13 answers
Kofi
Student
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
1
Question
Asked
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How do I make people feel like I am genuinely interested in them and not just looking for a job, in networking conversations?
I am a rising college freshman. How do I make professionals feel like I am genuinely interested in finding out more about them and their paths and avoid coming across as only speaking to them in order to get a job/ help, particularly in networking sessions? #Spring26
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13 answers
Simmy Garg
MOC
9
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Simmy’s Answer
When chatting with new people, it feels more genuine when you show real interest in them instead of focusing on what you can get out of it. Ask them thoughtful questions about their experiences and choices, and really listen to what they say. Share a little about yourself, but don't go overboard talking about your own successes right away. Keep the conversation curious and end it with a thank you or something you learned, instead of asking for a favor. This makes the interaction feel more respectful and sincere.
Thank you. I am really grateful for your thoughtful response.
Kofi
Sandra Etuk
Consultant
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Make sure you come prepared for the conversation! When networking, it is clear if the person seeking advice has done their research and their homework. If you use your sense of curiosity and ask follow up questions to what they say, it will turn into an engaging conversation. Additionally, try and offer them something in return if the opportunity arises. Whether that be your thoughts or your time volunteered, there is always something that you can offer. Remember that the person on the other side is human too!
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
187
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Personally, when talking to someone new to the field I am in, or interested in the job that I work, it becomes difficult to talk to them when they start to expect I will get them a job. I am actually pretty open to helping people into a job, but there shouldn't be an expectation for it. If there is nothing more interesting about me than my job, then it doesn't feel like the person I am trying to help really cares about learning or networking, just job.
I was at a convention and I ended talking to a young woman who was volunteering her time to help out. She was a lot of fun to talk to, she was polishing off a degree soon and was trying to network however she could. I was impressed with her so I mentioned I had a friend at the convention and he knows a lot of people who hire in her field. She was very happy about that and thankful for the info. Hours later myself, my friend, and my girlfriend were standing in line at a food truck outside, the young woman came by to tell me she had finished a class or seminar. She just walked up to us and started talking, then she turned to my friend and said "JOBS! you're the guy with jobs!". My friend kind of shrugged her off and asked if they could just catch up later maybe. I could tell he was not happy. She wasn't reading the situation so I asked to excuse us, the people behind us in line were a little upset thinking she was trying to cut the line. I apologized to my friend saying "she was really chipper and proud of her degree, I mentioned you knew people and...", he interrupted me "you are supposed to be telling people like her about me, she needs to learn to read people better, I'm not here for her, just to get her a job".
I am really bad with networking by not keeping up with people. I make the connections, mention us working in the next place together, and then don't talk to anyone for years. I might call them out of the blue with a new job, or ask them a question based on their specialty, but I am not keeping up regularly to see what's happening with them. I also have very limited social media (not on LinkedIn either!) so even the passive repost or post like that people do to just reach out, I don't do that either. Self admittedly, this may be worse than just walking up to someone and saying "job person!!!".
You are in an age range where it is completely acceptable to walk up to someone you are trying to network with and just try to connect with them on social media. If its professional, make it LinkedIn, if they are a business maybe find them on Facebook, if they do promoting or events Instagram, etc. Try to break the ice, figure out what you can talk to them about. I find people do well rolling into football teams or cars or clothing, something that's visible and people can have light opinion about, something someone is not embarrassed to show off. Networking is an art so I can't say do something specific and you are in, its a skill you will build. It used to be all about business cards and emails, I feel those are still useful, but if I have someone coming up to me with those who is below 25 it feels rehearsed, unless that is how you make contacts normally.
If you see someone regularly at an event, a store, a place you both have in common, try to make an effort to just say hey to them. My current boss said he ran into someone he knew in a restaurant a couple of times and just said hey. The next time he saw that person, he got offered a job and that's what got him into the company. It doesn't always happen like that, but that particular person needed to hire someone quick and the connected at just the right time! Having network is about setting up "being in the right place at the right time". Be forward with who you are and what you want to do. Be smart and be vocal about what you plan to do or have accomplished. I think if you start with what I recommended, in a short amount of time you will have a solid network!
