Networking Tips for Gen Z to Turn Contacts into Career Opportunities

Why Gen Z Struggles with Networking

Landing a job in today’s slow labor market is tough, but for Gen Z, building the professional relationships needed to get a foot in the door is a major barrier. According to a new data from LinkedIn, a survey of more than 18,000 professionals reveals a clear disconnect. Gen Z understands how crucial relationships are for finding a job, yet they hit a wall when it comes to action.

The data highlights two specific pain points: 53% aren’t sure how to get started with building a network, and 52% struggle with turning their contacts into real connections. This isn’t about a lack of appreciation for networking’s value; it’s a skills gap. The generation knows the “what” but not the “how.” This struggle is precisely why experts like Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn’s Head of Economics, Americas, emphasize practical strategies over simple connection requests. The challenge lies in moving from knowing relationships matter to confidently initiating and nurturing them.

Tip 1: Engage and Comment on Social Media

To build your network beyond simply clicking the “connect” button, Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn’s Head of Economics, Americas, advises professionals to comment on and like any content that a desired connection posts. This active engagement helps you stay on their radar and fosters a more meaningful interaction than a passive connection request.

Kantenga also recommends joining online professional networks that interest you. Once you’ve been added to a particular group, it’s crucial to share your thoughts and engage within that community to make your presence known. By consistently contributing value through comments and discussions, you demonstrate your expertise and interest, making it more likely that others will notice you and be receptive to connecting. This approach transforms networking from a transactional act into a relationship-building process, which is essential for professionals who are unsure how to get started or struggle to turn contacts into real connections.

Tip 2: Network with Peers, Not Just Executives

When building your network, it’s easy to feel like the more senior your connections are, the better. But when starting out, Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn’s Head of Economics, Americas, emphasizes that it’s important to network across your peer group, not just above it. This means reaching out to recent alumni of your college or university and connecting with peers who have recently landed a job. In many cases, Kantenga says that these connections might be the ones more willing to offer their time and expertise. They are closer to your position and may better understand the specific challenges you are facing in a slow labor market. By focusing solely on executives, you might overlook the practical support and guidance that peers can readily provide as you work to build meaningful connections that will advance your career.

Tips 3 and 4: Show Value and Be Patient

To bring value early in your career, Kantenga advises sharing your knowledge and expertise—whether that’s insight on emerging technologies or projects you’ve worked on—and connecting it back to what others are doing. This approach, he explains, is how you make your presence known and demonstrate what you offer to the community.

At the same time, it’s crucial to understand that relationships aren’t built overnight. While you may place expectations and timelines on networking—especially when job hunting—true connections require consistent effort. As Kantenga puts it, “You have to invest, you have to nurture it, and you have to water it constantly. That’s what posting, engaging and relationship building is for.” By combining genuine value-sharing with patience, you’ll cultivate a network that grows stronger over time, rather than forcing quick wins that don’t last.