Networking Do’s and Don’ts
You’re standing at a networking night, name tag in place, clutching your résumé, waiting to talk to your dream company. Now what?
In Public Relations, connections are everything. With such a large field, there is infinite room for growth and learning. Networking, if done the right way, can lead to a job, brand connections, and partners to lean on when you’re in a rut. If you are networking poorly, you will find your conversations falling off track, leading to an embarrassing dead end that has you questioning your abilities.
Follow this list of Networking Do’s and Don’ts to avoid derailments and keep moving full steam ahead.
Do’s
Do Your Homework – Research the company, speaker, or professional before approaching them.
The last thing you want to do is show up unprepared. The day before your networking event, dedicate an hour to researching the company via its website and social media pages. Find a project of the company that sparks your interest and learn more about it.
Next, research who you’ll be talking to. Knowing exactly who you’re meeting gives you a major leg up. It’s time to put your polished “stalking” skills to the test! Look for details you can reference to stand out and be remembered.
Finally, prepare 3–5 thoughtful questions for the recruiter to emphasize your interest and passion for the company.
Practice Your Elevator Pitch – Be able to introduce yourself in 20–30 seconds confidently.
Recruiters are often bombarded by long lines of people trying to talk to them. By the time it’s your turn, they may be tired and left with a short attention span. Your elevator pitch should include your name, a concise explanation of what you do, your key accomplishments, and what you’re looking for.A good practice is to ask at the end of the conversation what communication method works best for them.
Try to incorporate your unique personality. I’ve received many compliments when I introduce myself as: “Lillie Nye, just like Bill Nye the Science Guy, but no, we are not related.”
Follow Up – Send a personalized LinkedIn message or thank-you email after meeting.
Just like a story has three key parts: an exposition, a climax, and a resolution, so does networking. After step 1: Research and step 2: The conversation, comes step 3: The Follow-Up.
Within 24–48 hours of your conversation, reach out to your recruiter. If the preferred communication method is unknown, try to find them on LinkedIn or check the company’s website for their email. Reintroduce yourself, reiterate your interest in the company, and, if relevant, share any materials that support your conversation.
Don’ts
Don’t Treat Networking Like Speed-Dating – Focus on meaningful conversations, not collecting business cards.
Networking events often feature multiple recruiters and numerous interested candidates. Be prepared for long lines and the reality that you may not speak with everyone. In the research phase, pick out a few recruiters you really want to connect with.
Focus on quality over quantity. It’s good to get your name out there, but staying long enough to build a memorable connection is far more valuable.
Don’t Overshare – Stay professional; balance personality with professionalism.
I previously shared that I pitched myself with a reference to Bill Nye, but that’s something I might say in a more relaxed or casual setting. A big part of networking is being able to read the room. You should always showcase your unique personality, but also pay attention to the way your recruiter is carrying themselves, their tone of voice, and their language. You never want to come off as cringeworthy in a strictly professional setting.
Don’t Be Discouraged by Awkward Moments – Everyone has them! Recover gracefully and move on.
Spending the rest of your conversation replaying a mispronunciation or awkward handshake will only make things worse. Don’t forget your recruiter was once in your shoes, and they understand what it feels like. What they can’t see, they don’t know! If an awkward moment comes up, brush it off like nothing happened; it’ll make for a good laugh later.
Networking isn’t about saying the perfect line or having the flashiest résumé—it’s about leaving people with a genuine impression of who you are. If you focus on building real relationships, the opportunities will follow.
What’s the best networking tip that’s worked for you?
Lillie Nye (she/her) is a Junior at Penn State University pursuing a degree in PR with minors in Digital Media Trends and Analytics and French. She hopes to work in Travel/Luxury PR. She is eternally grateful for the opportunities PRSSA has given her!
