IRL networking has faced a huge shift over the last decade.
If we look back to the pre-pandemic era, it was all about in-person networking — coffee chats, industry events, conferences, you name it.
Then, with the arrival of COVID-19, everything changed. The world (which was already well and truly in the digital age) began to rely on technology even further, with webinars and ‘virtual’ coffees becoming necessary.
As we’ve bounced back, we’ve seen the return of in-person events and networking ops flooding our calendars (and LinkedIn feeds).
If you’re anything like me and found your IRL networking skills to be a little… uh, rusty post-pandemic, then we’re here to help.
I hate networking pic.twitter.com/FaOMQVJDT9
— Adam Karpiak (@Adam_Karpiak) September 30, 2020
We sat down with Stephanie Horgan, Employer Brand & Marketing Consultant at Solve by Talent, to pick her brain on all things IRL networking.
We’ve condensed our chat into our top five tips to keep you sane on your career journey, so let’s get into it.
Prioritise in-person networking wherever possible
The opportunities to network in-person are endless, as long as you know where to look.
“Jobs expos and fairs are such a great opportunity to not only meet recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face, but also to build personal connections and express your interest,” said Stephanie.
In particular, job expos like Listerine®’s upcoming Fresh Job Confidence event are the perfect starting point for IRL networking.
“These opportunities are so amazing to network in-person, and give you a direct path to industry connections.”
Aside from job expos and fairs, Stephanie recommends a fair few other events to get your networking fix.
“Community meetups, workshops, tech talks — all of these are great. My pro tip is to use Eventbrite to find any of these. It’s truly a goldmine!”
A custom icebreaker will take you far
Stephanie’s top tip for icebreakers is to do your research. A personalised icebreaker will give you the edge you need to come out on top.
“Find out who exactly will be in the room, then come armed with questions tailored to their industry, their role, or their company,” said Stephanie.
“Once you’re in the room, introduce yourself! If you’re feeling shy or all of a sudden your mind has gone blank, it never hurts to ask people about themselves.”
Stephanie also reiterates the importance of making sure your networking continues out of the room.
“Don’t forget to connect on LinkedIn afterwards! If you’re feeling brave enough, you can always suggest grabbing a coffee — you’d be surprised at how many people are flattered and happy to share their advice.”
Harness the power of LinkedIn
It’s terrifying for some (and by some, I mean me), but Stephanie reminds us to use LinkedIn to our advantage as much as possible.
@savannahlsmith top tier social media. linkedin4life @LinkedIn #linkedin #socialmedia #tiktok ♬ SWEET I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE – katie
“LinkedIn is actually what landed me my first job in Australia! I had just arrived in Sydney from London, and I realised I needed to start job hunting in a new city,” said Stephanie.
“Just as I was about to spruce up my CV I received a LinkedIn connection request from my now-boss. He reached out saying my experience was a great match for a new position he was about to start hiring for, and asked if I’d be open to a chat.”
“Taking that call was one of the best decisions I ever made. Fast forward to today, I’m now working in my dream job.”
Stephanie credits LinkedIn as a game changer for both finding her dream job and for maintaining her networks today.
“It’s not just about applying for jobs, but it’s a complete playground for building your network and opportunities. Never be afraid to send that message — you never know what it might lead to!”
Don’t underestimate the power of a mentorship
Stephanie flags how a mentorship can give you the guidance and support you need to move through the industry and continue to grow.
“When I first started my role, I was fairly new to this industry. It was crucial for me to learn from someone more experienced,” said Stephanie.
“I reached out to a manager at my dream company who seemed like a perfect fit. I sent her a message that was honest and direct, asking about informal mentorship, and she was so excited to help!”
Now, Stephanie continues to meet up with her mentor on a monthly basis.
“These catch-ups have been invaluable. They’ve not only helped boost my confidence in myself and my own skills, but they’ve taught me so much about the industry.”
Curiosity (didn’t) kill the cat
Curiosity is an approach that Stephanie highly recommends, especially after using it to build her own professional networks.
“Always be curious. I find that asking open-ended questions and showing a genuine interest in people’s experiences makes a great conversation starter and leaves a memorable impression,” said Stephanie.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, too! Everyone has to start somewhere, and most people love sharing their experiences.”
I love being curious! Tell me tell me please please please
— lily (@L1LACH) March 26, 2025
There you have it! You’re a true networking whizz now. Gold star for you.
To put your newfound IRL networking skills to the test, Listerine® is hosting a Fresh Job Confidence event in partnership with PEDESTRIAN.TV.
You’ll be given the tools to freshen up your job confidence, snag a free headshot, and have the chance to network with industry professionals and recruiters.
If that’s not enticing enough, you’ll also have the chance to win $500 AND a one-on-one session with career coach Kate Richardson just by showing up on the day.
Listerine®’s Fresh Job Confidence event will be taking place from 10am to 2pm on Thursday May 15 2025, at Greenhouse located in Sydney’s Salesforce Tower.
Register below, and we’ll see ya there.
The post 5 IRL Networking Tips That Won’t Leave You Dying Of Awkwardness appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
