Networking Tips for New HR Graduates

“I’ve applied everywhere. I’ve heard nothing.” If that’s you right now... Let’s pause. Let’s pivot. Because what if the answer isn’t more job boards... but new doors you haven’t knocked on? If you're a May 2025 grad (especially on an F-1 visa), job searching in the U.S. can feel like running a marathon in a fog. But here’s a secret: You don’t always need access to the C-suite. You need a crack in the door. And cracks? You can create them. Here are networking strategies you haven’t tried yet—and how to do them in real life. 1. The “Alumni Stack” Strategy Instead of a one-off message to one alum, build a chain. How to do it: Search for alumni from your school on LinkedIn Use filters: industry + location + company (e.g., “Data Analyst” + “Bay Area” + “Visa Inc.”) Reach out to 5 with a message like: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad exploring roles in [field]. I noticed you’ve made a transition I really admire. I’d love to hear 2 mins of your journey—no pressure to respond, just grateful to learn from alumni like you.” Once you speak to one, end by asking: “Is there someone else you’d recommend I reach out to next?” That intro makes the next conversation 10x easier. It’s like referrals—but for insight. 2. Start a “Career Curiosity” Newsletter (Even if it’s just 5 subscribers) When you share what you’re learning, you become a magnet. How to do it: Pick a free platform (Substack, Beehiiv, LinkedIn articles) Once a week, share what you're learning in your job search: 1 resource (course, tool, podcast) 1 insight (“What I learned from shadowing a UX designer”) 1 question for your readers Share it with people you admire: “Hi [Name], I’ve started a small newsletter where I unpack career tools and lessons as a new grad. I mentioned your work in the latest edition—thank you for the inspiration!” Suddenly, you’re not just searching. You’re creating conversation. 3. Offer to “Intern” for 1 Week (Unpaid & Project-Based) It’s bold—but bold gets remembered. How to do it: Identify small companies, startups, or nonprofits you genuinely care about Find a task you could help with (BIM audit, website UX review, blog writing) Reach out with: “Hi [Name], I’m a recent grad learning [skill]. I’d love to offer 1 week of help—free—on a micro-project your team’s too busy to finish. I’ll treat it as a capstone, and you get a finished piece of work. Open to it?” Even if they say no—you’ve made a lasting impression. And if they say yes? That could turn into a referral or a role. Final Thought: Most people think networking = asking for jobs. But real networking? It’s creating a reason to stay in someone’s mind—long before you ever apply. Your goal isn’t to impress. It’s to connect. To show up with curiosity. To leave behind a feeling that says: “This person is going somewhere.” Try just one idea this week. #JobSearch2025 #NetworkingWithoutCringe #InternationalStudents #GradLife

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

The time to start networking is now. As professionals, sometimes we think “I don’t have the time to network.” The truth is, we all have the same amount of time - but spend it differently. If you hop on a Teams call today and HR joins with your boss and you are told your role is eliminated, one of the first things you might think of after the shock clears is: “who do I know that can help me find my next role.” That moment is not the time to begin to think about your network, it was actually 5 years ago when you got that promotion and the expanded responsibilities. Your professional network is as important as continuous learning, building skills for the future and being a high performer. Here are some ways for you to create space to network as well as practical tips: 1. Celebrate promotions and new roles of colleagues or people in your LI network. Take an interest. When someone leaves for a new company, put a reminder on your calendar for 90 days out and check in with them: how is X company and the new role going? 2. Develop a list of your top 10 companies you’d like to work for and see who you know that works there or connect with people there and begin to create connectivity: keep me in mind if you hear of a role that might be a fit and I can do the same for you. 3. Be willing to respond to LI messages from people you don’t know who might be seeking a role: answer questions and connect them to recruiting - I’m not sure about that role but here are a couple of recruiters in my company that might have more info. 4. Pay attention to where skills are going in your area of specialization and make the time to get entrenched and curious: when interesting roles surface internally or externally you want to have these skills not be caught on your back foot. 5. Be active on LinkedIn. Engage with posts, create your own content and share thought leadership around key topics or where your area of specialization is headed. Pro tip: don’t make the mistake of thinking LinkedIn is only for your external network. It can be equally important or even more powerful for building your internal network and brand at your current company - which can lead to new roles, expanded roles and other exposure. #opentowork #networking #careerjourney #careerprogression #skills #futureofwork

I know the job market is tough, but spamming messages to a bunch of random people at a company to try to get them to review your application is not putting your best foot forward. In the age of AI 🤖, recruiters are often overwhelmed with the number of applications we need to review (and yes, many of us actually review them ourselves. Not AI.). I know many candidates are taught to reach out directly to recruiters or hiring managers to help their application stand out, but these messages unfortunately don’t carry much weight if we don’t know you. Even worse, excessive messaging can be seen as a ⚠️red flag⚠️ by some recruiters. It may come across as unfocused, like you didn’t do your research, or as if you don’t respect their time. Building genuine relationships is more important than ever. Instead of sending cold messages to a bunch of strangers, here are some recommendations that intern and entry‑level candidates can try instead: 1️⃣ Attend career fairs and on-campus networking event. And actually have a real conversation with professionals. AND follow-up after the event! 2️⃣ Join a student org that aligns with your career interests. Many employers love hosting events with student orgs (me included!). You can also learn a lot about the job search and networking from upperclassmen too! 3️⃣ Register for and attend virtual events hosted by the company. For example, EisnerAmper hosts a virtual series every March and October but I've seen a bunch of other companies run similar events throughout the year. Attending these events will give you insider info about the recruiting process AND opportunities to naturally follow-up with professionals. Try sending a LinkedIn connection request or email to a speaker who presented on something that resonated with you, and build the relationship from there. 4️⃣ Ask Career Services if they can introduce you to professionals in your field of interest. Many schools also offer alumni networking platforms you can join as students. (And many career services offices and alumni associations provide job search resources even after graduation.) Maybe the job search doesn't have to feel like throwing spaghetti🍝 at the wall to see what sticks. You may have better luck approaching it strategically, with a focus on building real relationships along the way. 🫶 Campus Recruiters - got any other tips to share? Share your insights below! #campusrecruiting #earlycareers #jobsearchtips

