Cheeky Logo
Ready To Get Hired?
Apply To Book A Free Call With Our Transition Specialist Team

5-Step Guide To Successful Networking At In-Person Events

People kept telling me to network.

I was nearing the end of my PhD and didn’t have a job lined up yet.

The stress was overwhelming.

And, all I kept hearing was that I should network.

I did not have time for that.

I was working super long days in the lab, and writing up my data late into the night — I hardly had time to eat.

And, when I did have a few minutes to spare for my job search, I spent it submitting my resume to job openings that I found online, hoping that someone would just see my resume and hire me.

Needless to say, this approach did not work.

When I finished my PhD, I was unemployed.

I was frustrated and disappointed.

Maybe it was time that I listened to the job search advice I was hearing from the experts.

It was time to try networking.

Not having enough time to network was no longer an excuse for me, but networking still seemed so hard.

But one day, when I was talking about my job search frustrations and not wanting to network, someone said to me, “You earned a PhD, and you think networking is too hard?”

That was the turning point.

They were right.

I am a PhD.

Certainly, I can learn to network.

And, as soon as I began networking, I wished I had started sooner.

I met amazing people, PhDs and non-PhDs, working in various industry roles who took the time to chat with me.

I felt energized about the possibilities for me in industry.

And, it wasn’t long until one of these new connections referred me for an industry position and I got hired.

Networking was the biggest factor in the success of my job search.

Why PhDs Must Attend In-Person Networking Events

The vast reach of LinkedIn makes it a major place for professional networking.

But, it should not be the only place you are meeting industry professionals.

You need to attend in-person networking events.

The amount of rapport and relationship-building that can occur in a 10-minute in-person interaction may take months to develop in an online setting.

This is because meeting in person allows someone to get to know you much better than merely messaging online.

To get hired as fast as possible, in-person networking should be a high priority in your job search.

As reported by Psychology Today, the words we choose when communicating make up only 7% of how we actually communicate.

But, when networking online through emails and messaging, word choice is the only part of your communication that is coming across.

The most important components of how we communicate — such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice — are left out of online networking.

That means the only way to fully communicate with someone is in person.

As PhDs, many of us are introverted, and we tend to avoid in-person networking events.

Instead, we tend to choose to network online, where we can just write — something PhDs are experts at.

But, merely networking online is not enough.

As reported by Forbes, 80% of job openings are never advertised.

You have to network and meet new people to learn about the majority of job openings.

And, if you meet someone in person, they are much more likely to tell you about an opportunity than if you just message them online.

Bottom line, there is no way to avoid going to in-person networking events, so you might as well embrace them.

5 Steps To Successfully Enter And Leave A Networking Circle

It will be hard at first, but you can embrace in-person networking by focusing on the benefits.

Focus on how expanding your network will increase your chances of getting a referral.

And, how getting a referral means you are 3-4 times more likely to be hired, as reported by CareerXroads.

All you have to do is get out there and network.

So, here is a 5-step guide that will make in-person networking a breeze…

1. Remember you are at an event where people expect you to network.

So many PhDs go to networking events and don’t talk to anyone new.

That defeats the entire purpose of the event.

If you are an introverted PhD, you are just going to have to put in the work and make this happen.

Networking at an event becomes much easier if you remind yourself that you are at a networking event where people expect you to talk to them.

This is not the train where everyone just wants to be left alone.

The other people there are excited to meet new people too.

And, other people are probably having the same worried thoughts about standing awkwardly alone as you are.

They will be excited to have a conversation with you.

Yes, networking is hard and for many it is an uncomfortable experience, but you have to do it.

It is an essential part of job searching and will continue to be a part of your industry career.

And, the more you do it, the easier it will become.

2. Approach a group of people, say excuse me, and then introduce yourself to everyone in the group.

People tend to congregate into groups of 2-6 people at networking events.

And, if you are not in one of these groups, it can seem impossible to join one.

How many times have you stood alone, awkwardly near the wall, instead of actually networking at a networking event?

Standing alone is not going to help you make connections and get referrals.

You have to approach these groups and make an effort to join in.

The strategy you can use to join one of these groups is actually pretty simple and easy to execute — you just have to do it.

First, find a group you want to join.

A group of 4 or fewer people is a good size to join.

