Indian Gen Z professional networking hesitation

A LinkedIn report indicates that 83% of Gen Z professionals in India are hesitant to engage in professional networking, despite 79% recognizing its importance. This hesitation stems from several psychological barriers, including a fear of being judged (44%), concerns about bothering others (39%), and fears of sounding inauthentic (37%).

Data suggests this trend could lead to hiring disadvantages, as applicants with internal connections are approximately 8.5 times more likely to be hired than those without. While older generations like Millennials (92%) and Gen X (95%) express a high willingness to assist those starting their careers, many Gen Z respondents report they have not received clear guidance on how to develop professional ties.

To address these challenges, experts suggest reframing networking as “building relationships” rather than a transactional activity. Recommendations for young professionals include starting with small actions, such as liking or commenting on posts, and engaging in industry-related conversations through webinars and conferences to establish connections before actively seeking employment.