HR Networking Etiquette

I wouldn’t call myself a networking expert. BUT I’ve landed my last 8 clients because of “networking.” Here’s what’s worked for me 👇 A disclaimer before I start: “successful” networking hinges on being as invested in other people‘s success as you’re in your own. It’s NEVER a matter of quantity (“send 20 connection requests a day!”), and always a matter of connecting with like-minded people. 1. Be genuinely nice and helpful — proactively. Someone landed a role at a company you’ve admired or a product you’ve thought is cool? Reach out and congratulate them. Go beyond LinkedIn’s recommend one-liner and add a personal note. Someone’s struggling with a task you could do in your sleep? For example, setting up Monday automations. Send them a voice note with instructions or screenshots. 2. Show up on both sides — people who you can help and people who can help you. It’s not “networking” if you’re only reaching out to people who have something to offer you. Connect with others in your industry, people who have your role in a completely different industry, and people who want to be where you are. 3. Listen before you talk. Listen actively, intently, and empathetically. Seek to understand before you comment or ask for something. Always always ask “how can I support you in your goals?” Give people an opportunity to tell you — unfiltered — what they need from you. 3 “Don’ts” which you…just don’t do pls. It’s gross. 1. Don’t bait and switch: it’s the worst. People don’t hate cold pitches as much as they hate this. With a cold pitch, people might ghost you. But bait and switch and they’ll mentally block you forever. 2. Don’t get emotional in business conversations. I once recieved a follow up where the person went on and on about how they’d stayed up at night waiting for my reply. It was an unsolicited cold pitch. I don’t even remember seeing the email, I was probably too busy. They went on to call me some rather rude names and I … blocked them. Point is, they burnt a bridge for no reason. 3. Don’t fake it till you make it. Don’t exaggerate your credentials. Even if the conversation is successful, you’ll never be able to form a real relationship. It’ll always be superficial. What do you think?

Underrated networking tip: Be classy. Some timeless moves: - Send a thank you note: A quick message after a chat is great. A handwritten card? Even better. Thoughtful. Rare. Memorable. - Acknowledge the assistants: If someone helped schedule your meeting or interview, thank them too. They often make the magic happen behind the scenes. - Be transparent with your peers: If someone asks you about a job you’re also pursuing, you know the role is awful, or the hiring manager is a nightmare, say so. Integrity builds trust. - Protect your reputation: If you wouldn’t work for a hiring manager or a company, don’t refer others just to “be nice.” Reputations are earned by being real. - Leave well: If you’re moving on from a job, be helpful and polite. Share what you’ve learned. Leave documentation. Offer to support the transition. It costs nothing and says everything about your character. - Follow up: Even if nothing comes of it. It shows you value people, not just opportunities. - Give before you ask: Share a contact, a resource, or a kind word. Make friends before you need them. - Never ghost: If someone reaches out and you can’t help, let them know. A quick message should do it. - Be an advocate: Talk about people with kindness when they’re not in the room. And if you see someone gossiping about others, don’t fuel that flame. People will remember how you made them feel. How do you want to be remembered?

