The One Skill That Can Unlock Every Opportunity (Even If You’re Introverted)

Literally unlock any job, find any interview and make yourself stand out.

This week, I want to share a story I’ll never forget, one that quietly changed the entire trajectory of my career.

PS: I also mention how I do it now + a lot of free stuff for you to use to follow along

When I was in my second year of college, I randomly signed up for a virtual career fair. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t have a polished resume, and almost bailed last minute.

But I stuck around for one session where a speaker casually mentioned, “Opportunities don’t come to you, you walk into them.” Something about that line hit hard.

After the session, I found the speaker on LinkedIn and sent a quick thank-you message, not expecting anything. But they replied.

That led to a call. That call led to an introduction. And three months later, I had my first internship.

That’s the power of one conversation.
That’s the power of networking.

---

What’s Been Happening?

The last few weeks have been all about building bridges, walking across them, and helping others find theirs. Let’s be honest. Most people treat job applications like it’s still 2010, clicking "apply and pray." That’s not how things work anymore, especially not in 2024–25. So this week, I’ve doubled down on something I wish more people took seriously: cultivating relationships and bonds with people.

What Does "Building Relationships" Really Mean?

Forget the suits and coffee chats for a second. At its core, building relationships is simply about forging genuine connections with people who can help you learn, grow, and spot opportunities you might’ve never seen otherwise. And no, it doesn’t always mean talking to CEOs.

I don’t like calling my professional connects as “network” anymore, because at its core, they are relationships that I have fostered and I would like to keep those relations for a long time

Your classmates, seniors, professors, and even folks you interact with on LinkedIn, that’s your community. Career fairs, student panels, and alumni meets are your entry points. The real magic often shows up months later, when someone you stayed in touch with remembers you for something they saw you do.

But what if you're an introvert?

Great. That means you’re probably better at forming deep, meaningful conversations. You don’t need to “work the room.” Start slow. Engage with a few professionals online first.

Pick 2-3 people instead of 20. Listen more. Ask good questions. Follow up with thoughtful messages. And most importantly, plan it. That one solid connection you build can be worth more than 50 shallow ones.

Finding the right people & what to say

Let’s say you want to reach out but don’t know where to start. Use tools like Hunter.io, Apollo.io, Snov.io, FindThatLead, or Clearbit to find recruiter or manager emails. Target people who make hiring decisions, senior folks, not just general HR.

Now, when you reach out, don’t overthink it. Here are a few templates that work:

Cold Email Template that gave me 5 interviews last month (Finding common ground)

📩 Subject: Love the work that you do on [their work/common ground] at [Company]

Hello [Name],

Hope you are doing well!

[Find common ground between you and that person to get replies]

I'm a [Your Occupation & Specialization]

I believe my background in [your skills/experience] is very similar to yours, with [their goals and experiences].

I’d love to explore an opportunity to talk to you and connect.

Looking forward to your response.

Thank you for your time,

[Your Name]

Message template for LinkedIn hiring manager button

Hello [Recipient's Name],

I hope you're doing well.

I recently applied for the [Role] position at [Company], and I wanted to take a moment to express my enthusiasm.

Over the past [X years/months], I’ve [briefly mention one or two relevant achievements, skills, or experiences—e.g., led a project that improved X by Y% or interned at Z where I gained experience in A].

What excites me most about this opportunity is [one or two lines about what draws you to the company or role—e.g., the company’s mission, growth opportunities, team culture, or specific project].

If there’s anything I can clarify or expand on, I’d be happy to provide more details.

I’d also love the opportunity to connect and learn more about your work at [Company].

Cold Outreach Template

📩 Subject: Admiring Your Work at [Company Name]

Hello [Name],

I’ve been following your work on [specific project/achievement], and I found it inspiring because [specific reason].

I’m a [Your Occupation & Specialization], and I’m interested in the [Job Position] at [Company Name]. I admire [one aspect of their company culture/work that resonates with you].

In my recent [project/internship], I [specific achievement]. My strengths in [relevant skills] make me confident that I’d be a strong fit for [Company Name].

Would you be open to a 15-minute chat to discuss your experience at [Company Name]?

🔗 Role link: [Insert link] 📎 Resume attached

Thank you for your time,

[Your Name]

Express interest in the role, show what excites you about it, and keep it short. They’re busy, but you’d be surprised how many still reply when they sense genuine intent.

Follow up without being annoying

If they don’t reply, that’s okay. Wait 5–7 business days, then follow up once. Maybe twice max. Be polite. Mention your previous message. Respect their time. And if it’s a no or no reply, move on. You’ll find others. Trust me.

My Go-To Relationship-Building Rituals (That Actually Work)

I treat building relationships like a habit.

• I set aside 30 minutes weekly to just reach out, reply, or check in.

• I keep 2–3 go-to questions ready.

• I celebrate every small response, even a “thanks!” because that’s how relationships start.

Long-term wins > Short-term jobs

Building relationships is a long game. Some people will help you immediately. Others may remember you a year later. The key is staying in touch. Check in every few months. Send helpful resources. Celebrate their wins. Offer value without always asking for something.

Over time, you’ll build a tribe that roots for you.

Bonus reads & tools

1. Quiet by Susan Cain (if you want to own your introversion- Link attached 👈🏻)

2. Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi (if you want to master connection- Link attached 👈🏻)

3. Tools like LinkedIn, Slack groups, and Discord servers can help you stay plugged into your industry.

💬 Final Thoughts

Forging genuine connections won’t feel natural at first. But neither did riding a bike or writing your first resume. Start small. Stay consistent. Be human. And remember, you only need one person to take a chance on you for everything to change.

You’ve got this.

---

Thank you for reading.

Until next time,

jugaldb