I sent 200 LinkedIn messages and got a job: How to nail networking

Yasmin Rufo reports from New York on effective networking strategies, drawing on insights from LinkedIn’s Nicole Leverich and first‑hand accounts from professionals who have turned outreach into employment. Leverich, described as LinkedIn’s main communications servant, emphasizes that networking begins with existing connections. “You’d be amazed however many connections you have once you link with people you went to school with, former professors, people you met through summer jobs, family and friends,” she says. She adds that a modest network today does not preclude a strong one later, and lacking obvious industry contacts should not deter job seekers. According to LinkedIn research, just under half (44 %) of Gen Z respondents cite an inadequate network as the biggest barrier to securing an entry‑level role. The study is available at https://news.linkedin.com/2026/Grads-Guide-2026. Leverich’s own path illustrates her advice. Raised in a small Oregon town, she moved to San Francisco after college without knowing anyone in communications. After landing her first position, she volunteered for routine tasks others avoided, gradually building relationships. She has held the role of LinkedIn’s main communications servant for the past two years. Her practical tips include doing homework before reaching out. In a message, reference something the recipient has posted or identify common ground. Keep the request clear, specific, and achievable in under five minutes, and never forget to say thank you. “You’d be amazed by how many people are willing to help, but I get so few thank‑yous,” she notes. “I’m not talking about anything excessive but just a ‘thanks’ makes you want to help next time.” To avoid a transactional feel, Leverich advises cultivating relationships before they are needed. If a particular industry interests you, start identifying people in that field a year or two before you begin a job search. When you make contact, consider what you can offer in return. “If you call me and say you want a job randomly, I’m much less likely to help than if you call and ask for five minutes of advice,” she explains. Initial contact need not be a direct message; commenting on a post or dropping a note can be equally effective. In‑person networking, while intimidating for newcomers, follows simple principles. Begin with a compliment on attire, introduce yourself, and ask why the person is attending the event. “Put in the reps and start by going to an event for just 15 minutes or half an hour and then build from there,” Leverich suggests. When exiting a conversation, she recommends a straightforward line: “I just do the hard cut and say, ‘It was great to meet you and I need to make sure I work around the room.’” For a softer exit, “I need to get a glass of water, it was great meeting you” works equally well. Fear of rejection should not hinder outreach. Taylor Crow, who works in sales, describes sending more than 200 cold direct messages on LinkedIn while studying and contacting employees at target companies. She admits the effort felt awkward but was necessary to obtain the role she wanted. Her colleague Vicky Peterlin, 24, agrees: “It’s not about being good at networking but more about not being afraid to reach out to people.” Peterlin adds, “I had thoughts about how I’m not qualified to have these conversations but then you realize there are no rules and sending out emails and messages are free and easy.” She concludes, “The worst that can happen is that they say no and that’s ok.” Katherine Leopold, a careers and employability tutor at Greenwich Business School, echoes the importance of initiating contact. “The biggest hurdle is making the first move,” she says. “If you don’t take the step you are ‘ruling yourself out.’” She notes that organizations face “absolutely enormous” volumes of applications, urging job seekers to meet employers face‑to‑face and present their full authentic story. “Ensure you say to them, ‘I have this skill, I have this part of knowledge, so I’m confident that your team is stronger with me in it.’” Madison Brown, now in tech partnerships after a decade in corporate roles, observes that many young professionals reaching out for advice lack clarity about their goals. “There’s nothing wrong with saying what your goal is or what you want to get out of this interaction,” he states. He stresses authenticity, noting, “More doors will open if you are authentic.”