How To Network When You Hate Networking

How to network for a job

To network without dreading it, redefine networking as simply staying in touch with people whose work you respect: message a former coworker, comment thoughtfully on a post, or ask one specific question about someone's career path. One genuine conversation a week builds a real network over time.

Here's a better way to think about it: networking is just staying in touch with people whose work you respect. That's it. You don't need a script or a stack of business cards.

Start with people you already know. Message a former coworker and ask how their new role is going. Comment thoughtfully on a post instead of scrolling past it. Reach out to someone whose career path interests you and ask one specific question about their journey.

This works whether you're job hunting for your first role or quietly building relationships as a director. The goal isn't to collect contacts; it's to build a small circle of people who'd think of you when an opportunity comes up.

Give yourself a simple rule: one genuine conversation a week. That's a real network, built slowly.

Not sure where to start? CareerMuv's Universe pillar is built exactly for this.

FAQ

Q: What if I don't have a big professional network? Everyone starts somewhere. Former classmates, past coworkers, and people in industry groups all count.

Q: Is LinkedIn enough for networking? It's a great starting point, but real relationships need occasional real conversation, not just connection requests.

Q: How do I ask for help without feeling like I'm using people? Be specific and give before you ask. Offer something useful, then make a clear, small request.

About the Author

Keji Ogunnaike is a Calgary-area Strategic Career Consultant and Author. She's one of the few professionals globally certified as an Ethical AI Career Practitioner (EAI-C). She holds the Certified Career Success Coach (CCSC) and Certified Resume Analyst (CRA) designations from Career Directors International, as well as a Prosci Change Management certification. Creator of the M.U.V.E.R. Framework™, her books include The Global Ascension and Command the Room. Through her practice, CareerMuv, she helps mid-career to executive professionals, including immigrant professionals building new careers abroad across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and beyond, move forward with a deliberate strategy for what's next.