by Jonathan Mayes
As introverts, we’ve all been there. You’re at a conference and there’s a special happy hour at the end of the day, where everyone is invited to attend and “network” after a long day of sessions. Or if you think back to your college days when a career fair is coming up and you learned that the company you’ve dreamed of working for will be there. The only problem is that you will have to network, aka talk with the recruiters.
As an introvert, I know that it’s sometimes a struggle to even talk with my closest friends and family. Then, adding the stress of trying to impress an employer or colleague, I might as well be swimming up a creek without a paddle.
However, having experienced these situations before, I’m here to tell you that you can do it! Even though it might sound scary, stepping out and talking to strangers will actually help you build up confidence for future interactions.
Now, I understand you may still not feel comfortable dipping your feet into the water, so here are three tips on how to prepare and network as an introvert.
1. Focus on one-on-one or small group settings.
Large networking mixers can feel draining, but you don’t have to attend every one to be successful. Instead, look for opportunities like coffee chats, small professional breakfasts, or niche industry meetups where conversation is easier.
If you do attend a larger event, aim to connect meaningfully with just one or two people rather than trying to work the whole room. Choose the industry or company that you most resonate with and start there. That way, you leave with strong contacts instead of shallow introductions. Once you’re in the room and feel comfortable, you can always talk to more people.
Online networking (LinkedIn groups, industry Slack channels, alumni networks) can also be a great fit since it allows you to engage at your own pace, plus it can be written and not live chat!
2. Prepare conversation starters in advance.
Having 2–3 open-ended questions ready helps you feel less anxious about awkward silences. A few examples that you can start with include: “What brought you to this event today?” “I noticed your role involves [X]—how did you get started in that area?” “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately?”
These questions demonstrate genuine curiosity, invite the other person to talk about themselves (which most people enjoy), and provide an opportunity to discover shared interests.
You can also prepare a short personal introduction—just a 2–3 sentence version of who you are and what you do—so you don’t feel put on the spot when it’s your turn to share.
3. Use follow-ups to your advantage.
After meeting someone, send a personalized message within a couple of days. For example, you can say: “It was great meeting you at [event]! I really enjoyed hearing about your work on [specific project/topic]. Would love to stay connected and hear more about it.”
Sharing an article, podcast, or resource related to your conversation is a simple way to add value immediately and demonstrate thoughtfulness. Additionally, this will help keep the conversation going and demonstrate to the individual you’re networking with that you’re passionate about what you discussed with them, and that you value their insight and opinion.
Finally, because introverts often excel at written communication, this step allows you to deepen the connection without requiring constant face-to-face interaction. It’s the best of both worlds, honestly!
Bonus Tip – Be Yourself!
A lot of times, people (and employers) value authenticity over fake personas. If you’re trying to grow with your interpersonal communication skills, explain that to whoever you’re networking with. I’ve often found that the person I’m talking to is quite surprised and impressed when I tell them that I classify myself as an introvert. That then causes them to remember me, which is never a bad thing!
I’m going to end this blog where I started, and that is, you can do it! Oftentimes, it’s taking that first big step, or in this case, walking up and saying “Hello, my name is X,” that’s the hardest part. Having had the great opportunity to hold multiple internships during college and now two jobs post-college, I can undoubtedly say it gets better with practice. You can do it!!
About the Author
Jonathan Mayes is the current PRSSA Liaison and Chair Elect for PRSA’s New Professionals Section. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications and a minor in Hospitality Management. He’s currently the Social Media Coordinator at Red Roof Hotels, which is based in Columbus, OH.