Give sincere attention and keep it informal: this is how you make networking fun!
Having forced conversations at a networking event. Gathering the courage to approach people you do not know at all, or whom you look up to very much. And then also show the best version of yourself as well! Do you think networking is just unnerving? Or does it just seem boring to you? You are not the only one thinking that. But you can still gain much from it, especially at the start of your career. And making networking fun is really possible. Ellen Ruifrok, a Career Officer at Utrecht University, tells in this interview how best to handle networking as an alumn.
it is estimated that about 40 % of the vacancies is filled via the network.
Networking, what use do you have for it?
“Have you just finished your degree programme? If you have, then networking is certainly useful,” says Ellen Ruifrok. “The numbers on this vary somewhat, but it is estimated that about 40 % of the vacancies is filled via the network. Employers often check with their own employees whether or not they know any suitable candidates in their networks. So when they are aware of your talent, interest and availability, you could very well be approached to send in your CV. In that sense, networking can surely increase your job opportunities.”
So networking can eventually result in you getting a job. But Ruifrok emphasises that securing a job should never be your goal for a networking conversation. An additional advantage: you immediately set the bar for the conversation much lower. So what your goal is can vary. “For instance, explorative networking helps you to find out something about a specialisation or to explore how a certain job works. While doing so, always enter into the conversation with sincere interest and curiosity. That works in a contagious way!”

She continues: “Prepare yourself well and ask the right questions, such as: ‘What does your position as a policy consultant actually entail?’ Also try to find out how someone arrived at a position, or which considerations this person has made. Show clearly that you are interested in someone's story by listening carefully. And of course share your story too, but do not keep speaking endlessly. By entering into a conversation this way, you don't make your conversation partner feel like you want something from them, but an open conversation comes about instead. That just makes the conversation more fun.”
Nice and informal
One persistent assumption is that networking is very formal, with participants meeting at a networking event well dressed in business suits. But that does not have to be the case at all! Because you can network in many more ways. Keep it nice and informal, if that suits you best. “You can network with everyone. For instance, start a conversation with your aunt or neighbour at a birthday party. You might be in the same field of expertise. Or that person could work at an interesting company. Besides that, the person you're speaking with has a network of their own. Such a conversation can actually come about spontaneously like that and can gain you very much,” Ruifrok says.
So networking with informal contacts can gain you something. It is also a very good way to practice. But do visit a networking event besides that once in a while: on platforms like LinkedIn, for example, you can check where and when these meetings take place in your field of expertise. Just going to a random event where you do not know anyone can be a big step. “For instance, look into whether or not your degree programme or faculty organises an alumni meeting, where you can meet new people. Or come to the UU Careers Day, which we organise every year for our students and alumni. There, you will become acquainted with various companies and you can enrol in workshops,” Ruifrok suggests.
Connecting online is possible too, of course, especially on LinkedIn. Ruifrok says about this: “It's important to always add a personal message. What is the reason of your connection request? Explain what you would like to discuss with this person and indicate you would like to enter into conversation.” What also helps in making a connection is sharing what you have in common, such as a mutual connection or a comparable study background. For instance, look into whether or not you can speak with someone who studied in Utrecht too as a UU alumn. On LinkedIn, you can use the alumni tool of Utrecht University to simply search for relevant contacts by filtering on degree programme, position or field of expertise: in the video you see how it works.
3 tips for networking
The practical networking tips featured below will always come in handy to you when entering into a conversation with someone.
Do not ghost your business contacts
Did you have a good conversation? It is smart to arrange for a follow-up. Ruifrok says: “You can thank the other for the conversation afterwards, via email, WhatsApp or LinkedIn. Or just call the other person again. And let them know for instance what the conversation did to you, or what you gained from it. It's beautiful to share such an insight. You can send another interesting article, on a subject someone is working on. Or exchanging contact information if you meet someone else. By doing so, you inform the other person: we're on each other's radar. This enables you to establish a reciprocal business relation, which benefits both you and the other person. This also results in someone remembering you more easily. Suppose that six months after your networking conversation, there is an interesting vacancy at the company this person works at. You would then of course want that person to think of you immediately.”
Would you like to meet someone again after a networking conversation? That's possible too, especially if you can benefit each other. Ruifrok says: “Meet with a number of important persons in your network regularly, in order to keep each other informed. Think along the lines of someone who's in a similar career trend. Or someone you share the same passion with.” Of course, you cannot maintain that much contact with all your business relations. But you can also briefly get in touch online, for instance by congratulating someone on a new position or by commenting on a post someone made. With that too, you show people you see them. People see you too in reverse, for instance if you share you are looking for a specific connection or a new job.
Who will you enter into a conversation with?
Every networking conversation is different. The more you practice, the better you become at it. What you gain from it varies too. A new contact, a referral to another relevant person, an invitation to spend a day working along at an organisation. Or indirectly maybe even a job. Take the above-mentioned tips and enter into the conversation – even if it is unnerving to you!
Career Services for alumni
Career Services of Utrecht University helps you take the step to the job market up to six months after your graduation. Enrol in online or offline workshops on career-related subjects. Or make an appointment with the Career Officer of your faculty for a career interview, a CV check or a job-interview test.
For instance, join a workshop 'Exploring the Job Market & Networking', in which you explore the market from your own preferences, motivations and qualities. After this workshop, you will know how to approach future employers and you will be more aware of the potential of your network.
Written by Anna Schouten