Ask a Career Advisor: How Do I Build My Professional Network From Scratch?

Networking is an extremely powerful tool for an entry-level job search. Your professional network can help you find out about opportunities before anyone else, build a strong list of references, and get your resume to the top of the “yes” pile.

But how do you build a professional network if you’re an entry-level professional or a new grad just hitting the job market?

Getting out there and making connections can seem daunting when you’re trying to launch your career. According to our 2024 report, “Gen Z in the Workforce: Decoding a New Generation of Job Seekers,” only 29.4% of Gen Z candidates who answered our survey use networking to find jobs.

To find out how to build a professional network that will benefit your career for years to come, we asked Lori Cole, Certified Career Coach and Advisor at iHire, for her tips and tricks.

Start With Your Existing Network

“The good news is that even as a new grad or entry-level job seeker, you already have a network!” Cole began. “Consider your friends, family members, classmates, and teachers, and then consider all the people they know, too. A friend of a friend of a friend could be the exact connection you need to get your foot in the door.”

As you nurture relationships with people you already know and give them a heads up that you’re searching for a new job, keep in mind that the key to building a strong network is to be helpful to others.

“My top piece of networking advice is when you ask for help, always offer support in return. Earn a reputation within your network as someone who wants to see others succeed, not just yourself. You’ll be remembered for that!” Cole added.

Join Groups & Associations

If there’s a particular industry you’re interested in, find associations within that field and become a member. If they have an online forum or social media pages, contribute to conversations and start to make a name for yourself.

“Most associations hold annual conferences as well as smaller meetings throughout the year, either in person or online. Attend those gatherings and make as many connections as you can,” advised Cole. “Focus on learning and building relationships first, employment second. You don’t want to come across as someone who only joined for your own benefit, or immediately ask for job leads before people have had a chance to get to know you.”

If the thought of “working the room” at a conference or meeting scares you, don’t panic! It takes time to build confidence in these types of settings, and there are networking event tips to make it easier.

“If you’re introverted or more reserved than outgoing, you can still network successfully at an event. One thing you can do is offer to volunteer. For example, helping people sign in and get their name badges helps avoid those awkward icebreakers,” Cole explained. “Another strategy is to connect with people online before the event so you can skip introductions and small talk in person.”

Go to Job Fairs

Job fairs are an easy way to network when you’re starting from scratch. Since these events are centered on employment opportunities, you can jump right into conversations and initial interviews with employers.

“While it might feel awkward to hand out your resume at an association happy hour, for example, job fairs are an entirely different story,” Cole said. “When you attend a job fair, find out who will be there and make a list of the top employers you’d like to meet with. Prepare a few questions and conversation points for them, bring lots of copies of your resume, and be ready for an on-the-spot interview!”

Take time to connect with fellow job seekers at job fairs as well. You can share and receive advice and keep one another in the loop.

“Searching for a job is stressful and can feel isolating. Keeping in touch with others on the same journey as you will help you stay motivated,” Cole added.

Request Informational Interviews

Informational interviews – informal meetings you request with someone to learn more about their role, company, or industry – are a low-pressure strategy for building your network.

“With an informational interview, you’re not asking for a job. You’re asking someone to share their expertise with you,” explained Cole. “The key here is to be strategic about whom you have these interviews with. Perhaps they work for a company you’re planning to apply with, or they’re in a position that’s similar to one you’re targeting now or in the future.”

You’re likely to find that people are more than happy to talk about themselves and their careers, as well as help someone else start their career on the right path.

Networking for Your Entry-Level Job Search

At the end of our survey, we asked employers to provide free-form advice for Gen Z. One person said, “Make sure your networking skills are sharp and take advantage of any and all opportunities to get yourself in front of people that can help you.” We couldn’t agree more!

Explore our Resource Center for more networking advice, as well as our complete library of entry-level job search content.