For college students and recent graduates, networking can be useful before a job application is submitted. Alexander Smith, an Austin content creator and former employee of Google and Facebook, said relationships helped him reach both companies. Business Insider verified Smith’s identity and previous employment history.
Smith said he worked in the technology industry for about eight years and completed internships at MSNBC and the White House while in college. He said he obtained his Google job through networking, which also helped him join Facebook. In his view, a strong resume is important, but it may not reach the people making hiring decisions when an opening attracts a large number of applicants.
“It’s crucial to treat networking as a long-term strategy.”
Smith compared relationship-building to a long-term savings habit, saying people often begin networking only when they urgently need a job. He said it is possible to find opportunities quickly, but building connections in advance gives job seekers more time to develop professional relationships.
Ways to build connections
Smith said students do not need to become online content creators to develop a professional network. He recommended maintaining an active LinkedIn presence and using the platform to make it easier for people to recognize a student’s interests and experience. A profile can also provide a starting point for a conversation with a recruiter, alumnus or potential colleague.
- Begin before a job search is urgent. Smith said relationships are more useful when they are developed over time rather than only when someone needs immediate employment.
- Use LinkedIn consistently. Smith said people can build a network and establish a professional identity without regularly publishing content.
- Look for genuine common ground. Shared interests can make conversations less formal and less intimidating, he said.
- Keep interactions authentic. Smith said networking should not feel stiff or purely transactional. Personal connections can help people begin conversations in a more natural way.
Smith also said job seekers should not assume that submitting large numbers of applications is completely ineffective. He said he had succeeded through that approach in the past, but described the current technology job market as more competitive because qualified applicants may not reach the interview stage.
For students, Smith’s advice separates networking from a single application deadline. Building a LinkedIn profile, speaking with alumni and staying in contact with people met through classes, internships or campus activities can create opportunities to learn about workplaces and roles before applying. Smith said the central goal is to invest time and effort in those relationships while a job search is not yet urgent.
