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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Networking works best when you approach it as a way to learn and build a genuine professional relationship—not as a shortcut to a job offer. Set a clear learning goal, contact people with relevant experience, ask for a brief conversation, and follow up thoughtfully.
What networking can—and cannot—do
Networking is the process of building professional relationships that help you understand work, industries, and career paths. An informational interview is one useful format: a short conversation in which you ask someone about their experience. It is not a job interview, and it does not guarantee a job opportunity.
As Barbara Bruno, the instructor whose course informed LinkedIn Learning’s guide, puts it: “Your informational interview should be the beginning of a relationship, not a one-time conversation.” LinkedIn Learning’s guide, by Rachel Parnes, was published January 4, 2021.
1. Decide what you want to learn
Choose one modest, specific goal before contacting anyone. You might want to understand a role’s day-to-day work, learn how someone entered a field, assess what skills matter, or hear how an industry is changing. A focused goal makes it easier to identify whom to contact and ask useful questions.
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2. Find people with relevant experience
Start with people you already know: former coworkers, classmates, friends, family, clients, and other professional contacts. Then consider people in the role or organization you are exploring, people a few career steps ahead, and members of relevant professional associations.
A genuine point of connection can make an introduction more natural. You might share a school, professional group, interest, or mutual contact. Choose a manageable number of people whose experience fits your learning goal rather than sending the same message widely.
3. Ask for a short, specific conversation
Your message should explain why you chose that person, what you hope to learn from their perspective, and how much time you are requesting. Ask for advice or insight—not for them to find you a job. A 15-minute call is one possible time-bound request; make it easy for the person to suggest a more convenient time or decline.
For example:
Hi Maya, I’m exploring project management in healthcare and saw that you moved into the field after working in operations. I’d value your perspective on which skills are most useful when making that transition. Would you be open to a 15-minute conversation at a time that suits you? No worries if your schedule is full.
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Personalize each note with a real reason for reaching out. If you do not hear back, one courteous follow-up every couple of weeks is a reasonable approach, not a universal rule. Be patient and accept that someone may be busy or unable to respond.
4. Prepare for the conversation
Research the occupation, industry, and person beforehand. Prepare a short list of questions, but treat it as a guide rather than a script. Useful questions include:
- What does a typical week in your role involve?
- What are the most challenging parts of the work?
- Which skills or experiences have proved most useful?
- How do you expect the role or industry to change?
- What are practical ways to gain relevant experience?
Listen closely, ask for clarification when something is unclear, and take concise notes on useful points and any agreed next steps. Respect the time you requested and the conversation’s scheduled end.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Close and follow up thoughtfully
Before ending, you can ask whether there is another person they recommend speaking with. If they offer an introduction or promise to share something, confirm what you will do next so the follow-up is clear.
Best Value
Send a thank-you within 24 hours. Mention a specific piece of advice, acknowledge their time, and note any agreed action. Later, if their advice helped, share a brief update. Keep the relationship alive by passing along relevant information or offering help when you can—not only by getting in touch when you need something.
Keep track without making it transactional
A simple record can help you remember how you met, shared interests, when you spoke, what you learned, and any next steps. Use a notebook, digital notes app, or another method that works for you. The purpose is to follow through with care, not to treat people as entries in a pipeline.
What to expect from networking advice
The LinkedIn Learning guide offers practical advice on preparing for and following up after informational interviews; it does not report response rates, hiring outcomes, or evidence that one outreach channel works best. There is no basis in that guide for promising that networking will produce a job or claiming a particular method is most effective across professions and locations.
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