This guide will explain how to network in order to land your dream job. You’re sitting at home scrolling through your phone and you suddenly see a job advert. It looks perfect for you. You have the right skills. You even have the right degree. You apply immediately. Days later, no reply. Weeks pass, nothing. Then one day, you find out that the position was already filled before it was even advertised. Someone got the job because they knew someone inside.
Does this sound familiar? If you’ve ever searched for a job in Nigeria, you know that this happens a lot. Many opportunities don’t even make it to job boards. They are passed through personal connections, family members, colleagues, or friends.
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That is the real power of networking.
Networking simply means building relationships that can help you grow in your career or business. It is not about faking friendships or forcing yourself on people. It is about connecting with others in a genuine way, so that when opportunities come, your name will come up.
In Nigeria, where jobs are competitive and the economy is tough, networking can sometimes make the difference between staying unemployed for years and finding that one opportunity that changes everything. Even outside Nigeria, it is the same. Many successful people did not only rely on their certificates or CVs. They used connections.
This guide will walk you through how networking really works. You’ll see why networking matters, where you can actually network, and how to do it the right way without looking desperate. By the end, you’ll understand how to use networking to open doors for yourself.
Why Networking Matters
So, why does networking matter so much? Let me break it down with real-life points.
• Opportunities Don’t Always Come Out In The Open
Many companies don’t bother posting every job online. They just ask their staff if they know someone reliable. Imagine you’re friends with one of those staff members. You’ll hear about the job before anyone else. That’s an advantage.
• People Trust People
If a manager has to choose between two candidates, one from the internet and one recommended by a trusted friend, who do you think they’ll pick? Most times, they’ll go with the recommendation. That’s how humans work. We rely on trust.
• Networking Gives You Information You Can’t Google
Maybe there’s a new trend in your industry. Maybe a company is planning to expand. Maybe a new scholarship will soon open. People inside those circles know first, and if you’re connected to them, you’ll know too.
• Networking Boosts Your Confidence
Talking to professionals, mentors, and colleagues makes you more comfortable in formal settings. It makes interviews less scary because you’re already used to interacting with people in your field.
• Networking Is About Long-term Seeds
You might meet someone today and they won’t be able to help you immediately. But two years later, they might remember you when something comes up. That’s how it works. You plant today, but the fruit can come later.
If you think about it, life is full of networks already. From school friends to religious groups to WhatsApp contacts, we are all connected somehow. The difference is, some people know how to use these connections wisely for career growth, while others just waste them. The good news? You can learn to use them well.
Where to Network
Now let’s talk about where networking really happens. A lot of people think networking only takes place at expensive conferences or inside corporate offices. That’s not true. You can network anywhere, if you’re smart about it.
Social Media
In Nigeria, LinkedIn is the most powerful platform for career networking. People share jobs, give career advice, and connect with professionals daily. But even Facebook, Twitter (X), and WhatsApp groups can serve as networking spaces. Don’t underestimate them.
The Workplace
Your colleagues, your boss, and even customers are part of your network. Don’t just focus on doing your job quietly and leaving. Interact, be helpful, and make friends. That’s how many people climb higher in their careers.
School
Your classmates today will be working in different companies tomorrow. Your lecturers have contacts too. If you build good relationships, you’re already networking without even realizing it.
Events And Conferences
The mistake people make is attending, sitting quietly, and leaving. That’s not networking. Networking means walking up to someone, introducing yourself, and having a conversation. Even a short chat can open doors later.
Community And Religious Groups
Then there are community and religious groups. In Nigeria, many people get jobs or contracts from church members, mosque members, or even neighbors. Don’t ignore these circles.
Family And Friends
Finally, your family and friends are part of your network. Don’t assume they can’t help. Sometimes your cousin knows someone who works in the exact company you want. But they won’t know you’re searching unless you talk about your goals.
Networking opportunities are everywhere. The real question is whether you are using them or just letting them pass.
How to Network the Right Way
Now, let’s dive into the most important part: networking the right way. Networking is not about sending random connection requests or begging people for jobs. It’s about building meaningful relationships. Below are some key steps to help you do it effectively, with each explained in detail.
Step 1: Be Genuine
The first rule of networking is to be genuine. People can tell when you’re only talking to them because you want something. Instead of approaching networking with a mindset of “What can I get from this person?”, try to approach it with curiosity and authenticity. Think of it as meeting someone new and learning their story, not as a transaction.
When you’re genuine, conversations flow naturally. You ask questions because you’re interested, not because you’re trying to impress. You share about yourself in a way that feels honest, not like a rehearsed pitch. Over time, people remember how you made them feel. If they see you as someone real and approachable, they’ll be more open to helping you when opportunities come up.
Step 2: Give Before You Ask
One of the biggest mistakes people make in networking is asking for favors right away. Imagine meeting someone for the first time, and within minutes they’re asking you to recommend them for a job. It feels pushy and makes the other person uncomfortable. The better approach is to give before you ask.
Giving doesn’t always mean money or huge favors. It can be as simple as sharing a helpful article, recommending a useful resource, offering feedback, or even introducing them to someone in your own network. These small acts show that you’re thoughtful and willing to contribute. When you give first, people are naturally more open to helping you in return.
Step 3: Follow Up and Stay in Touch
Meeting someone once is not enough to build a network. Relationships require consistent effort. This is why following up is so important. After meeting someone, send a quick message thanking them for their time. If you connected at an event, remind them where you met and maybe reference something you discussed. This small step makes you stand out because most people don’t bother to follow up.
Staying in touch doesn’t mean spamming people with constant messages. It means finding natural ways to keep the connection alive. Maybe you check in every few months, share an article you think they’d like, or congratulate them when you see a new achievement on LinkedIn. These little touches show that you care and help keep you in their mind without being overbearing.
Step 4: Use Social Media Smartly
Social media is a powerful networking tool if used correctly. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to showcase your skills, share your thoughts, and connect with professionals all over the world. But to use it effectively, you need to be intentional. Don’t just send connection requests to everyone. Personalize your requests by mentioning why you want to connect or what you found interesting about their profile.
Sharing valuable content is another way to use social media smartly. For example, if you post about your experiences, lessons learned, or industry insights, people in your network will start seeing you as someone knowledgeable and engaged. This makes it easier for them to reach out to you or remember you when opportunities come up.
Step 5: Be Consistent and Patient
Networking is not something that pays off overnight. It’s a long-term investment. You might meet dozens of people before you see a real opportunity come from it. That’s why consistency and patience are key. Don’t give up just because you don’t see immediate results.
Think of networking like planting seeds. You plant today, water regularly, and give it time to grow. Some seeds may sprout quickly, while others may take months or even years. But if you keep planting and nurturing, eventually you’ll have a strong garden of connections that can support you throughout your career.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, networking is not magic. It’s simply about people. It’s about building trust, showing value, and keeping relationships alive. In Nigeria and everywhere else, many opportunities don’t go to the smartest or the most qualified. They go to the people who are connected.
So don’t wait until you’re desperate before you start. Begin today. Tell a friend about your career goals. Join a WhatsApp group where professionals are. Open a LinkedIn account and connect with people in your field. Attend that small seminar in your community. Volunteer for that event. Each small step counts.