Second, approach the group, look the person who is currently talking in the eyes and say, “Excuse me, I’d like to join in and introduce myself”.

Then, introduce yourself, shake hands with everyone in the circle and say, “Excuse me, thank you, please continue.”

Done.

You have successfully entered a networking circle.

You are going to have to interrupt when someone is talking — there will never be a pause.

But, if you follow the steps above, it will be fine.

3. Be genuine and engage in conversation.

Once in the conversation, put on your listening ears.

Good networking involves mostly listening.

Listening and asking good questions.

Great questions are ones that keep people talking.

Instead of asking what someone does for a living, ask them what they are passionate about or what they love spending time doing.

These questions give people a chance to talk about what they enjoy, rather than boxing them into only speaking about what they do for work.

Be ready with relevant follow-up questions to show that you are interested and listening.

And, when it’s your turn to talk, be succinct and interesting.

Be prepared with your elevator pitch that speaks to your passions, and where your industry career is headed.

But most of all, be genuine with the people you interact with because this is how you will be able to make real connections that can lead to referrals.

4. Make sure you get contact details and then “ghost”.

During the conversations that you have at the networking event, always make sure that you get the contact details for people you are interested in making a more in-depth connection with.

Don’t just hand out your business cards.

You cannot rely on other people to reconnect with you after the event.

That is your responsibility.

You must get their information so that you can follow up.

And, once you have had a good conversation and gotten some contact information, you need a way to leave the circle.

The best way to do this is to just excuse yourself without making a scene.

You don’t need to wait for the conversation to end, or for there to be a pause in the conversation.

You can just excuse yourself to get another drink, to go to the bathroom, or to find your friend, etc. and then leave.

There is no need for a goodbye production, just leave quickly and quietly “ghost”.

Even if you don’t say goodbye at all, no one is going to care or remember the next day.

5. Follow up as soon as possible.

How many people have you met at events, had great conversations with, and then never heard from again?

How many lost opportunities?

Lost, because you did not follow up.

The real power of networking happens after the event.

As a PhD, you know how to set up a system, you know how to follow through, you know how to be determined.

To follow up, you will need to call upon these strengths.

You should send a quick email to the people you met right after the event, but make sure you send an email or LinkedIn message no later than 24 hours after the event.

Your note should remind them about the conversation that you had, and express your gratitude for meeting them.

Then, you should set up a plan to follow up every few weeks with your new connections.

And, in every interaction that you have with them, make sure you add value.

Once you have created a relationship, you can make your ask.

Whether you ask for a referral or an introduction, your efforts at the networking event and in the follow-up are what make that ask possible.

It’s no secret that networking is an important part of getting hired in industry. Nevertheless, many PhDs still only do the bare minimum when it comes to networking. If you can get past your excuses and put real energy into networking, you will see benefits. The more successful your networking efforts, the more successful your job search will be. And, in-person networking must play a part in your networking strategy. You can make your in-person networking happen smoothly by just following this simple 5-step guide: remember you are at the event to network, don’t be afraid to approach a networking circle and introduce yourself, be genuine and engage in conversation, get contact details, and then follow up as soon as possible.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

Book a Transition Call
Get Free Job Search Content Weekly

ABOUT CATHERINE SORBARA, PH.D.

Cathy has a PhD in Medical Life Science and Technology and is COO of the Cheeky Scientist Association. Cathy is passionate about science communication including translating science to lay audiences and helping PhDs transition into industry positions. She is Chair of Cambridge AWiSE, a regional network for women in science, engineering and technology. She has also been selected to take part in Homeward Bound 2018, an all-female voyage to Antarctica aimed to heighten the influence of women in leadership positions and bring awareness to climate change.

Catherine Sorbara, Ph.D.

Here's What Others Are Saying

"I am happy to share that I'm starting a new position as a European Portfolio Manager at Scientific Instruments!"

 Shikha Acharya

Shikha Acharya

European Portfolio Manager

at Scientific Instruments

"BIG NEWS!! Lufthansa offered me the gig!!"

Marco Milesi

Marco Milesi

at Lufthansa

"I am delighted to announce that I have accepted the role of Research Scientist with a base salary of 90k. The cheeky scientist resources have helped me immensely and I am really grateful."

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Research Scientist

"I signed with ASML for 117k! (asked for 120 and they came up from 110) plus a 10% target annual bonus."

