Networking is just intentional socialising — Cayla Dengate.

It’s intimidating to make the first move, but Cayla Dengate , LinkedIn Australia’s Career Expert, tells us why a change in mindset can turn networking into something that works with your personality.

Are you a good friend? Then you’re probably a great networker, too. 

We hear all the time that networking is intimidating, especially from graduates just starting their careers, but really, networking is about getting to know someone.

My best tip for female graduates looking for their dream job is to use all the superpowers that make you a great friend — forming connections, keeping in touch, asking great questions — and applying that to networking. 

LinkedIn features like ‘People You May Know’ provide easy ways to grow your network. You can also get AI-powered, personalised suggestions of creators and experts to Follow, helping you add relevant content to your feed.

But it’s not enough to just grow your network, you also have to put time into nurturing those connections – just as you would a friendship. I use the LinkedIn ‘Catch Up’ for quick daily updates on what’s happening within my network. Nurturing your connections could even lead to potential job opportunities – your profile is up to 1.7x more likely to be viewed by recruiters if you react to posts in your feed.

On that note – don’t forget to make your LinkedIn profile a place where your network can learn more about you. Including Positions, Skills and a Profile Photo will get you seen by more hirers and improve content and connection recommendations.

My final tip is to spend time on continuous upskilling and learning, make it a habit! No matter where you are in your career, keeping your skills sharp and current can help you reach your career goals and develop your career. Hot tip – AI is in the day-to-day – 84% of Aussie professionals are already using AI at work and it’s here to stay, so I recommend brushing up on your AI skills and knowledge (here’s one of my favourite LinkedIn Learning courses for doing that! The Gen AI Professional Certificate developed with Microsoft) And don’t forget to pay attention to soft skills, like communication or leadership, the skills that AI will never replace.

Linked-Into more? 

Try one of these unlocked LinkedIn Learning courses.

Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn

Why Soft Skills Matter and How To Build Them

Tips On Landing Your Dream Job

Presenting with Confidence

For more of Cayla’s frank advice to help female grads get into the industry, watch the Off Script video series in partnership with LinkedIn. And for reading this blog and leaning into the upskilling spirit, use LINKEDIN15 for 15% off your next frank purchase.