Fuel Your Career 101 Knowledge: The Best Interview and Networking Tips for Professionals Starting Their Career

If there’s one thing most recent grads and career starters can agree on, it’s this: Launching your professional journey is complicated. It can often feel like driving into the unknown without GPS to figure out your path forward. But the key to kickstarting your career to success is this: Seeking and absorbing insights and ideas from those around you.?

And that’s something you can—and should!—do at any point in your career. But it’s especially? important to do when you’re just starting out, navigating a plethora of questions that—spoiler alert—may not always have clear answers. Among the top questions I hear nowadays are (1) How do I network without it feeling awkward, and (2) What will make me stand out in an interview and land the job??

Some of my LinkedIn colleagues recently shared their best tips to those two questions with @Her Campus as part of their “The Graduate Girlies’ Guide.” Together with their insights, here is what you need to know about interviewing and networking your way to success.?

Networking is All New: Get Personal?

Networking has evolved greatly over the years: Gone are the days of the rolodex, and say hello to social media sleuthing skills. It’s no surprise that Gen Z is leading the charge on this . In fact, LinkedIn data finds that Gen Z is growing their professional network at the fastest rate over any other generation. In 2022, Gen Z added nearly 30% more monthly connections than Millennials and 144% (over twice as many) than Boomers.?

How are they growing their networks so fast? Gen Z isn’t afraid to get personal. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, using authenticity to build genuine relationships with those in their industries. For instance, they combine their passions—like sustainability or DEI—with their professional goals, and use that as conversation points when connecting with others. Gen Z has made networking less transactional, and that’s something we can all benefit from.?

Where can you start? Look around you. Find people you already know at your schools, summer jobs, or community programs who have shared interests. Begin by connecting with them, and let the networking grow from there. Be sure to identify what you have in common or what potential commonalities are. Did this person make a career pivot you’re looking to make? Are they an expert in a field you’re interested in? Do your homework to craft a personal and strategic networking note and connect with them on LinkedIn, and see who within their networks you may also want to speak with. And don’t forget to keep the relationship warm once you’re connected – you don’t want to only reach out to someone when you need something!?

Nail Your Interview: Speak From the Heart and Mind

Getting personal doesn’t just stop at the networking phase, though. The best way to stand out in a job interview is to show the unique qualities you bring to the table. This can often be in the form of transferable skills. Did you work at an ice cream shop in high school? Explain how those customer service skills you developed can benefit you in this new position. Were you the captain of your school’s basketball or debate team? If so, demonstrate how leadership, communication, and teamwork guided you to success.?

My top three ways to nail an interview are these: Be a storyteller, strategic and prepared. First, find ways to show how you use your skills in action. Then, ask strategic questions that show you have a deep understanding of your industry and role, and that you want to learn more about how you may fit in and help the company. And lastly, always prepare. Whether it’s looking to see if you have connections in common, are up to date on relevant company news, and don’t forget knowing how to use the technology for a virtual interview. And if it’s IRL, know where you’re going and where to park!?

Always Be Prepared: Do Your Research??

We’re often told to “do our research” before connecting with someone, whether in a networking sense or in an interview. What does that really mean? Let me explain.?

“Doing your research” means having a well-rounded understanding of what you bring to the table and how a certain company or person can help you grow further in your career journey. If you’re preparing for a networking call, examine the person’s LinkedIn page to get a good grasp on their professional background. How did they get to where they are today? Does anything stand out as a pivot or interesting point? And how can their career journey help inform yours?

If you’re preparing for an interview, ask yourself some similar questions: What kind of impact has this company had, and what is some of their recent work that stands out? What can I uniquely bring to this role that others may not be able to? How does this company’s values align with my own (an important question to ask, given that, according to a LinkedIn survey from February 2023 , more than two-thirds of Americans say it’s a deal breaker if an organization’s values do not align with their own)?

Getting ahead in your career can be challenging. But that challenge is worth the reward when you grasp the value of networking, and the importance of nailing an interview, so remember these three key points: Get personal, be strategic, and be well-equipped with knowledge and research to guide you to success.?