I was at a convention and I ended talking to a young woman who was volunteering her time to help out. She was a lot of fun to talk to, she was polishing off a degree soon and was trying to network however she could. I was impressed with her so I mentioned I had a friend at the convention and he knows a lot of people who hire in her field. She was very happy about that and thankful for the info. Hours later myself, my friend, and my girlfriend were standing in line at a food truck outside, the young woman came by to tell me she had finished a class or seminar. She just walked up to us and started talking, then she turned to my friend and said "JOBS! you're the guy with jobs!". My friend kind of shrugged her off and asked if they could just catch up later maybe. I could tell he was not happy. She wasn't reading the situation so I asked to excuse us, the people behind us in line were a little upset thinking she was trying to cut the line. I apologized to my friend saying "she was really chipper and proud of her degree, I mentioned you knew people and...", he interrupted me "you are supposed to be telling people like her about me, she needs to learn to read people better, I'm not here for her, just to get her a job".
I am really bad with networking by not keeping up with people. I make the connections, mention us working in the next place together, and then don't talk to anyone for years. I might call them out of the blue with a new job, or ask them a question based on their specialty, but I am not keeping up regularly to see what's happening with them. I also have very limited social media (not on LinkedIn either!) so even the passive repost or post like that people do to just reach out, I don't do that either. Self admittedly, this may be worse than just walking up to someone and saying "job person!!!".
You are in an age range where it is completely acceptable to walk up to someone you are trying to network with and just try to connect with them on social media. If its professional, make it LinkedIn, if they are a business maybe find them on Facebook, if they do promoting or events Instagram, etc. Try to break the ice, figure out what you can talk to them about. I find people do well rolling into football teams or cars or clothing, something that's visible and people can have light opinion about, something someone is not embarrassed to show off. Networking is an art so I can't say do something specific and you are in, its a skill you will build. It used to be all about business cards and emails, I feel those are still useful, but if I have someone coming up to me with those who is below 25 it feels rehearsed, unless that is how you make contacts normally.
If you see someone regularly at an event, a store, a place you both have in common, try to make an effort to just say hey to them. My current boss said he ran into someone he knew in a restaurant a couple of times and just said hey. The next time he saw that person, he got offered a job and that's what got him into the company. It doesn't always happen like that, but that particular person needed to hire someone quick and the connected at just the right time! Having network is about setting up "being in the right place at the right time". Be forward with who you are and what you want to do. Be smart and be vocal about what you plan to do or have accomplished. I think if you start with what I recommended, in a short amount of time you will have a solid network!
Thank you. I am really grateful for your thoughtful response.
Kofi
Tony Bae, CPA
Consultant
14
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Start by focusing on learning. Don't worry about getting a job right away. Talk to people you know to learn about them and their work. Ask them about their daily routines, how they got to where they are, and any advice they might have for you.
Showing that you're eager to learn lets others know you're interested in the field without directly asking for a job.
As you grow your network, you'll build stronger connections. This will make it easier to ask about job opportunities later. Keep in touch with your contacts regularly so your initial effort doesn't go to waste.
Good luck!
Showing that you're eager to learn lets others know you're interested in the field without directly asking for a job.
As you grow your network, you'll build stronger connections. This will make it easier to ask about job opportunities later. Keep in touch with your contacts regularly so your initial effort doesn't go to waste.
Good luck!
Diana Durnford
Senior Consultant
10
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Kofi,
Many people are eager to chat and help, even if it's just for information. Try to really listen to them and ask about their hobbies, pets, or favorite travel spots. Jot these down so you can mention them in a thank you note later. This shows you care about more than just networking or job hunting. You can also ask about their work experience and see if they recommend others you should meet. Remember, everyone was once in your position and is usually happy to connect. Don't stress too much; focus on learning about the jobs and the people. In the end, it's the people who make a job or industry enjoyable.
Many people are eager to chat and help, even if it's just for information. Try to really listen to them and ask about their hobbies, pets, or favorite travel spots. Jot these down so you can mention them in a thank you note later. This shows you care about more than just networking or job hunting. You can also ask about their work experience and see if they recommend others you should meet. Remember, everyone was once in your position and is usually happy to connect. Don't stress too much; focus on learning about the jobs and the people. In the end, it's the people who make a job or industry enjoyable.