Andrew Dawes, PhD

Andrew Dawes, PhD

Senior Applications Engineer

at ASML

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position!"

Norhaziland Mohamed Zaid

Norhaziland Mohamed Zaid

Senior Development Scientist

at Haleon

"New offer - went ahead and signed contract today - - excited and thank you for the confidence booster - grateful for investing in Cheeky Scientist."

Wael Bahnan

Wael Bahnan

Senior Scientist

at Minervx ApS

"I started working with you all back in October 2022 and it took me about four months to secure my new role. I actually had two six figure salary offers in the learning and development arena! One was from a prestigious HBCU and the other one was with a scientific research organization. I signed my six figure offer letter for a Head of Talent Development role with the scientific research organization on March 1st. I negotiated and received a $7,500 increase in salary and I also received an increase in my relocation package. I cannot thank you all enough!"

Dr. Rhonda Anderson

Dr. Rhonda Anderson

Head of Talent Development

at Southern Research

"I'm excited to announce that I have accepted a position as an Innovations Analyst at Cleveland Clinic. Looking forward to using my background to help commercialize healthcare innovations!"

Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas

Innovations Analyst

at Cleveland Clinic

"I'm happy to share that I am starting a new position as Senior Scientist at Eikon Therapeutics!"

Hank Cheng

Hank Cheng

Senior Scientist

at Eikon Therapeutics

"I'm happy to share that I will be starting a new position as MSL at Sanofi! I want to thank everyone that took the time to speak with me about their MSL experience and to help me land this position!"

John Crawford

John Crawford

MSL-Vaccines

at Sanofi

"I am happy to share I am starting a new position!"

Kamrul Hansen

Kamrul Hansen

Principal Scientist - Analytical Technology

at Servier Pharmaceuticals

"'....all the modules and associates really helped me understand the job and interview aspects really well. Meera specially helped me a lot prepare for the 8 interviews (written, analytical, on-site, assessments). She was very prompt in responding to my questions and concerns and really helped me keep my morale whenever I felt I might loose this position.... This is something I was looking for in a job so it is perfect for me."

Haymanti Bhanot

Haymanti Bhanot

Editorial

at Elsevier

"I would like to express my appreciation and assure that your school was eye-openning, thanks! I registered on your course 2 months ago and from total ghosting I ended up with a dream job in biotech."

Petro Starokadomskyy

Petro Starokadomskyy

Senior Scientist

at Kyverna Therapeutics

"I just accepted an offer for a position at one of the top pharma companies...I can't tell you how relieved I feel, I'm very excited for what's to come!"

Nahed Jalloul

Nahed Jalloul

Computational Biologist

"Thrilled to announce that I have joined a new role as a Research Associate at HJF to work at the WRAIR. Very excited to join a dedicated and brilliant team working to eradicate HIV. Thanks to my family, friends, and fellow Cheeky associates for their support in my job hunt journey.""

 Lakshmi Rani Iyer

Lakshmi Rani Iyer

Research Associate

at HJF

Similar Articles

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I’m at my wit’s end.  I’ve applied to countless jobs, networked extensively, and still, nothing.  It feels like I’m just spinning my wheels.”  This is a sentiment I hear often from PhDs who are navigating the challenging waters of the job market.  The frustration and mental fatigue are real, especially when you’re used to achieving high levels of success in academia.  But let’s get one thing straight – you are not alone, and this is not the end.  It’s just a bump in the road.  Yes, the job search is grueling.  There’s no sugar-coating it.  But here’s the thing…

6 People to Ignore During Your PhD Job Search

6 People to Ignore During Your PhD Job Search

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

When I first began my industry job search, I didn’t know where to begin. Most of the people I asked for advice had none to offer.  Instead, they were adamant I was making a mistake by leaving academia.  I’d spent the last six years siloed in academia – I didn’t really know that many people who weren’t doing a postdoc or staying on to TA.  But I had heard some encouraging things from a few PhDs that had transitioned to industry.  I was really motivated to try and make the same move, even though I wasn’t sure how to start.…

