Professional Networking for Leftists: Building Meaningful Connections in the Job Search

Written By Adryan Corcione

I often feel like I’ve spent more time searching for work than actually doing the work. Job hunting becomes even more challenging when the market is tough and opportunities are scarce—a reality that’s only intensified over the past five years since the initial quarantine era of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout my job searches post-2020, I’ve invested a lot in networking. Even when I’m not actively seeking work, I’m always eager to connect with people doing interesting things, whether or not they’re in my specific field.

While I’m grateful to approach networking with enthusiasm and a sense of abundance, I’ve realized I simply don’t have the time to give everyone the attention they deserve. As a result, I need to be more intentional about which connections I prioritize.

This article is for job seekers who share politically left values. While it's not a step-by-step guide to networking, it offers insights on how to approach networking as a Leftist.

These tips are also useful for those already employed and looking to build stronger relationships with colleagues—especially for anyone wondering which professional connections are worth prioritizing.

Read on for advice on how to align your networking efforts with your values as a politically left job seeker.

Prioritize connections with similar values

Job seekers are often told to “network,” but seldom given guidance on how to do it effectively. While this post doesn’t provide a step-by-step networking guide, it does focus on how to decide who to prioritize in your professional connections.

As a Leftist, I’m particularly interested in connecting with people who not only share my politics but also practice them. My ideal job would involve working with colleagues who uphold shared values. I’m not expecting full agreement on every issue, but I do want a common foundation: belief in fair and equal pay, divesting from Israel, prioritizing labor rights, and working toward social justice in our communities.

However, it’s important to remember that identity doesn’t automatically equate to solidarity. Just because someone identifies as politically left doesn’t mean they’ll consistently act on those values. For example, someone may publicly support the Black Lives Matter movement but exclude Black colleagues from important decision-making processes.

Seek out people who actively engage in organizing for social change and take meaningful action toward dismantling oppressive systems, not just those who pay lip service to Leftist ideas.

Additionally, because "Leftist" or "politically left" can mean different things to different people, it's crucial to clarify which issues and values matter most to you. For instance, if you care deeply about the rights of underpaid workers in the Global South, don’t shy away from discussing it. Some people who identify as politically left might not share this view, making it a helpful litmus test for determining if your values truly align with theirs.

Take notice of who doesn’t practice those same values

Imagine meeting someone at work with whom you can openly discuss politics. Perhaps they express criticism of how heavily police departments are funded, which can be a significant topic, especially since discussing politics in the workplace is often discouraged.

Now, let’s say this same person is quick to police their colleagues' behavior, such as criticizing someone for being repeatedly late and immediately alerting management instead of privately addressing the issue with the coworker to understand the underlying cause.

If this behavior makes you uncomfortable, trust that feeling. It’s contradictory for someone who criticizes the police to engage in interpersonal policing. Unfortunately, we still see this kind of contradiction play out in workplace dynamics, including in professional networking.

Take notice of those who don’t share your values

Likewise, take notice of those who don’t share your values. Let me share a personal anecdote.

I once connected with a fellow marketing professional through an online job-seeker organization. We were both based in nearby towns, so I was excited to meet someone local and potentially network further.

During our short phone call, I complained about the rising cost of health insurance as a freelancer and that I wished healthcare wasn’t tied to employment. I didn’t think twice about this, as in my social circles, criticizing the U.S. healthcare system is normalized. However, the other person over the phone took this as an opportunity to criticize universal healthcare and perpetuate the myth that quality of care is jeopardized under universal healthcare.

After gently pushing back, I ended the call as soon as possible, despite reserving a half-hour in my schedule for the call. I knew immediately this wasn’t a person I’d ever want to pursue an authentic professional connection with. 

If I know a professional connection doesn’t share my political values, I’m less likely to be invested in pursuing that connection.

Why? If I ever ended up working with this person, or referring them to work with another connection, they may advocate against the interests and values of myself and the rest of my professional network. If someone is against universal healthcare, they could be less likely to support workplace initiatives like better health insurance coverage and unlimited PTO (which especially benefits disabled workers).

Conclusion

Effective networking for leftists means being intentional about the connections you build, prioritizing those who share your values and principles. It's not just about professional advancement, but about fostering relationships that align with your political beliefs and social justice goals.

By recognizing when a connection doesn't align with your values—whether it's through political disagreements or contradictory behaviors—you can avoid investing time and energy in relationships that may ultimately undermine your principles. Stay focused on nurturing authentic connections that support your vision of a more just and equitable workplace and society.

Additional resources

Adryan Corcione https://adryancorcione.net