"Hey Matt, I would love to pick your brain!" Yea, and I'd love a million dollars... Most students and young professionals don't know what it's like to be on the receiving end of this conversation, so I want to help. Here are my keys to successful networking, from someone who's been on both sides of the table: 1. Give ample context. If you say you want to meet and ask questions or learn from my experience, tell me why. We love to give back, but ambiguity will have us question whether it will be a waste of time. I want to know what we're going to be talking about before we start. 2. Be prepared. Know what you want to ask, what the purpose of the conversation is, and what questions you want answered. Making it up on the fly is a sure way to have me cut the conversation short and say, "good luck". I don't care if you read directly from a list you made ahead of time, being prepared is an A+ trait. 3. Tell me about yourself. I'm not a robot. You're not a robot. Adding in a sentence or two about yourself is a step toward creating a personal connection, not just a business relationship. This makes it more rewarding and fulfilling to know who we're giving back to. 4. Offer something. Anything. Most young networkers think they have nothing to offer so they offer nothing. Wrong. You ALWAYS have something to offer, you just have to figure out what it is. (will give u some tips in the comments) 5. A personal pet peeve of mine... SAY PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Maybe I'm old school, but lack of manners is appalling. If I'm spending my time to talk to you, all I ask for in return is a nicely worded "thank you" message. Not only is it basic manners, but you're keeping the door open for a continued relationship. 6. Provide updates! I end every chat with, "please keep me updated on what you do! I'd love to follow your journey." Rarely does anyone ever do. Part of giving back for us is making an emotional investment in that person. We do it because others have done it for us and we know how much of an impact a little bit of help can make. So if you take my advice and put it to good use, I want to know about it! Don't be scared to send out a life/career update every once in a while. 7. Don't ask stupid questions. And contrary to what professors have told you, there ARE stupid questions. If the answer to your question can be found on google, or now with AI search tools, you shouldn't be asking me. It shows that you are not willing to put in the work to achieve your goals and are instead looking for shortcuts. I hope these things help you open doors to connections that can help you along your journey. I have my mentors to thank for supporting me and dealing with my naiveness when I was younger, and one day you just might be in this position too. Good luck!

A Professional Message to All Job Applicants and Job Seekers I would like to take this time to strongly encourage all job applicants and job seekers to avoid sending direct emails, text messages, WhatsApp messages, or LinkedIn direct messages to recruiters, hiring managers, or HR officers requesting job opportunities or asking for personal assistance to be hired. While your intention may be genuine, this approach is not professional and can often create a negative impression, even before your CV or qualifications are reviewed. What You Should Avoid Please do not write messages such as: “Please help me with any job” “Can you give me a chance to work in your company?” “I am unemployed and urgently looking for work” “I saw your profile and I want a job in your organization” Messages like these: ✓ Sound desperate and informal ✓ Put unnecessary pressure on recruiters ✓ Show lack of understanding of professional recruitment processes ✓ Are often ignored, deleted, or discouraged Recruiters and HR officers follow official recruitment procedures, and bypassing these processes through informal messages can harm your chances instead of helping you. What You Should Do Instead If you are using professional email or LinkedIn, focus first on networking and relationship-building, not job requests. Use these platforms to: ✓ Connect professionally ✓ Share and engage with industry news ✓ Discuss current events ✓ Share information about scholarship programs Engage in training, professional development, and career discussions This approach helps you build a strong professional presence and positions you as someone who is serious, respectful, and professional. Professional networking is not about asking for jobs immediately. It is about: ✓ Learning from others ✓ Sharing knowledge ✓ Adding value to conversations ✓ Building trust over time When opportunities arise, recruiters are more likely to remember and respect professionals who communicate appropriately and professionally. Apply Through the Right Channels Always apply for jobs through: ✓ Official job advertisements ✓ Company websites ✓ Verified LinkedIn job postings ✓ Approved email addresses provided in job ads Let your CV, cover letter, skills, and experience speak for you — not informal messages. A Personal Lesson from Experience: I am sharing this advice from personal experience. I have made this mistake before by sending informal messages seeking job opportunities. Over time, I realized that it was not the appropriate or professional way to communicate with recruiters and HR officers. Today, I use that experience to guide others, so you don’t repeat the same mistake. This is your opportunity to do it the right way. Be patient. Be professional. Be respectful. Opportunities will come when you prepare yourself and present yourself the right way. Regards, Jechariah Papo JP Career Consultant & Resume Expert – PNG Career Development | Coaching | Professional Growth

