The Power of Networking: Building Meaningful Relationships for Career Growth

By Beth Pampaloni

Strong relationships are the foundation of every great career journey. Networking isn’t just something you do when you’re looking for a new job, it’s about building meaningful connections that inspire, support, and open doors throughout your life. When you invest in genuine relationships, you’re investing in your future. Whether you’re seeking a new role, pivoting to doing something new, or growing in the career you already have, your network can be a powerful source of opportunities, encouragement, and growth at every stage.

Let’s look at the many ways to approach networking!

1. When You're Looking for a New Job

If you’re actively searching, your network is your superpower. Research consistently shows that most job opportunities come through connections—not cold applications. The people you’ve worked with, met at events, or interacted with online may have visibility into opportunities you’d never see on a job board.

But here’s the thing: reaching out only when you need something isn’t networking, it’s asking for a favor. Good networking is about relationships, not transactions. When you’ve been cultivating genuine connections over time, people want to help you. You’ve built trust, not just a contact list.

2. When You're Pivoting or Changing Careers

Career pivots are exciting—but they can feel like starting from scratch. That’s where networking becomes even more critical. Conversations with people in your desired industry can offer insight, open doors, and give you real-world context beyond job descriptions.

Do you want to move from marketing to UX design? Or from tech to the nonprofit world? Do your research and talk to people who’ve done it. Ask questions. Listen. Build relationships—not to ask for a job, but to understand, learn, and show up as someone genuinely interested in their world.

3. When You’re Not Looking at All

This is where long-term networking really pays off. Don’t ghost your network the moment you land a job. Stay connected. Celebrate others. Share interesting articles. Send a quick note to check in. Your relationships will continue to grow and evolve—and when the time comes when you do need something, you won’t be starting the process from scratch.

How to Build and Maintain Your Network

Here are a few suggestions:

Use LinkedIn Appropriately

• Keep your profile up to date.

• Post content or comment thoughtfully to stay visible.

• Personalize connection requests (always!).

• Don’t just show up in someone’s DMs asking for a job—start a conversation.

• Engage with people’s posts in meaningful ways.

Attend Networking Events and Activities

• Industry meetups, conferences, webinars, and even casual community events can all be great places to meet people.

• Be curious. Ask questions. Be more interested than interesting.

• Follow up with a message afterward to keep the connection alive.

Join Job Search Groups, Councils, and Create a Buddy System

• These spaces can offer emotional support and valuable connections.

• Many people in these groups are paying forward and remember being where you are.

Volunteer and Make New Connections

• Nonprofits need smart, capable people. You need experience and connections.

• It’s a win-win—and often leads to unexpected opportunities.

• Volunteering shows initiative, generosity, and commitment—qualities that build trust quickly.

Networking Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts

Let’s be real: we’ve all had awkward or transactional networking experiences. Here's how to keep it human and helpful:

What To Do:

• Think about how you can help them.  Relationships are a two-way street, and people are willing to help but don’t make it all about you. 

• Be clear about your goals, but don’t lead with “Can you get me a job?” 

• Treat these opportunities as silver bullets and learn what you can from them about their career path and the industries that they’ve been in. 

• Do your homework before reaching out.

• Be respectful of time. Ask for 15–20 minutes and stick to it

• Be grateful—thank people, follow up, and pay it forward when you can.

What Not To Do:

• Don’t make it all about you.

• Don’t disappear after you’ve gotten what you needed.

• Don’t treat connections like a one-and-done transaction.

Relationships Pay Off

The best networking happens when you’re not urgently looking. That’s when you can approach people with genuine curiosity and openness. That’s when the seeds of long-term relationships are planted.

So, whether you're just starting out, switching gears, or years into your career—nurture your network. Do your research and make new connections.  Show up consistently. Be kind. Stay curious. The relationships you build today are the foundation for everything you’ll do tomorrow.

Phase2Careers is sponsoring a Career Mixer on Tuesday, June 17@6pm.

In person event Held at the Redwood City Library located on 1044 Middlefield Road in Redwood City.

Welcome all employers, job seekers, and resources!

Register to attend!