So you’ve attended a networking event, had some great conversations and collected a stack of business cards or LinkedIn connections. Now what? The real value of networking doesn’t come from the number of people you meet, it comes from what you do after the event. That’s why it’s essential to take a proactive and thoughtful approach to follow up networking contacts.
Too often, job seekers make the mistake of attending events and then sitting back, waiting for something to happen. But networking is a two-stage process: first the introduction, then the follow-up. If you don’t continue the conversation, you risk wasting the opportunity to build a potentially career-changing relationship.
In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s important to follow up, how to do it effectively and the best strategies to stay top of mind with your contacts – without being pushy.
Hidden job market
One of the most compelling reasons to follow up networking contacts is that most job opportunities aren’t advertised. This so-called hidden job market is estimated to account for up to 80% of all hires. These are roles filled through referrals, internal hiring, word of mouth and informal conversations – making networking a powerful tool in your job search.
When you meet someone at an event or through a mutual introduction, they may not have a role available right now. But they might know someone who does, or they might be aware of opportunities coming up soon. Following up allows you to stay in the loop and be top of mind when something opens up.
Don’t leave it to long to follow up networking contacts
Timing matters. Aim to follow up networking contacts within a few days of meeting them. This helps you stay fresh in their memory and shows that you’re proactive and respectful of the connection you’ve made.
Waiting too long can give the impression that you’re not serious, or worse, make the contact forget who you are altogether. Even a short note to say ‘thank you for the conversation’ can lay the foundation for a more meaningful connection later.
Establish your goal before making contact
Before you reach out, be clear about why you’re reconnecting and what you hope to achieve. People are more likely to respond positively if your communication is focused and purposeful. Your follow-up might be to:
- Ask for a referral to someone else in their network.
- Gain insight into their company, industry trends or job market information.
- Enquire about any open or upcoming roles at their organisation.
- Continue a discussion you started at the event.
- Share an article or update on a topic you both expressed interest in.
Remember, networking is about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships and not just asking for a job. Your tone and approach should reflect a willingness to engage, listen and offer value where possible.
Make your follow-up memorable (for the right reasons)
If you had a meaningful conversation with someone, remind them of it in your follow-up message. Reference something specific you discussed, like a shared interest, a comment they made or even something personal like an upcoming holiday or project they mentioned. This shows you were listening and helps them recall the interaction.
If you struggle to remember details, take a few minutes after each event to jot down notes on who you spoke to and what you discussed. These small details can make a big difference when you’re reconnecting later.
In cases where you don’t remember much, it’s okay to do a little research. Look at their LinkedIn profile or company website to find something relevant you can refer to in your message.
Use the right method to follow up networking contacts
There’s no one size fits all approach to following up, but the method you choose should suit the relationship and context. Here are a few options:
Email is a professional and convenient way to reconnect. It gives the recipient time to respond thoughtfully and allows you to include relevant information or links. Craft a clear, compelling subject line and keep the email concise. Here’s a sample:
Subject: Great to meet you at [event name]
Hi [name]
I really enjoyed our chat at [event name] last week. I appreciated your insights on [specific topic]. I’d love to continue the conversation, especially to learn more about your experience at [company name] and any advice you might have for someone exploring opportunities in [industry/role].
Let me know if you’re open to catching up for a coffee or quick chat sometime soon.
Best regards
[Your name]
Find more example follow-up emails to start you off.
If you haven’t already connected on LinkedIn, send a connection request with a brief message. If you are already connected, you can follow up via a direct message. Keep it professional but conversational.
Hi [name]
It was great meeting you at [event name]. I’d love to connect and stay in touch.
Kind regards
[Your name]
Hi [name]
It was great to bump into you at [event name] the other day – nice surprise! I really enjoyed our quick chat and hearing about what you’ve been working on. Let’s stay in touch, and if you ever come across any opportunities or connections in [industry/area of interest], I’d love to hear about them.
Hope we cross paths again soon!
Best regards
[Your name]
Telephone
A phone call can be a more personal way to reconnect, especially if you already have a rapport. Be respectful of their time and consider texting first to ask when would be a good time to talk.
Regardless of the method, always personalise your message, be clear about your intention and always suggest a next step, whether it’s a coffee, online chat or email exchange.
Follow up isn’t a one-time action
Following up networking contacts isn’t a one-off task. Building a professional relationship takes time and consistency. After your initial follow-up, look for ways to stay in touch that feel natural and respectful.
For example, you might:
- Share an article related to a topic you discussed.
- Congratulate them on a recent promotion or company achievement.
- Invite them to another industry event or webinar.
- Send a quick message every couple of months to stay on their radar.
These small touchpoints help strengthen your relationship and make it more likely that your contact will think of you when an opportunity arises.
Follow up networking contacts with our free checklist
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How career coaching can help you follow up networking contacts
If you’re unsure how to navigate networking or feel awkward reaching out, career coaching can help. A career coach can help you identify networking goals, craft your messaging and develop a plan for building and maintaining professional relationships.
If your role has recently been made redundant, you may be eligible for outplacement services provided by your former employer. These programs often include one-on-one coaching to help you improve your networking confidence, refine your job search strategy and gain access to job leads through your extended network.
Nurture your network
Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. To benefit from the connections you make, it’s vital to follow up networking contacts promptly, and professionally. Whether you’re job hunting, exploring a new industry or simply trying to stay informed, nurturing your network can open doors to opportunities you may never find through job boards alone.
Remember: people want to help, but they can only do so if they know what you’re looking for. So don’t hesitate to reach out, follow up and keep the conversation going.