Networking Tips for Introverts in Job Hunts

Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

As an introvert, the thought of large professional gatherings can be overwhelming. However, you know that networking is crucial for career growth and professional success. One strategy that has worked for me is leveraging online platforms to build meaningful connections. Sites like LinkedIn allow for thoughtful engagement without the immediate pressure of in-person events, making it easier for introverts to connect and engage. By creating and sharing content, you can attract connections naturally. Platforms like Medium, YouTube, GitHub, and X also offer great opportunities to expand your reach and showcase your expertise. Start by joining online communities related to your field and contributing valuable insights. This approach not only helps you build your network but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Online networking allows you to take your time crafting messages and engaging in conversations at your own pace. It breaks down the barriers to the hardest part of networking: meeting a large volume of people. For introverts, this method is more manageable and comfortable, opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships. Do you consider yourself an introvert? If so, how have you thought about effectively networking? #Networking #Introvert #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

I’m an introvert.  Socially awkward.  And I hate small talk. I will feel stressed for weeks before attending a conference even though I already know half the people attending! I also hate the word networking. Networking implies I have to ask for help, engage in small talk (which I’m terrible at), and ask questions that feel forced and self-serving. No wonder it has that icky feeling. But, let me tell you what I have found I love: - Supporting other people.  - Cheering them on.  - Encouraging them.  - Sharing what I know with them.  - Adding my own thoughts to the conversation.  - Learning something new from other people. I easily do this on LinkedIn every day by simply commenting on other people’s posts. My network consists of colleagues in my industry (other career experts) and job seekers (the people I serve). That kindness of supporting their content increases their visibility on the platform and my visibility on the platform. It benefits us both. And, when you repeatedly show up, people start recognizing your name and your face. They appreciate your support of their work. Eventually, they will reciprocate and support what you post. I can’t tell you how many colleague relationships I’ve developed this way with people I would have otherwise never met. All of this comes from simple kindness. Taking 10 minutes of my day to say, “I see you, I value your work, and I appreciate what you’re doing.” If commenting seems overwhelming, start small. Find 3–5 experts in your field, and comment on their posts 3 days a week. Keep this up until you’re comfortable expanding your circle. #LinkedInTopVoices #networking #careers

Steal my networking hack for introverts: It’s Friday, which means it’s time for #interininsights! 💡 The Hack 💡 Start conversations with people you don’t know by complimenting them! 🚘 An Example 🚘 I did this a bunch last summer. It made networking feel like less of a high stakes thing. In elevators, after lunch or a coffee break, I’d turn to the person next to me and compliment them. The elevator arriving is a natural exit point for the conversation. It gave me just enough time to compliment them, ask what they do, and mention that I’m an intern. At the end of the conversation, I’d ask for their name / Slack handle and follow up with them that way. 💯 The Benefits 💯 Doing this allowed me to meet random people which was great for going beyond my immediate circle of software engineers. I met people on the business side of the company, APMs, building security workers, etc and had a few more familiar faces around the office. ⚠️ Some Caveats ⚠️ 1️⃣ Be emotionally aware. If someone looks stressed, it’s probably not the right time to try to talk to them. 2️⃣ Make sure the compliment is genuine lol. The elevator ride was sometimes so short that all I got to say was the compliment, and I would still consider that a successful interaction. 3️⃣ Go beyond physical compliments!! This is something I’m still working on, just takes a bit of creativity. 💁🏾♀️ Examples of non-physical compliments: 1/ “You have good energy.” 2/ “The coffee you ordered looks delicious, what did you get?” 3/ “You seem like a kind person, is that a fair assumption?” Any other introverts out there have tips on how to network? ‘till next week ✨🌚— ~aminah. —— #interninsights, a weekly series, is dedicated to sharing my experiences (and, eventually, the experiences of others) along with key insights from past tech internships at top companies. Like what you read? Drop your questions below and follow me so you don’t miss out on the next installment!

Networking was a nightmare in my 20s. Because I misunderstood it! College / early career is supposed to be a great time to connect with seniors, alumni, and other awesome people in the field. And there I was, an introvert with heart palpitations, canceling calls last minute, or hoping people didn’t turn up. I avoided connecting with new people with a vengeance for almost a decade even though I thrived in informal meetups! 😓 All the while seeing others networking effortlessly.. Here’s what helped me finally: 1️⃣ Removing the pressure of “networking” 2️⃣ Connecting with people I genuinely found interesting. What do I want to learn from them? (no spamming). 3️⃣ Personalizing my message. What’s my WHY? (short and specific). 4️⃣ Following up twice if I didn’t hear back (people aren’t ignoring me, they are busy). 5️⃣ Listening more, talking less. Be curious. Ask questions. If networking makes you nervous, remember you are not alone. Do it your way. Do it at your pace. And do it to GROW ✨ It’ll be a gamechanger. Trust me! What’s a tip you’d add? LinkedIn #OneThingToKnow #networking #community #careers #mindset