6 networking mistakes that could cost you a job

Almost always employed workers are seeing their job finding rates fall. damircudic/Getty Images Networking is key , especially in a tight job market, so Business Insider asked career coaches for tips.

It requires being specific and consistent, whether online or in person.

It's easy to come across as self-centered or to ask for the wrong types of favors.

You might be networking all wrong — and it could be costly.

In an era of AI-generated applications and a sluggish job market for many desk workers, making connections can be key to standing out and landing a role.

While forming solid professional relationships can help, it's not always easy to know how to start.

Career coaches and etiquette pros shared dos and don'ts for building professional relationships: Write something personalized When networking, people too often post generic messages on LinkedIn that don't break through.

"You can't go into it cold," said Jasmine Escalera, a career expert with MyPerfectResume, referring to networking.

"That doesn't mean that you can't go into it making a cold connection, but you can't go into it just without a connection." That connection doesn't have to be solely professional, she said.

You might, for example, find a common hobby.

When it comes to online outreach, avoid boilerplate notes and instead write something personalized.

Madeline Mann , a career coach and CEO of Self Made Millennial, offered similar advice.

"If you're going to ask for 15 minutes of their time, be sure to show that you spent 15 minutes of yours," she said.

Generally, social media alone isn't enough.