Nuresebah Alkadir, MSIOP
Training consultant
4
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nuresebah’s Answer
Hi Kofi,
I'm glad you asked this because making connections can be tricky. The key is to find common ground, even if it's something small like a pair of shoes they have on. A nice compliment can kick things off, especially if you can relate it back to yourself. You might also ask about what they do outside of work, what they miss from college, or what they'd change if they could do college again. At first, try not to focus too much on the job. Instead, aim to build a real connection. Share a bit about yourself, plan to chat again, and keep asking thoughtful questions. As you get to know each other better, you can ask for advice and share more about your interests and what you're up to in school or work. It's a good idea to stay in touch regularly to keep the relationship genuine and active.
I'm glad you asked this because making connections can be tricky. The key is to find common ground, even if it's something small like a pair of shoes they have on. A nice compliment can kick things off, especially if you can relate it back to yourself. You might also ask about what they do outside of work, what they miss from college, or what they'd change if they could do college again. At first, try not to focus too much on the job. Instead, aim to build a real connection. Share a bit about yourself, plan to chat again, and keep asking thoughtful questions. As you get to know each other better, you can ask for advice and share more about your interests and what you're up to in school or work. It's a good idea to stay in touch regularly to keep the relationship genuine and active.
Galen Chan
3
Answers
Corvallis, Oregon
Updated
Galen’s Answer
Kofi - many people want to help! We were all in your shoes at some point. Don't be afraid to reach out to people. Share your passions and be open about your curiosity. Most people are aware the goal of networking is to get a job or internship. That's why it's so important to be genuine and truly approach each interaction with passion, story and background! Talk about yourself and why you are interested on what others do!
Deepti S
Strategy and Transformation
11
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Deepti’s Answer
Professionals can immediately feel when someone is working an angle. You stand out by genuinely wanting to learn from them, not get something from them. Questions that work:
"What surprised you most about your career path?"
"What do you wish someone had told you starting out?"
Then actually listen and follow up on what they say. Don't just wait for your turn to talk.
The mindset shift: Go in trying to learn something, not get something. Don't ask for anything in the first conversation, just connect.
And your age is actually an advantage here. Genuine curiosity from a freshman is refreshing. You don't need to be polished, you just need to be real.
The professionals worth knowing can always tell who's authentic. Just be that person.
"What surprised you most about your career path?"
"What do you wish someone had told you starting out?"
Then actually listen and follow up on what they say. Don't just wait for your turn to talk.
The mindset shift: Go in trying to learn something, not get something. Don't ask for anything in the first conversation, just connect.
And your age is actually an advantage here. Genuine curiosity from a freshman is refreshing. You don't need to be polished, you just need to be real.
The professionals worth knowing can always tell who's authentic. Just be that person.
Brittany Frausto
Forensic Accountant
3
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Brittany’s Answer
I know this is cliche advice but just be yourself! If you are genuinely interested in the topic that will come through. Also, don't be afraid to ask "silly" questions. I remember a networking call I had with an intern where she asked me if I like watching crime-related shows (because I work in Forensics & Financial Crime). I was a random question but we had a great chat about shows we enjoyed and I still remember her a year later!
Mikal Dillard
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Mikal’s Answer
You never know where a connection might lead. It could become a lifelong friendship or a mentor relationship. Try to focus less on the job and more on shared interests to build a bond. When I go to a networking event, my only goal is to meet new people. Some I might not see again, while others could become business contacts.
Roger Chance
Risk management attorney
16
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hi Kofi,
Try researching the company to find specific reasons why you want to work there. Look for any initiatives or causes they support that you also care about. This shows you're truly interested in the company, not just in getting a paycheck.
Try researching the company to find specific reasons why you want to work there. Look for any initiatives or causes they support that you also care about. This shows you're truly interested in the company, not just in getting a paycheck.
Je' Mira Johnson
Senior Consultants
4
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Je' Mira’s Answer
The simplest way is to really show interest! Look for something you both share by talking. First, you're both at the same event for a similar reason. Be open to how others are different and what might be interesting about that.
Meghna A
Auditor
5
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Meghna’s Answer
1. Ask thoughtful questions about their career path, lessons learned, and what they enjoy about their work.
2. Listen closely and build on what they say instead of jumping to your next question.
3. Avoid making the conversation immediately about openings or referrals.
4. Reference something specific they mentioned, which shows you were genuinely paying attention.
2. Listen closely and build on what they say instead of jumping to your next question.
3. Avoid making the conversation immediately about openings or referrals.
4. Reference something specific they mentioned, which shows you were genuinely paying attention.