How to build a professional network: Tips from LinkedIn and New York workers

For some, networking comes naturally but for others, the thought of approaching someone they don't know and trying to make a professional connection can fill them with dread.

Whether you're looking for your first job, trying to get ahead at work or hoping to change career, building a network can help you find opportunities and make connections.

Networking doesn't have to mean working a room at a formal event - it can happen in person over a coffee at work, through a chance conversation or online, through email and social media.

Just under half (44%) of Gen Z say not having the right network is the biggest barrier to landing an entry-level role, according to research from LinkedIn, external.

Nicole Leverich, chief communications officer at LinkedIn, shares her top tips on how to network and we took the same question to city workers in New York to find out what has worked for them.

Everyone can start building their network online and "you'd be surprised how many connections you have once you connect with people you went to school with, former professors, people you met through summer jobs, family and friends," says Leverich.

Don't be discouraged if your network is small as "not having a network right now doesn't mean you'll never have a network", she says.

And not having obvious industry contacts shouldn't put you off.

Leverich grew up in a small town in Oregon and moved to San Francisco after college without knowing anyone who worked in communications.

After getting her first job, she says, "I raised my hand for a lot of the grunt work that other people didn't want to do and I built connections as I went along."

If you're thinking about reaching out to someone online, the key is to show you've done your homework, Leverich says.

In a message you should "reference something they've posted or establish some common ground".

Make sure your request is "clear and specific" and something they can do in less than five minutes. And, most importantly, don't forget to say thank you.

"You'd be surprised by how many people are willing to help, but I get so few thank yous," she says. "I'm not talking about anything excessive but just a 'thanks' makes you want to help next time."

Networking can feel transactional, so to avoid that, try to build relationships before you need something from them, Leverich advises.

If you know you want to work in a particular industry, "start finding people in that field a year or two before you're looking for a job".

When you reach out to them, think about what you can offer them 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."

You also don't have to start by messaging someone directly, she says. Instead you could react to a post or drop a comment.

In-person networking can be more daunting, particularly early in your career, but remember that at a networking event, everyone is there to talk.

To begin a conversation, start with something simple like complimenting someone's outfit, introducing yourself and asking why they're there, Leverich advises.

"Put in the reps and start by going to an event for just 15 minutes or half an hour and then build from there."

When you want to move on, don't overthink it: "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.'"

"If you want a softer out, something like 'I need to get a glass of water, it was great meeting you' can work."

Of course, knowing what you're supposed to do is one thing but actually walking up to a stranger and starting a conversation, or even messaging someone out of the blue online, is another.

Taylor Crow who works in sales says she's "fairly good" at networking as it was something she prioritised at university.

"I sent over 200 cold DMs on LinkedIn and reached out to people in the companies I wanted to work at while I was studying."

She admits it was "so awkward" but it was something she had to do to land the job 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.

"I had thoughts about how I'm not qualified to have these conversations but then you realise there are no rules and sending out emails and messages are free and easy.

"The worst that can happen is that they say no and that's ok."

Katherine Leopold, a tutor at Greenwich Business School, echoes this. She says the biggest hurdle is making the first move but if you don't take the step you are "ruling yourself out".

The number of applications that organisations are dealing with is "absolutely enormous" so try to meet employers in person and show them your total authentic story, she advises.

"Ensure you say to them, 'I have this skill, I have this piece of knowledge, so I'm confident that your team is stronger with me in it.'"

He gets a lot of young people reaching out to him for career advice and opportunities, and says many of them could be much clearer in what they are looking for.

"There's nothing wrong with saying what your goal is or what you want to get out of this interaction."

He adds that it's important to be yourself and "more doors will open if you are authentic".