The Most Common Networking Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Networking is often touted as the secret sauce of job hunting — and with good reason. According to a 2025 survey by MyPerfectResume, 54% of U.S. workers say they landed a job through a personal or professional connection.

Yet many job seekers don’t take full advantage of this. Why? Because networking can feel awkward — and mistakes are easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most common networking missteps (especially in a job search), why they hold you back, and concrete ways to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Treating Networking Like a Transaction

When you only reach out when you need something — a job referral, favor, or contact — you come off as transactional. That’s a quick way to burn bridges.

• Instead of cultivating a relationship, you show up only when you need something. That can feel exploitative to the other person. According to advice from the CFA Institute and other career coaches, consistently treating networking as a one-sided gain leads to weak, short-lived connections.
• Over time, your network becomes a “use when needed” stash — instead of a community of mutual support.
   

How to Fix It

Think long-term. Reach out to contacts occasionally just to check in, share a helpful article, congratulate them on a milestone — not just when you need help. Look for ways to add value: share resources, introduce people, or offer support. Over time, you become known as someone reliable and generous — and that reputation travels.

Mistake #2: Letting Your Network Go Dormant

Many people build their network during job changes, career events, or conferences — then forget about maintaining it. But networks are like gardens: if you don’t care for them, they wither.

According to career-transition resources from the U.S. Department of Labor, networking is a long-term, mutually beneficial process, and each person you know is a potential link to information or opportunity — but only if you stay in touch.

Failing to follow up after meetings, not responding to LinkedIn messages, or never checking in leads to weak ties that rarely yield support or referrals.

How to Fix It

Schedule periodic check-ins — even once every few months — with past colleagues, classmates, or acquaintances. A quick “Hey, how are you doing?” or “What’s new on your end?” goes a long way. Use social media or LinkedIn to share interesting content, congratulate people on achievements, or simply stay visible.

Mistake #3: Relying Only on Email or Cold Messaging

Email and social media outreach are convenient — but they’re also impersonal, easy to ignore, and often feel “cold.” Many professionals find networking through digital messages awkward, ineffective, or avoid it altogether because they don’t want to seem pushy.

Moreover, some networking guides warn against leaning too heavily on emails or LinkedIn messages, especially if you don’t put effort into personalization.

How to Fix It

Whenever possible, combine digital outreach with some personal touch:

• If you meet someone at an event, follow up with a personalized message referencing something you discussed.
• If contacting someone cold, do a little homework first — mention a shared background (school, industry, interest) to show it’s not a random message.
• Consider phone calls, brief video chats, or — if safe and appropriate — coffee/lunch meetings. These build rapport that cold text alone rarely achieves.
  
   

Mistake #4: Not Offering Value, Only Asking for It

Networking isn’t only about what you can get — it’s about what you can give. If you never offer anything in return, people will likely think you’re only there when you need a favor. That was a top mistake named in a 2024 piece on networking pitfalls.

It’s also a missed opportunity: you might have something to offer — even a small insight, a resource link, or an introduction — that would genuinely help someone else’s career or project.

How to Fix It

Before reaching out, ask yourself: What can I offer this person? Maybe you noticed an article they'd find interesting, — share it. Maybe you know someone who could help them — offer an introduction. Even taking 5–10 minutes to help someone with a small favor builds goodwill and often comes back in unexpected ways.

Mistake #5: Poor Follow-Up or No Follow-Up

One of the most common mistakes is failing to follow up after initial contact. Maybe you meet someone at a networking event, exchange LinkedIn requests, but then ghost — or send a superficial “nice to meet you” message and forget them. That kills momentum.

Without follow-up, even strong connections fade. And lost connections mean lost opportunities.

How to Fix It

Within 24–48 hours after meeting someone, send a brief, personalized follow-up: thank them for their time, reference something from your discussion, and propose a next step (e.g., “Would you be open to a quick coffee chat?” or “Could you introduce me to X on your team?”). Over time, regular check-ins help deepen relationships — and make you more memorable.

Mistake #6: Focusing Only on People You Know — Not Expanding

Relying only on friends, former coworkers, or people from your past limits your network’s diversity and reach. While your immediate contacts can help, broader networks often unlock hidden opportunities outside your usual circle. Yet many job seekers stick to what feels comfortable.

That’s a missed chance. According to guidance from the Department of Labor, expanding beyond informal contacts — with professional associations, events, or industry groups — is a key part of building an effective network.

How to Fix It

Stretch beyond your comfort zone. Attend industry meetups, conferences, webinars, or local networking events. Join online communities or professional groups. Seek out people whose background, industry, or experiences differ from yours — broad networks often lead to unexpected referrals and opportunities.

A Simple Networking Checklist

Before you reach out again or attend a networking event, run through this quick mental checklist:

• Am I treating this as a genuine connection — not a transaction?
• Can I offer something of value (advice, support, help)?
• Did I follow up with a warm, personalized note?
• Have I diversified my network beyond familiar circles?
• Am I keeping in touch with contacts, even when I’m not job searching?

If the answer to all — or most — is “yes,” you’re on the right track.

Final Thoughts

Networking doesn’t have to feel like awkward small talk or uncomfortable favors. When approached with sincerity, consistency, and generosity — and when paired with good follow-up and a willingness to offer value — it becomes a powerful engine for career growth.

At the same time, many job seekers underuse networking or stumble into common mistakes: treating it like a transaction, not following up, neglecting relationships when not job-hunting, or limiting themselves to old contacts. By avoiding those mistakes and using the fixes above, you can build a stronger, more supportive network — one that helps unlock opportunities you might not even know exist.

TalentAlly helps job seekers explore opportunities, connect with employers through career fairs, and access career resources that support every step. So when you’re ready to build or expand your network, polish your profile, or explore jobs aligned with your goals, consider TalentAlly your partner. Take the next step with confidence: your next opportunity could come from a conversation, a connection, or a thoughtful follow-up.