6 hrs ago
Indian Gen Z Hesitates to Network, Risking Hiring Opportunities
Many young workers in India spend a lot of time online but still feel nervous about meeting people who could help their careers.
LinkedIn found that 83% of Indian Gen Z professionals hesitate to network.
Some fear being judged, bothering busy people, or sounding fake.
More than half are unsure how to start or turn a contact into a real connection.
Many also say nobody taught them how to build work relationships.
Networking can help people learn about jobs and meet advisers.
Nearly one-third of respondents found their next job through online professional communities.
LinkedIn says people with an inside connection were much more likely to be hired.
The company recommends starting with small steps, such as following people, commenting on posts, and talking with people who share your interests.
LinkedIn research found that 83% of Indian Gen Z professionals hesitate to network with people who could advance their careers.
Fear of judgment, bothering others, and sounding inauthentic are the leading reasons for that hesitation.
Although 79% say professional relationships are important, 52% do not know how to begin and 53% struggle to build real connections.
Nearly one-third of Indian Gen Z respondents say they found their next role through online professional communities.
LinkedIn says Indian applicants with an inside connection were nearly 8.5 times more likely to be hired than those applying without one.
- Who
- Indian Gen Z professionals, LinkedIn, and LinkedIn Career Expert Nirajita Banerjee; the research also surveyed Millennials and Gen X professionals.
- What
- LinkedIn research examines why many Indian Gen Z professionals hesitate to network and how this may affect access to career advice, opportunities, and hiring.
- Where
- India, with some comparisons involving LinkedIn members globally.
- When
- The articles describe the findings as new research, but provide no publication date.
- Why
- Fear of judgment, concern about bothering people, worries about seeming inauthentic, and limited guidance discourage networking.
Gen Z Concerns
LinkedIn’s Response
Reaching out
Gen Z Concerns
Many Indian Gen Z professionals fear judgment, bothering busy people, or sounding transactional and inauthentic when networking.
LinkedIn’s Response
LinkedIn says networking can begin with low-pressure actions such as following people, commenting, asking questions, or sharing perspectives.
Access to guidance
Gen Z Concerns
59% say nobody taught them how to build professional relationships, while 52% do not know how to get started.
LinkedIn’s Response
LinkedIn recommends beginning with people who share interests or experience, and building relationships gradually before help is needed.
Willingness to help
Gen Z Concerns
Young professionals may assume that experienced people will not want to hear from them or may consider them a distraction.
LinkedIn’s Response
LinkedIn’s survey found that 92% of Millennials and 95% of Gen X professionals would help someone starting their career, even if they did not know that person.
Key facts
- Gen Z networking hesitation
- 83% of Indian Gen Z professionals hesitate to interact or network with people who could help their careers.
- Importance of relationships
- 79% say professional relationships are important.
- Reasons for hesitation
- 44% fear being judged, 39% worry about bothering people, and 37% fear sounding inauthentic.
- Limited guidance
- 59% say nobody clearly showed them how to build professional relationships.
- Difficulty getting started
- 52% are unsure how to begin networking, and 53% struggle to turn contacts into real connections.
- Online communities
- 30% say they found their next role through professional communities online.
- Hiring advantage
- Indian applicants with an inside connection were nearly 8.5 times more likely to be hired than those without one.
- Senior professionals' willingness
- 92% of Millennials and 95% of Gen X professionals say they would help someone starting their career, even a stranger.
Quotes
Nirajita Banerjee
LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor of LinkedIn News
“The good news is that networking doesn't have to mean cold outreach or awkward introductions. It can start with something as simple as engaging with content, sharing perspectives on topics you care about, or reconnecting with people in your existing network. Over time, these small interactions build trust, expand your circle, and can lead to opportunities, insights, and support when you need it most.”
deccanchronicle.com
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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