5 Networking Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making

You’re connecting on LinkedIn. You’ve joined a few networking events. You’re sending the occasional email to “check in.”

So why isn’t your network working for you?

The truth is, most job seekers are networking — but not strategically. And small missteps (or missed opportunities) can quietly hold you back.

At Access Academy, we help you spot these mistakes before they stall your career momentum. Here are 5 networking mistakes you might be making — and how to fix them fast.

❌ 1. Only Networking When You Need Something

Reaching out only when you’re job hunting? That’s a red flag people can sense.

Fix: Build relationships before you need them. A quick comment on someone’s post, a congrats message for a promotion, or a “thinking of you” note goes a long way toward staying warm and relevant.

❌ 2. Not Being Clear About What You Want

People want to help — but they can’t if they don’t know what you’re looking for.

Fix: Be clear and specific in your asks. Instead of “Let me know if you hear of anything,” try: “I’m exploring project manager roles in the SaaS space — if anything crosses your radar, I’d love a heads-up.”

❌ 3. Treating LinkedIn Like a Digital Résumé

LinkedIn is your professional brand, not just a static profile. If you’re not using it to engage, you’re invisible.

Fix: Start showing up. Comment thoughtfully on 2–3 posts a week. Share a resource you found valuable. Message someone in your field and start a low-stakes conversation.

❌ 4. Thinking You Don’t Have a Network

Whether you're a recent grad or changing careers, you do have a network — it just may look different than you expect.

Fix: Look to your orbit. Classmates, former colleagues, professors, neighbors, even your friend's partner who works in your industry — these are your starting points. You don't need 500 connections. You need the right 5 to begin.

❌ 5. Holding Back from Making New Connections

You see someone in your dream role. You find a hiring manager on LinkedIn. You start drafting the message… but you hesitate — and never hit send.

Fix: Confidence comes from action. You don’t have to be “ready” — you just have to be respectful, authentic and positive. Most people are more open than you think. Reaching out is how networks start.

Try this: “Hi [Name], I admire the work you’re doing at [Company]. I’m exploring opportunities in [industry] and would love to hear any advice on breaking into the field or would you be open to a 15 minute call to connect?”

Want to Build a Networking Strategy That Actually Works?

Inside the Networking Module at Access Academy, we help you:

• Create a warm outreach strategy that doesn’t feel awkward

• How to use ChatGPT for a networking strategy

• Cold and warm outreach on LinkedIn

• How to build on who is in your “orbit”

• Build lasting professional connections — even if you’re starting from scratch

Because when you know how to network the right way, people remember your name when the right opportunity comes up.

→ Learn how to build your network with confidence. Just $89.

www.myaccessacademy.com