If I asked you to rate your professional network in relation to your career goals, what score would you give it out of 10?
Now, how would you rate your networking skills?
When I pose these questions in my career workshops with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, the average hovers around 5/10 – sometimes lower. That’s not because people lack ability. It’s usually because they lack strategy, clarity, or confidence.
The good news? By the end of the session, most participants feel significantly more capable – not because they’ve suddenly become networking experts, but because they’ve learned that effective networking is a skill, not an innate talent.
Why Networking Matters More Than Ever
We are in a hiring landscape transformed by AI.
Tools now allow applicants to generate tailored CVs and cover letters in minutes. The result? A tsunami of applications for every advertised role.
Ironically, employers, overwhelmed by volume, are increasingly using AI screening tools to filter candidates. This means:
- More competition
- Less human review at early stages
- Greater reliance on keyword matching
- Fewer opportunities to stand out through “cold applications”
Applying online has always involved an element of luck, but now the odds are even longer.
Networking helps you shift from being one of 500 anonymous applicants to being a known quantity. And in hiring, familiarity reduces risk.
Think about it this way: if you needed someone to fix your car, would you choose a random mechanic from a list of 300, or someone recommended by a trusted contact?
Hiring managers think the same way. Known = lower risk.
So how do you make networking work for you?
Here are four tips to get your networking working for you:
1. Target – Be intentional, not accidental
Networking is not about collecting as many contacts as possible. It’s about relevance.
Ask yourself questions, such as “What career direction am I genuinely exploring?”, “Who is already working in that space?” and, even better, “Who do I know who is already working in this space?”
Then ask the more important question: “What value can we offer each other?”
This could mean: Sharing research insights; Offering technical expertise; Contributing to a project; Connecting them to someone in your academic network; Providing thoughtful engagement with their work
Strategic networking means focusing on quality, not quantity. Ten well-chosen connections are more powerful than 200 random ones.
2. Brand yourself – Make your narrative clear
If someone asked, “So what do you do?” could you answer clearly?
Your professional brand is not self-promotion. It’s clarity.
It’s the ability to communicate aspects of yourself, such as: What am I good at; What problems can I solve; What direction am I heading in?
Especially for PhDs and postdocs, this can be challenging. Academic identities are often discipline-specific, but employers think in terms of skills and outcomes.
Instead of:
“I study mitochondrial regulation in zebrafish models.”
Try:
“I analyse complex biological data to identify patterns that inform decision-making.”
Your network needs to understand: What you bring; What you’re looking for; How to remember you
If people are confused about your direction, they can’t help you.
Clarity creates opportunity.
3. Research – Show you’ve done your homework
Before reaching out to someone, do your preparation.
Look at aspects, such as: Their LinkedIn profile; Recent projects; Publications or talks; Company news; Career path
Why?
Because generic outreach gets ignored. Specific outreach gets responses.
Instead of:
“I’d love to connect and learn about your career.”
Try:
“I noticed you transitioned from academia into regulatory affairs at X company. I’m exploring a similar move and would value hearing about how you positioned your research experience.”
Good networking isn’t random chatting. It’s informed conversation.
4. Take it easy – Build before you leverage
One of the biggest networking mistakes is asking for too much, too soon.
If your first message is:
“Can you review my CV, introduce me to your hiring manager, and tell me about open roles?”
You’ve skipped several relationship steps.
Think of networking like building trust. It happens in stages:
- Initial connection
- Light conversation
- Shared interests
- Occasional check-ins
- Mutual exchange
- Then make appropriate requests
Strong networks are built slowly and sustainably.
Networking works best when it feels natural, not transactional.
Final Thought: Networking Is Career Insurance
Networking isn’t just about your next job.
It’s about: Staying visible; Staying informed; Staying connected; Creating optionality
In a crowded, AI-amplified hiring market, networking is no longer optional. It’s your differentiator.
So if your networking score is currently 5/10, don’t worry!
Networking is a skill. Skills can be learned. Strategies can be improved. Confidence can be built.
And the best time to start strengthening your network? Before you urgently need it.