Does the mere mention of networking make your heart race? If so, you’re in good company. Autistic job seekers often find networking even more stressful than others do. But with the right skills, tools, and a deliberate approach, you can create a productive and successful networking campaign.
Why network? In today’s competitive job market, it’s often about who you know. Not every job is posted on the major job boards, and referrals or endorsements can be the key to landing that first interview. The big question is how to network effectively. Below are strategies designed to help autistic and neurodiverse job seekers approach networking in a mindful, systematic, and success-oriented way.
Getting Started
- Start small: Networking doesn’t have to mean reaching out to new contacts. Begin with your inner circle—family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or mentors. Chances are that people you already know are more willing to help than you might think.
- Lead with your strengths: Think about your core strengths and how they relate to your career goals. Being clear on how you bring value to an employer will give you confidence when explaining your skills to new contacts.
- Set clear goals: Break down your networking efforts into manageable tasks to make the process less daunting. For instance, if you’re attending an in-person event, aim to make three new connections. Setting small, specific goals helps you track your progress and stay motivated.
Prepare and Practice
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date and optimized. This includes creating a compelling and impactful headline and professional summary section and ensuring that your experience section is up-to-date. In addition, make sure to visit the skills section and add any industry-relevant skills that apply to you before you begin reaching out to new contacts. Websites like Jobscan can assist with this process.
- Role-play networking scenarios: Practice introducing yourself, asking follow-up questions, discussing your professional experience, and closing a networking conversation with a mentor, career counselor, or in a supportive group. In doing so, you will build confidence and receive valuable feedback.
- Use scripts: Draft short scripts for both in-person and online conversations. Knowing what you’ll say during a first introduction or follow-up message can alleviate anxiety and help you feel more prepared.
Make It Happen
- Adopt a multifaceted approach: Use both online websites (LinkedIn, online forums, professional associations) and in-person events (career fairs, local meetups). Diversifying your methods will increase your chances of finding the right connections. If in-person events feel overwhelming, start with email or LinkedIn messages. If face-to-face events and meetings are more comfortable, seek out local meetups or career fairs. Reach out to the career services department at your local college to inquire about upcoming events, or use a professional networking website to find networking opportunities near you. Meetup lists networking events locally. You can also use the Eventbrite website and Lunchclub to search for local networking opportunities.
- Leverage tools: Platforms such as Teal can help you organize your networking tasks. Even a simple Google Calendar reminder can ensure you follow up with new contacts and don’t miss important events.
- Follow up: After meeting someone, send a message to express appreciation and reiterate your interest in staying connected. Keep your network active by reaching out periodically with updates on your progress. Set reminders in Google Calendar or a similar app to follow up at specific intervals. Your initial follow-up should be within the first few days of meeting, and subsequent follow-ups should be scheduled every four to six weeks. Taking this proactive approach will help to keep your network strong and active.
- Use the “spider web” method: When you form a new connection, ask if they know anyone else who could assist in your job search. One contact often leads to many more opportunities.
- Reflect and refine: After each interaction, consider what went well and what you could improve next time. There’s no single right way to network—focus on building genuine, meaningful connections.
Self-Care Strategies
- Celebrate small wins: Networking can be challenging, so acknowledge your efforts and progress. Every new connection counts.
- Manage sensory overload: If you do attend in-person events, arriving early can help you acclimate to the venue before it gets busy. Schedule breaks if needed and decide in advance how long you plan to stay.
- Use stress-reduction tools: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or using fidget toys can help you stay calm and focused during networking events.
Successful networking often starts with small steps, thorough preparation, and consistent action. For autistic job seekers, using a structured approach, planning for self-care, and relying on tools like scripts or organizational apps can make the entire process more manageable. Above all, focus on quality over quantity. Building a strong network of meaningful connections is what truly makes a difference in your job search.
If you want to know more about networking, check out these resources from Hire Autism, OAR employment program:
- Connecting with LinkedIn
- Making the Most of Career Fairs
- Networking and Building Professional Relationships
You’ve got this—happy networking!
Brigit Parratorre is a certified professional resume writer (CPRW) and founder of Creative Career Services. Her experience includes over a decade in executive recruiting across various industries. She is passionate about advocating for neurodiverse job seekers and has served as a Hire Autism navigator for OAR for over three years.
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