Your Professional Brand Is Academia. 5 Questions To Change It

Your Professional Brand Is Academia. 5 Questions To Change It

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

What’s your professional brand?  As a researcher, my conclusions are based on proven facts and quantifiable results. The concept of something as subjective as brand or image had never felt particularly relevant to me.  I’d heard the question, of course. When you’ve been looking for a job for over a year, you’re bound to come across the idea.  But now, face to face with a recruiter who had turned me down for a job, I was really trying to come up with an intelligent answer.  “What’s my brand?” I asked. I guess feigning ignorance was one way to go.  “Yes,…

Don’t Ignore These 6 Powerful PhD Job Search Trends

Don’t Ignore These 6 Powerful PhD Job Search Trends

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

What does your job search strategy look like?  If you had to describe it in 2 or 3 sentences, what would you say?  I ask because, if you’re reading this, you’re in the market for a job. Working with PhDs for more than 10 years, I’ve learned one thing is true above all others: The right job strategy is what’s going to get you hired. That’s right: I’m saying that a concrete job search methodology is more important than anything else in your job search.  It’s more important than your skills, your degree, your personality – more important than you,…

A No-Excuses Look at Virtual Networking

A No-Excuses Look at Virtual Networking

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

A lot of PhDs ignore a crucial part of their job search – virtual networking. You may think that because you’re spending a lot of time going to conferences, attending lectures, setting up face-to-face meetings, and checking in with one or two connections when you need a reference or referral that you’ve established your professional network.  Virtual Networking Casts A Wider Net, Even After The Pandemic Nope, you’re networking by halves if you’re only networking in-person. I kept seeing a former colleague of mine at conferences really making the most out of his time networking in person. Everybody knew this…

A Pitch-Perfect Elevator Script For PhDs In Industry

A Pitch-Perfect Elevator Script For PhDs In Industry

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

I had heard of the term “elevator script” before my first industry interview.  Was I sure what it meant? No. But I got the gist of it: introduce yourself in a compelling way during an interview or networking session. Don’t annoy someone in an elevator. I dismissed the idea of learning more about it than that If I remember correctly, I told myself that it was nothing more than a remedial gimmick. One of those unnecessary “life hacks” that clueless people gobble up to calm their nerves before an interview.  Definitely not something a PhD graduate with a background in…

How To Get A Referral Without The Messy Emotions

How To Get A Referral Without The Messy Emotions

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Towards the end of my PhD, I felt like I was racing time. And time was winning. I was frantically trying to wrap up loose ends in my research, finish writing my thesis, all the while trying to find a job. I knew I wanted a job in industry. In fact, I knew exactly the job I wanted. I just didn’t know how to get there. I was sending my resume off into the abyss of the internet, but I wasn’t getting any replies. I couldn’t fathom what I was doing wrong. The whole thing felt pointless. Now, looking back…

5 Insider Rapport Building Tips (or, How To Make In Person Networking Non-Dreadful)

5 Insider Rapport Building Tips (or, How To Make In Person Networking Non-Dreadful)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Like many PhDs, I’m an introvert. That means my tendency is to avoid face-to-face interactions at all costs. But when it came time to search for a job in industry, my introverted tactics weren’t working. I was reaching out to people online, even getting a few responses, but in the end, all my efforts fell flat. After months of this, I was right where I started – unemployed. Then, I started noticing what my colleagues were doing; the ones that were getting job referrals and interviews at least. They weren’t just reaching out to people online, they were also attending…

6 Credible Networking Scripts That Make Employers Pay Attention

6 Credible Networking Scripts That Make Employers Pay Attention

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Just as “location, location, location” is the mantra of real estate, “networking, networking, networking” should be your mantra during your industry job search. During the final year of my PhD, I finally conceded – the only way I was going to get a job in industry was through networking. So, like many PhDs, I fired up my computer, hopped on LinkedIn, and clicked the blue “connect” button until my fingers ached. I sent out the same message to each new contact telling them about all my wonderful accomplishments before I asked them for a job. You know what happened after…

Our Members Get Hired At Top Industry Companies

Top Industry Career eBooks

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD & Arunodoy Sur, PhD

Learn about the best 63 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs – all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it.

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes.

AI & ATS Resume Filters

AI & ATS Resume Filters

Isaiah Hankel

In today's competitive job market, understanding the impact of AI is crucial for career success. This involves ensuring your resume stands out in the digital realm, mastering your online presence, and being aware of how AI assigns reputation scores. Discovering how to leverage AI to your advantage is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping professional opportunities.

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel

The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers.