? That presence did the heavy lifting for me. Internships, job offers, invites… They started showing up in my inbox before I even knew how to write a proper cover letter. So here’s my advice to any grad starting out: Don’t wait until you’re “experienced” to show up. Use your voice now. ✅ Optimize your profile, this is your digital business card. ✅ Share what you’re building, learning, and exploring. ✅ Engage like it matters, because it does. ✅ Provide value. Reflect often. And adjust your approach as you grow. You’re not too young. You’re not too new. You’re exactly right on time. The professional world doesn’t just want credentials. It wants clarity, confidence, and curiosity. So build your presence. And let the right people find you. — ♻️ Follow me, Mariam Gogidze, for more honest advice on building authority and attracting opportunities. #Classof2025 #LinkedInTips #CareerAdvice #PersonalBranding #FirstJob

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

Your first job out of college can feel overwhelming. I still remember joining IBM as a fresh grad, unsure of what to expect but eager to prove myself. While I had worked hard to earn that opportunity, I quickly realized that succeeding in your first job takes more than just technical skill. Here’s my biggest piece of advice to new grads stepping into their first role: 𝗗𝗼��’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼. Be proactive, not reactive. That one shift in mindset changes everything. Instead of just doing what was assigned to me, I started thinking about: → How can I make my manager's job easier? → What’s slowing the team down? → Is there a process that can be improved? → Can I learn from teams outside my own? 💡 I wasn’t confined by my job description- I explored! I reached out to people beyond my immediate team, set up 1:1s to learn what they were working on, and asked where I could contribute. That helped me meet incredible people like Armand Ruiz, Dr. Seth Dobrin, Priya Krishnan, Shadi Copty, and so many more! That habit of thinking beyond your role, and then sharing your thought process and actionable ideas, is what builds credibility early on. It also helps you get noticed. 🌱 Having a growth mindset was key. I didn’t wait for opportunities, I created them by showing initiative and being vocal about how I could help. 🤝 Networking inside your company is as important as networking outside. Many of the best career moves I’ve made happened because I nurtured relationships beyond my team. Don’t underestimate the power of a coffee chat with someone in a different org. If you’re just starting your career, remember: → Speak up even if you’re the most junior person in the room → Share ideas that benefit your broader org → Learn fast, ask smart questions, and stay curious → Build relationships early and intentionally → You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start showing up like someone who’s ready to grow. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗶𝘁. 💼 #Classof2025

I always like to mention the Alumni feature when I’m teaching about LinkedIn job search tools because it’s one of the most effective. LinkedIn’s research discovered that alumni are 3x more likely to help you than any other type of connection. To use the alumni feature, go to your school’s LinkedIn page. You can do this easily by typing the school name in the search bar. Once you’re on the school’s page, you’ll see a tab for Alumni. Click that tab. The Alumni feature allows you to search for job titles, industries, and the years attended — you can broaden this range to find people who graduated close to you or ahead of you. You can even search by where they live to target people near you or where you want to move (another connection point). You can search by where they work or by alumni who are employed at a specific company where you want to work. I love this feature because I can find multiple common connection points (key networking currency). My first connection point is that we’re both alumni of the same school. Then, I can choose to find alumni where I live, so I choose Jacksonville, FL. Now, I have two common points of connection with this person. Let’s say I also have my heart set on working for Mayo Clinic, so I click Mayo Clinic. Now, I can see all the alumni in my area who work for Mayo — but now, I want to dive even deeper and find a third point of common connection. I will search by what they do to connect with people in HR at Mayo. So I can select that option. You could also narrow it down by what area they studied (maybe you both have business degrees — another point of connection), and you can also select what they’re skilled at (these are the main skill areas on their profile). Lastly, you can choose how you’re connected. LinkedIn will show you 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-degree connections. If I message a UNF alumnus who also studied business, lives in Jacksonville, and works in HR, we have much more in common. This is the perfect person I need to speak to about working in HR at Mayo. When you send a connection request, make sure to list your common points: “Hi (name), we’re both UNF alumni and Jacksonville natives. I studied and worked in HR, too. I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect and network since we’re in the same field.” After you’re connected, you can follow up and ask questions like: “I aspire to work for Mayo Clinic one day. I’d love to hear what path you took to work there.” Or you could say: “I see you’ve been in HR for 10 years and you’re a VP of HR. I hope to grow my HR career and become a director in the next 3 years. I’d appreciate hearing any advice you might be willing to share about your path.” These are the people you want in your network. They are the people who will become your biggest cheerleaders and helpers — the ones willing to hold informational interviews with you, share their stories, and give you advice. #networking #jobsearch #careers

Your career brand isn't built in a day, it's cultivated over time. I recently spoke with a young professional who was frustrated by her lack of visibility despite good qualifications. She asked me a simple question: "How do I stand out when everyone has the same degree?" This question hit home. The difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive isn't just about skills, it's about how visible those skills are to the right people. In today's competitive landscape, your personal brand is your greatest differentiator. Yet most professionals: 🔹 Wait until they "need" a brand (job search, promotion) 🔹 Underestimate the power of consistent online presence 🔹 Focus too much on credentials, too little on connections 🔹 Believe visibility is something you "earn" after success The reality? Your visibility creates the opportunities that lead to success. When I started building my brand a few years ago, I had one guiding principle: authenticity over perfection. Here's what transformed my career trajectory: 1️⃣ Sharing insights from real experiences, not theoretical knowledge 2️⃣ Documenting my learning journey, not just the highlights 3️⃣ Building meaningful connections before I needed them 4️⃣ Focusing on how I could help others, not just how they could help me These small actions compound over time. The most powerful realization? Your brand isn't what you say about yourself—it's what others experience when they encounter you. A strong personal brand creates: → Inbound opportunities instead of constant outreach → Recognition in your industry before you enter a room → Trust from peers, leaders, and potential clients → A platform where your voice matters For those beginning this journey: start small, but start now. Share one insight. Connect with one person. Help solve one problem. Your future self will thank you for planting these seeds today. Get Hired by LinkedIn News Asia LinkedIn News Asia I'm Brent T. What's one small action you're taking this week to strengthen your personal brand?

Job hunting is tough enough. Don't let common mistakes make it even harder. If you’ve been applying nonstop and hearing nothing, this might be the wake-up call you need. Here are 8 job search mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself), and what to do instead: 🔹 Not building real connections Job boards are crowded, but relationships open doors. If you’ve been avoiding networking because it feels awkward or intimidating, you’re not alone. But trust me, having someone vouch for you can completely change your job search outcome. 🔹 Playing it small with self-promotion I get it. No one wants to sound boastful. But you can’t expect people to guess your value. You’ve worked hard to build your skills. Talk about them! It’s not bragging. It’s giving people a reason to believe in your expertise. 🔹 Taking roles just to get out of your current one If your job leaves you feeling drained, don’t jump into the next available opportunity just for the sake of change. Take the time to align your next move with your values and goals. You deserve better than “just tolerable.” 🔹 Skipping the research phase If you’ve ever accepted a job only to realise it was a toxic mess… you’re not alone. Job descriptions rarely tell the full story. Talk to people. Read the room. Dig deeper. A little due diligence upfront can save you from a lot of regret later. 🔹 Relying only on online applications Yes, it’s easy to click “Apply.” But the real magic happens in conversations, not portals. Reach out to people. Show up on LinkedIn. Let hiring managers and peers see your expertise in action. 🔹 Underestimating your personal brand In 2025, your online presence is your first impression. If someone Googles you or lands on your LinkedIn, what do they see? Use that space to tell your story and position yourself for the opportunities you actually want. 🔹 Avoiding salary conversations I know they’re uncomfortable, but skipping them could mean leaving thousands on the table. You can negotiate respectfully and professionally. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you. 🔹 Stopping after one interview Got an interview? Amazing. But don’t pause your whole search. Keep the momentum going. Interviews are just one part of the journey, and having options gives you leverage when it counts. Job searching can be exhausting, but it can also be empowering when you’re strategic and intentional. Which one of these have you experienced in your career journey?

"I hate networking." I hear this all the time. And I get it. The idea of walking up to strangers at events, making small talk, and asking for favors feels forced and uncomfortable. But here's the truth: networking doesn't have to feel like networking. Here's how to build genuine connections without being awkward: Start with warm connections. Don't cold message strangers on LinkedIn. Start with: → Former colleagues → Alumni from your school → Mutual contacts who can introduce you → People you've worked with before These conversations are easier because there's already a foundation. Lead with offering value, not asking for favors. Don't start with: "Can you help me find a job?" Start with: "I saw your post about [topic] and thought you might find this article interesting." Or: "Congratulations on your new role! I'd love to hear how it's going." Give first. Ask later. Use LinkedIn to build relationships before asking for anything. Don't send a connection request and immediately ask for something. Instead: → Engage with their posts (thoughtful comments, not just "Great post!") → Share their content when it's relevant → Send a message just to catch up, no agenda Build the relationship over time. When you do reach out, make it easy for them. Don't say: "Can I pick your brain?" Say: "I'd love to hear about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a 20-minute coffee chat? I'm happy to work around your schedule." Be specific about what you're asking for and respect their time. Schedule "informational coffee chats" instead of calling it networking. Reframe it in your mind. You're not networking. You're: → Learning from someone's experience → Having a conversation about your industry → Building a relationship with someone interesting Take the pressure off yourself. Follow up and stay in touch; don't just reach out when you need something. After the conversation: → Send a thank you note within 24 hours → Share an article or resource they might find useful → Check in every few months (congratulate them on wins, share updates) Stay on their radar in a genuine way. The best networking doesn't feel transactional. It feels like building real relationships with people you respect. And those relationships? They're the ones that actually lead to opportunities. Save this post so you're ready to network without the awkwardness.

