{"id":13755,"date":"2025-10-24T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/?p=13755"},"modified":"2025-10-21T14:36:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T18:36:22","slug":"networking-dos-and-donts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/24\/networking-dos-and-donts\/","title":{"rendered":"Networking Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You\u2019re standing at a networking night, name tag in place, clutching your r\u00e9sum\u00e9, waiting to talk to your dream company. Now what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Public Relations, connections are everything. With such a large field, there is infinite room for growth and learning. Networking, if done the right<\/em> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow this list of Networking Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts to avoid derailments and keep moving full steam ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do\u2019s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do Your Homework <\/strong>\u2013 Research the company, speaker, or professional before approaching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, research who you\u2019ll be talking to. Knowing exactly who you\u2019re meeting gives you a major leg up. It\u2019s time to put your polished \u201cstalking\u201d skills to the test! Look for details you can reference to stand out and be remembered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, prepare 3\u20135 thoughtful questions for the recruiter to emphasize your interest and passion for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice Your Elevator Pitch <\/strong>\u2013 Be able to introduce yourself in 20\u201330 seconds confidently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recruiters are often bombarded by long lines of people trying to talk to them. By the time it\u2019s 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\u2019re looking for.A good practice is to ask at the end of the conversation what communication method works best for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to incorporate your unique personality. I\u2019ve received many compliments when I introduce myself as: \u201cLillie Nye, just like Bill Nye the Science Guy, but no, we are not related.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Up <\/strong>\u2013 Send a personalized LinkedIn message or thank-you email after meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within 24\u201348 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\u2019s website for their email. Reintroduce yourself, reiterate your interest in the company, and, if relevant, share any materials that support your conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019ts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Treat Networking Like Speed-Dating <\/strong>\u2013 Focus on meaningful conversations, not collecting business cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on quality over quantity. It\u2019s good to get your name out there, but staying long enough to build a memorable connection is far more valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Overshare <\/strong>\u2013 Stay professional; balance personality with professionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I previously shared that I pitched myself with a reference to Bill Nye, but that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t Be Discouraged by Awkward Moments <\/strong>\u2013 Everyone has them! Recover gracefully and move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending the rest of your conversation replaying a mispronunciation or awkward handshake will only make things worse. Don\u2019t forget your recruiter was once in your shoes, and they understand what it feels like. What they can\u2019t see, they don\u2019t know! If an awkward moment comes up, brush it off like nothing happened; it\u2019ll make for a good laugh later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Networking isn\u2019t about saying the perfect line or having the flashiest r\u00e9sum\u00e9\u2014it\u2019s about leaving people with a genuine impression of who you are. If you focus on building real relationships, the opportunities will follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the best networking tip that\u2019s worked for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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