How to Network Like an Extrovert When You’re an Introvert

Networking is hard, scary, and I hate it. Detest it less with these tips

I now know the role I want to have. It’s time to start networking. Ugh. This is the worst part of looking for a new job. Networking feels so… icky. Like empty transnational meetings.

Don’t network. Do informational interviews instead.

Informational interviews are interesting, exciting, and dare I say it.. Fun! You are asking people to talk about themselves. Then brag about who they know. Everyone loves to do that!

LinkedIn: Your networking friend

LinkedIn is an amazing resource. You can find who knows who, and what they are doing in just a few clicks. Even better, with a few direct messages, you can be talking to hiring managers who are interested in your skills.

Let me help you succeed in two ways.

1. Let me connect you

I’ll do the risky thing and ask for an introduction for you. If they respond - what usually happens - you’ll have an intro and a first topic to speak about (me!). If they don’t respond, you can blame me for failing.

How to use me to meet with your target connections if you’re a paid subscriber:

1. Ask to connect with me (if we’re not connected already)

2. Look in my contacts to see who you want to meet

3. Send me an email with a) the person you want to meet, b) why you’re interested in them, c) your and their LinkedIn profile URLs.

4. I’ll use your interest to craft a LinkedIn direct message introducing you to them.

2. Get a free LinkedIn Premium upgrade

If you have LinkedIn Premium, you can share 10 free 2-month memberships. I shared my Premium memberships on Friday. I’m excited to see more Career Pivot subscribers sharing their free memberships too.

How to give and get free LinkedIn Premium memberships

1. Go to your Account/Premium Features on desktop

2. At the bottom, you’ll see a link to Share Premium

3. Be a hero! Share free Premium upgrades in the chat

4. Use people’s email addresses to send a Redeem Link

5. When you redeem a free Premium account, return the favor.

6. Start at 1 above and share your free Premium upgrade in the chat

My dream is that we give every Career Pivot subscriber a free LinkedIn Premium upgrade. Yes, it is mathematically possible - if everyone helps out!

Use a Networking Profile

This tip comes from a Career Pivot supporter who swears by this approach. I will be using it myself this week as I reach out to my contacts with informational interview requests.

A networking profile is a snappy one pager that summarizes your professional experience, areas of strength, career achievements, and target positions, as well as the industries, organizations, or networks that you are seeking connections in.

Why a Networking Profile and Not a Resume?

• Resumes tells a recruiter and hiring manager that you have the skills and experience to do the job that they’re advertising.

• A networking profile is designed to start a conversation. This is especially important now that so many of us are trying to pivot.

• A networking profile tells your connections about your value proposition, what job you want to do, and how they can help you.

Here are three other reasons that a profile wins over a CV:

1. Showcases your personality and interests: After experimenting with a networking profile, you’ll realize how rigid a resume is. On a networking profile, you can be ambitious about the roles you want and the industries you’re passionate about.

2. Encourages organic engagement: Sending a resume can feel transactional, like we’re asking for a job. A networking profile, however, invites collaboration by focusing on our shared interests, mutual benefits, and industry discussions.

3. Concise and respects your contact’s time: A networking profile is easier to digest. Our connections will probably skim what we send them, so a short profile helps us stand out immediately.

Below is the outline that she uses for her networking profile.

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[Your Name]

📍 [Your Location] | 📧 [Your Email] | 🔗 [Your LinkedIn Profile]

Professional Summary

[Briefly describe your expertise, key skills, and professional background. Highlight your unique value proposition and key accomplishments.]

Areas of Strength

✅ [Key Skill #1] ✅ [Key Skill #2] ✅ [Key Skill #3] ✅ [Key Skill #4] ✅ [Key Skill #5]

Selected Achievements

• [Achievement #1]: [Brief description of a major project, accomplishment, or impact you've made, ideally with measurable results.]

• [Achievement #2]: [Another key achievement that showcases your strengths and expertise.]

• [Achievement #3]: [A third example highlighting your experience and success in your field.]

Target Positions

[Describe the types of roles you are seeking, specifying industries, job functions, or organizational types that align with your career goals.]

Connections Sought In

[List the industries, organizations, or professional networks you want to connect with.]

Let’s Connect!

🔗 [LinkedIn] | 🔗 [Portfolio/Website] | 🔗 [Relevant Publications or Work Samples]

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When to Send a Networking Profile?

• When reaching out to someone on LinkedIn for the first time, send an abridged version: “Hi [name], I’d love to connect! Here’s a quick snapshot of my background. Looking forward to staying in touch!"

• Once you have secured the connection, you can share the full networking profile in a message when you request to chat.

• If you are being introduced through a common connection, ask them to send your networking profile while introducing you.

Get Feedback and Refine

A networking profile can be a living document. Update it based on what you learn from my informational meetings.