When you're on the hunt for new career opportunities, knowing how to network can be one of your most valuable tools. Why is it important to have a professional network? If you have a robust set of people in your network, they can connect you to job openings that aren't being advertised, refer you to their contacts, keep an eye out for opportunities that might be right for you and act as references during your search.
It's never been easier to learn how to network professionally now that you can combine social media outreach with more traditional networking tactics. However, it's also too easy to make mistakes while reaching out to other professionals, especially if you’re out of practice. Here are Robert Half Canada’s top six mistakes to avoid when learning how to network, along with some better ways to foster professional relationships in your career.
Mistake 1: Limiting your exposure
When you rely solely on social media to form your professional network, you limit yourself. Depending on the generation, industry and accessibility, some professionals prefer meeting face-to-face at events and over lunch. Same goes if you use only traditional networking methods and ignore how to network online to make new connections.
Try this instead: diversify your approach
Build your network using a combination of in-person opportunities and online resources. Whether you attend an online webinar or an in-person event, make a point of introducing yourself to other attendees, and don't be shy about striking up a conversation between event sessions. If the event is online, consider connecting with other attendees on professional social media networks like LinkedIn. You have the event as an ice breaker to spark a conversation.
Make sure to bridge the gap between your online and in-person networking efforts. For example, your business card should include links to your relevant online profiles. You’ll need to keep each of those profiles updated. Set a reminder on your calendar to update on a regular cadence.
Mistake 2: Hiding your agenda
When people first start to learn how to network, they sometimes feel shy or embarrassed about asking for help. As a result, they don’t tell people what they’re looking for, whether it’s a new job, a project, a contact at the company they want to work for, or just some career advice.
Try this instead: be clear and respectful
Be tactful but be upfront about the assistance you seek. Others will appreciate your candor and will be better able to help you.
Before you begin networking for a job, prepare an elevator pitch that includes a statement explaining the type of role you're seeking. If you neglect to let people know you're in the market for a job, they may not think to refer you when they hear about an opportunity.
Mistake 3: Keeping a narrow focus
Most people build their professional networks around others within their industry. These connections are important but if you don't expand your network into other relevant industries, you could miss out. Many professionals also limit their networking efforts to business occasions only, further missing out on opportunities to connect.
Try this instead: expand your circles
Attend conferences, workshops and networking events that focus on broader business topics — or in industries related to yours. For example, if you attend a seminar on business ethics or social media etiquette, you might make several valuable contacts who can expand your consulting network outside your normal group.
Make an effort to meet new contacts at social gatherings, and always carry business cards with you - digital or physical cards. The more people you know, the greater the probability at least one of them can connect you with your ideal job or another connection.
Need help landing a job? Connect with a Robert Half Recruiter in your area today: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Other Locations.
Mistake 4: Expecting immediate results
Even people who participate in all the major industry events and spend many weekends at workshops and conferences, don't have guaranteed access to an abundance of job openings. In fact, those who are too eager to find work sometimes forget to focus on the relationship-building part of how to network; the core aspect that really opens up the job market.
Try this instead: build relationships first
Don't wait until you need something to forge relationships. Work on developing your network continuously by deepening the connections you've already made. For example, when you first meet a colleague or potential client, check out any links they provide to their social networks, and follow them immediately. When they mention that they're attending an upcoming conference you’ll be at, reach out to see if they'd like to meet up. You might also offer to connect them with another colleague in attendance.
Just as you are looking to broaden your network, others might be doing the same. Don’t forget to treat others while you’re networking, the same way you want to be treated.
Mistake 5: Being too aggressive
While it's important to communicate regularly with people in your professional network, some people reach out so often that they risk becoming a disruption. And those who become overbearing tend to get ignored or overlooked when job openings come up.
Try this instead: be thoughtful and professional
The golden rule of networking online: Don't be intrusive. An email or a LinkedIn message once every week or two is probably fine, but nobody wants to receive a reminder about your job search every single day. No matter how often you reach out, make sure to have something valuable to say in your emails. Offer an article of interest or a potential connection, for example.
Remember to keep it professional if it is a new connection. Relationships take time to build so don’t jump straight into personal questions or topics that aren’t relevant for either party.
Mistake 6: Focusing only on what you can get
When someone shows up at a networking event or builds a LinkedIn presence with the mindset, “What’s in it for me?”, they often walk away disappointed. That’s because effective networking isn’t transactional, it is relational. Most professionals are also seeking opportunities, insights, or support. If everyone is only looking to receive, there’s nothing being offered.
Try this instead: lead with generosity
Think of networking as a long-term investment built on trust. Start by being genuinely curious about others and their roles, challenges, and goals. Ask thoughtful questions. Then, look for ways to help like share a relevant article, introduce them to someone in your circle, or refer them to a project that’s not the right fit for you. When you give without expecting immediate returns, you build goodwill. And in time, that generosity often comes back to you in the form of referrals, opportunities, and strong professional relationships.
Takeaway
Your professional network should always be a work in progress. Learning how to network effectively means going beyond quick wins and focusing on building genuine, long-term relationships that offer insight, support, and opportunity throughout your career.
By applying these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll create a network that not only helps you grow but also positions you to help others.