As an HR professional, I’m often asked about networking and how to approach it effectively. Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s a powerful tool for personal development, continuous learning, and fostering meaningful connections. When done thoughtfully, it opens doors to new opportunities and helps you grow both personally and professionally. Here are three essential tips for successful networking: 1. Be Intentional * Set clear goals: Are you looking for mentorship, exploring new industries, or expanding your support network? Focus on quality not quantity. * Do your homework: Research attendees or speakers in advance and prepare thoughtful questions or talking points to guide your conversations. 2. Lead with Value * Networking is about building relationships, not just seeking personal gain. Shift your focus to “How can I help?” * Look for opportunities to support others—whether by sharing insights, offering resources, or making introductions that could be beneficial. 3. Keep the Connection Alive * After an event or meeting, follow up with a personalized message that references your conversation. * Maintain the relationship by staying in touch over time—share articles, updates, or simply check in to show you value the connection. Conversation Starters Consider these to spark engaging conversations: * "What’s the most exciting part of your current role or project?" * "What inspired you to attend this event today?" * "What’s a professional trend or topic you’re really interested in right now?" And one last tip: Put your phone down! Being fully present shows respect and builds deeper connections. What are your go-to networking strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #Networking #Development #GrowthMindset

Want to connect with executives? 🛑 Stop networking like a job seeker. Most people approach high-level networking the wrong way. They think they need to: ❌ Over-prepare to sound impressive ❌ Prove they belong in the conversation ❌ Ask for something right away But executives aren’t looking for another polished pitch. They’re looking for valuable conversations. Here’s how to network up the right way: 1️⃣ Do your research, but don’t be a parrot. Yes, you should know their background and recent work. But don’t just repeat their LinkedIn bio back to them. Instead, ask thoughtful questions that show you understand their world. 2️⃣ Lead with curiosity, not credentials. Executives spend all day making decisions. They don’t need another sales pitch. What they do appreciate? Smart, engaging discussions. Ask about industry trends, challenges they see coming, or their perspective on a topic you both care about. 3️⃣ Offer value before you ask for anything. The best way to stand out? Give before you take. Share an insightful article, introduce them to someone useful, or offer a unique perspective on a challenge they’re facing. Small gestures make a big impact. 4️⃣ Play the long game. The best executive relationships aren’t built in a single conversation. Stay in touch. Engage with their content. Follow up in a meaningful way. When the time comes for a bigger ask, they’ll already know and trust you. High-level networking isn’t about impressing. It’s about building real relationships. What’s one strategy that’s helped you make a strong connection? Drop it below! ⬇️

𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 𝟭𝟬𝟭: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂 Networking is about building trust. Yet, most people approach networking in ways that feel transactional, rushed, or entitled. Then they wonder why doors don’t open. If you want people to help you, you have to make it easy and worthwhile for them to say yes. ① Do Your Homework Before Reaching Out ➜ Never send a message that could apply to 20 different people. ↳ Show you know who they are, what they do, and why it matters to you. ② Lead With Genuine Curiosity, Not Demands ➜ Don’t start with “Can you connect me to X?” ↳ Instead, ask thoughtful questions about their work or journey. People love talking about their experiences. ③ Be Clear About What You’re Asking ➜ “I’d like to learn from your experience applying to MPH programs” is better than “Can you advise me?” ↳ Specificity respects their time and helps them help you. ④ Respect Time. Keep the First Ask Small. ➜ Don’t request an hour-long call out of nowhere. ↳ Start with a 15-minute chat, or a single question over email. ⑤ Follow Up With Gratitude, Not Pressure ➜ Thank them for their insight. Show how you used their advice. ↳ Gratitude is remembered. Pressure is resented. —————— Networking is not manipulation, it’s mutual respect. When people feel seen, valued, and appreciated, they want to help you. 💬 What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about networking? ♻️ Repost to help someone transform their networking from awkward to authentic.