Stop Applying and Waiting—Use the 2-Step Method Instead It’s not enough to apply for a job and hope for the best. And mass-applying—whether manually or with an AI tool—won’t get you hired faster. Instead, use the 2-Step Method to stand out and gain an advantage. 🔹 Find a job → Find a contact 🔹 Find a contact → Find a job By taking this approach, you’ll not only differentiate yourself from other applicants but also gain the support of an insider who can help your resume get noticed. Step 1: Apply Strategically This part is straightforward. ✔ Find a job online. ✔ Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant qualifications. ✔ Write a thoughtful cover letter that explains why you want to work at the company—this means doing real research beyond just knowing their name. Step 2: Find an Insider This is the step most job seekers skip—but it’s the game-changer. Find someone who currently works (or previously worked) at the company and reach out. Yes, it takes effort, but securing an internal advocate, ally or informant dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed. This is called an employee referral, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to land an interview. 💎 Reversing the 2-Step: Start with People, Then Find the Job 💎 If you have a list of target companies, begin by identifying people you know who work there. Reach out and reconnect—even if there’s no job opening at the moment. Why? ✔ They may know about a job before it’s posted. ✔ They could refer you when something opens up. ✔ They might introduce you to someone hiring elsewhere. Not everyone will respond, and not every lead will pan out—but what if just one does? That’s all it takes. Use LinkedIn to Find Insider Connections LinkedIn is the best tool for this. 📌 Visit a company’s LinkedIn page and see who works there. 📌 Check your connections—first-degree contacts are ideal, but second-degree can be valuable too. 📌 Use your college/university alumni network to find former classmates at your target companies. AI can’t replace human-to-human connection. And while this takes effort, the hard work can pay off. Try the 2-Step Method for a few weeks and see how it changes your job search.

How to find 𝗨𝗦𝗔 & 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻, even if you live outside those countries. I get this question a lot, so let me simplify it in 7 simple steps: Step 1: Use LinkedIn’s job filters (correctly) Go to the Jobs tab and use these filters: → Location: type “Remote” → Country: select United States and Canada → Job Type: Full-time → Work Type: Remote This ensures you’re only seeing roles that are remote and based in North America. Step 2: Use the right keywords In the search bar, try: → “Remote Data Analyst USA” → “Remote Data Scientist Canada” → “Fully remote data engineer” Mix in keywords like: • “Global team” • “Worldwide” • “Remote-first company”    These companies are more likely to accept international applicants. Step 3: Focus on companies that hire globally Target companies known for hiring remote international talent: → Automattic → GitLab → Toptal → Zapier → Deel → Doist → Oyster → Remote.com Search “[Company Name] careers” and look at their hiring policies.  Step 4: Follow hiring managers & recruiters Find hiring managers and tech recruiters in the US/Canada who’ve posted remote jobs. → Like and comment on their posts → Send a warm DM (not a cold pitch) → Stay on their radar These relationships create long-term opportunities. Step 5: Optimize your LinkedIn profile Make your profile location say: → “Open to Remote Roles in USA & Canada” Recruiters search by location. If your profile says “Kenya” or “India,” they might assume relocation is required unless you clearly state you’re looking for remote roles. Step 6: Highlight your timezone + communication skills Companies care about async work and timezone overlap. Add something like: → “Work comfortably across EST & PST” → “Strong async communicator with 4+ years remote experience” Step 7: Prepare your pitch Once you find a job that fits, don’t just apply. → Engage with the company on LinkedIn → Reach out to an employee or the hiring manager → Show how you solve their problems Outreach > blind applications. Start your search today because roles are going fast. P.S. It’s easier if you already have a valid work visa or permit. If you don’t, focus on global-first companies or consider freelancing until you build leverage. ➕ Follow Jaret André for daily data job search strategies 🔔 Hit the bell to get practical tips that actually land offers