Dear Debbie, Everyone tells me I need to network to find ajob, but I’m an introvert.  Do I really need to network? If so, how do I do it? Networking Novice in Nashville Dear Networking Novice, I totally get it—networking can feel daunting. Throughout my science and technology policy career, I have hated evening receptions, dinners, and the numerous other events that are part of a Washington, DC, policy life. Yet, it's a key part of the job search puzzle and your long-term professional life. I still reach out to contacts I made at events years ago when I have a question. Think of networking as a way to gather insights and understand the job market better, rather than expecting immediate job opportunity identification or offers. It’s like planting seeds for future opportunities. Here’s how to start: 1. Define Your Purpose: Understand why you want to network. Are you looking to gain industry insights or clarify job roles? Do you want to determine if you’re a good match while considering pivoting to a new career path? 2. Craft Thoughtful Questions: Prepare questions like, "What does a typical day look like in your role?" or "What skills are essential for success in this field?" Also, ask how they see the job market for their field and gather suggestions on where to find jobs. 3. Identify Contacts: List 5 "warm" contacts you know and 5 "cold" contacts you don’t. This will help you build a diverse network. Put together a database to keep track. 4. Create a Reach-Out Plan: Write LinkedIn and email message templates to connect with these contacts. Start with warm contacts to gain confidence. Develop a brief profile, shorter than your resume, as background information for your emails and DMs. 5. Follow-Up: Don’t forget to thank the person who chatted with you and let them know where you eventually find employment.  Networking is a long-term effort, not a short-term one. Networking opens doors to hidden job markets and can even lead to mentorship. Remember, every conversation is a step forward. Ready to draft your first outreach message, Networking Novice in Nashville? Debbie

A recent college grad reached out this week, hoping to break into HR. "It's a tough job market for new grads, how can I find a great role to start my career?" Sound familiar? I remember that feeling. That mix of fear, ambition and frustration when you're trying to start your career. So we jumped on a call, and I shared what I wish someone had told me 25 years ago. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Stop asking for jobs. Start building relationships. When you reach out to someone, be genuine. Be curious. "I'd love to learn more about your role" beats "Are you hiring?" every time. Send your questions in advance. Respect their time. After the call? Send a thank you note that adds value—share an article, an insight, anything that shows you're thinking beyond yourself. One conversation doesn't build a relationship. But it can start one. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱, 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: Pick 5-10 companies you genuinely want to work for. Not just the ones with open roles. The ones whose mission excites you. Then reach out to their HR teams—not talent acquisition, but HR directors, talent managers, business partners. "I'm really interested in your company. Would you be willing to share 15 minutes about your career journey?" Most people won't respond. But some will. And those conversations? They might help you get noticed and even hired. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱, 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: Here’s what I call the "Career Trifecta"... Great Boss + Great Company + Great Role If you can't have all three (and early on, you probably won't), prioritize. Big companies offer brand recognition and structured development. Small companies offer broader experience and faster growth. There's no wrong choice. Just different paths. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁: A great boss at an average company beats a terrible boss at a dream company. Trust me on this one. You can spot a bad boss in the interview process. They're the ones who talk more than they listen. Who can't clearly articulate what success looks like. Who seem bothered by your questions. A great boss? They're excited about developing talent. They ask about your goals, not just your skills. They remember what it was like to be in your shoes. What advice would you give to recent grads trying to break into HR? P.S. If you're looking for a bright, ambitious recent graduate who's willing to do the work, I would suggest connecting with Suhani (BTW, thank you for the conversation) Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in your potential.

We all know how hard it is to network, especially with no experience. Here's how to connect effectively as a recent grad. When reaching out to professionals: Research their background first.  Reference specific work they've done or articles they've written. Focus on learning, not job-hunting.  Ask for a 15-minute call about their career path, not employment opportunities. Prepare thoughtful questions that show you've done your homework.  This demonstrates your seriousness. Follow up with specific value.  Share an article relevant to your conversation or a summary of what you learned. Remember: People help those who are prepared, specific, and respectful of their time. Your lack of experience isn't a barrier. Your approach is what opens doors.

My #1 networking tip: The 3R Framework (so you stop wasting time at events and actually build relationships that matter.) Events just keep getting bigger; thousands of professionals attend every year. If you want to actually build something meaningful there- Remember: They don’t know you yet, they aren’t there just to collect business cards, They’re also looking for genuine conversations, The goal isn’t to shake more hands, it’s to build stronger bonds. If you want to walk away with real connections, you need to: 📌 Right Room → Be in the spaces where your people are, not just the “hottest” event. 📌 Real Conversation → Ask deeper questions (“what’s the biggest thing you’ve learned recently?”) instead of small talk. 📌 Repeat, Don’t Retreat → Follow up and nurture the bond. One hello isn’t enough. 95% of professionals say face-to-face networking builds stronger, longer-term relationships. (Harvard Business Review) Bonus: Even if you’re introverted, one meaningful conversation beats ten surface-level ones. ❎ Don’t: Go to every event, smile politely, and disappear the next day. ✅ Do: Be selective, intentional, and consistent in how you show up. Clear difference. Your conversations are the roadmap to trust. Get trust → you’ll get opportunities, clients, and friends. And they’ll reward you with relationships that last years, not minutes.