Networking and referral tips: I’m a big believer in helping each other out especially in job searches. A referral or a quick intro can change someone’s trajectory. But, a referral is not a free pass to skip the hiring process. One of the biggest mistakes I see in job searching (especially when someone is trying to help) is being too persistent in a way that puts the other person in an awkward spot. A few reminders for anyone navigating referrals and networking: ✅ If someone shares a referral link — thank them and apply. ✅ If they offer to connect you — let them choose the timing. ✅ If they say “this is all I can do” — respect it. What not to do: ❌ Asking repeatedly for internal recruiter/hiring manager names ❌ Requesting direct introductions after being told the process is portal-driven ❌ Asking someone to forward your résumé internally ❌ Following up every few days asking for updates they don’t have ❓Why this matters: When someone works at a company, they often have to follow internal policies and in many cases, they may have conflicts of interest (like being on interview panels). 👍🏻A good rule of thumb: don’t ask a new connection to do something that could put their reputation at risk or to cross boundaries they wouldn’t cross for themselves. Professional gratitude is a skill. Gratitude builds bridges. Pushiness and Entitlement burns them. #Networking #JobSearch #Referrals #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth

Saying this with so much love but some of you are struggling with networking (especially on LinkedIn). But don’t worry, your Early Career BFF has your back. Networking gets talked about a lot, but not enough about how to practically do it. It’s definitely not easy, trust me… I know. Here are 5️⃣ things to consider while building intentional and strategic connections: Note: Everyone will have a different perspective and preferences, and that’s okay :) 1️⃣ Chill with the AI I love AI and practically use it on a daily basis, but we need to draw a line. Networking is about building a connection between two humans, not a human and a bot. Use AI intentionally. It can help you create a template for an outreach message or edit your message for clarity and professionalism, but if your message sounds like it was written entirely by a bot, it comes off impersonal and misses the whole point. 2️⃣ Be clear on why you’re reaching out If you have a question, ask it. If you want a coffee chat, say so. Vague messages like “I’d love to connect to learn more about your experience” don’t really tell the other person what you want. Be specific. It makes it easier for them to respond and fulfill your request. 3️⃣ Create a common thread Why are you reaching out to this person? Are they an alum from your school? Do you want to learn about their role or what it’s like to work at their company? Or maybe you think they have a cool career journey and feel their experience could be valuable to you in this season of life. Be clear. Establishing that connection helps them understand why you’re reaching out and points back to how they can help you. 4️⃣ Don’t ask for a referral out of the gate This one might hurt… but if you immediately ask someone you don’t know for a referral, how can they vouch for you? Instead, set up a coffee chat to get to know each other and see where things go from there. 5️⃣ Research the bare minimum Just because someone works at a company doesn’t mean they know everything about every team that exists or every role that is open. Do as much research as you can beforehand. Check the company website, career page, or job descriptions before asking questions you can easily find yourself. All of this is said with love because I want to see you win. 🙂↕️Final Tips ☑️ Keep your messages short and clear ☑️ Know who you’re reaching out to and why ☑️ Be human You got this 🫵🏾 Disclaimer: These opinions are my own and do not represent the views of my employer.

Are you making these mistakes at events? ❌ Making a beeline for a speaker, celebrity, executive, or other notable person to talk about your business or yourself? ❌ Starting your conversation off with "I..." ❌ Asking for their contact information right away. Here's a few ways to connect with people you admire, that won't put them on guard, or leave a bad impression: ✅ Start with impact "Your _____ helped me to _____" (this shows they made a difference in your life and makes them feel good). ✅ Mention what they did / said at the event (this shows you paid attention to them) ✅ Tell a joke, story, or a helpful suggestion that is relevant to what they focus on / care about. When it comes to photos, I will only ask for one IF: 1️⃣ We've been chatting for a while, 2️⃣ I feel we've made a human connection, and 3️⃣ Only if it feels appropriate, not transactional. I've probably taken photos with 25% of the notable people I've met at events. For me, it's more important to treat people as humans, not as "a photo I want to post." My belief is to leave each person with a good impression so that when I see them next, they'll not only be open to chatting again—they may even come up to me. In networking and relationship building, a human-first approach always comes back around. 💫