Breaking Into Networking: Tips for Job Seekers Starting from Square One

Starting your career—or switching to a new one—can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear how important “networking” is. But what if you don’t have a network yet? The good news: everyone starts somewhere, and building connections from scratch is absolutely possible.

Why is making time to network beneficial?

Knowledge sharing: You can learn from others’ experiences, stay updated on industry trends, and get advice or feedback.
Visibility and reputation: Being active in your professional network helps you stay top-of-mind for opportunities and builds your credibility.
Support system: Networking provides emotional and professional support, especially during transitions or challenges.
Collaboration and innovation: Diverse connections often lead to fresh ideas and partnerships that drive innovation.

Sounds great but not sure where to start? Here’s guidance on how to begin building your network.

Start with Those Around You

You might have more connections than you think. Friends, family, former classmates, teachers/professors, volunteering peers or even neighbors can be great starting points. Let them know what kind of role or industry you’re interested in. You never know who they might know!

Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building your professional network. Start by creating a strong profile that highlights your skills, interests, and goals. Then:

Follow companies you admire (like Citizens!)
Connect with people in roles you’re curious about
Engage with content by liking, commenting, or sharing posts

When sending connection requests, include a short, friendly message like:
“Hi [Name], I’m exploring careers in [industry] and would love to learn more about your experience at [Company].”

Attend Events—In Person or Online

Look for career fairs, industry meetups, webinars, or community events in your area. These are great places to meet people who share your interests. Don’t worry about having the perfect elevator pitch—just be curious and ask questions like:

“What do you enjoy most about your job?”
“How did you get started in your field?”

People love talking about their journeys, and you’ll learn a lot just by listening.

Join Professional Groups or Volunteer

Many industries have associations or groups you can join, even as a student or early-career professional. Volunteering is another great way to meet people, build skills, and show your initiative.

Ask for Informational Interviews

An informational interview is a short, casual conversation where you learn about someone’s job or career path. It’s not about asking for a job—it’s about learning and building relationships. Most people are happy to help if you’re respectful of their time.

Try saying:
“I’m exploring careers in [field] and would love to hear about your experience. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat?”

Be Consistent and Patient

Networking isn’t about instant results—it’s about building genuine relationships over time. Keep showing up, stay curious, and don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to grow your network.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

At Citizens, we believe in the power of networking. With organized opportunities (join one of our seven Business Resource Groups, take advantage of skill development tools like Citizens Talent Matters, and attend virtual Let’s Connect sessions with peers and leaders) or everyday moments to connect with those in and around your department, we believe networking can bring more access to opportunities for your professional and personal development.

Whether you’re just starting out or making a change, we’re here to help you grow. Explore our career opportunities and see where your path could lead.