Using your network to find jobs
October 16, 2026
Most job seekers spend their time on applications. The people who land roles faster often spend it on conversations. A lot of hiring happens through referrals, internal recommendations, and a manager saying "I know someone." You do not need to be a natural networker to benefit from that. You just need a simple, low-pressure way to do it.
Why networking works
Hiring is risky for employers. A bad hire costs time and money, so a recommendation from someone they trust carries weight. A referral also gets your resume noticed when a posting attracts hundreds of applicants.
Networking also surfaces roles you would never see. Some openings are filled before they are widely advertised, and others are only described vaguely online. A conversation tells you what a team actually needs.
Your network is bigger than you think
When people hear "network," they picture strangers at an event. Start with people who already know you:
Current and former coworkers and managers
Classmates, instructors, and alumni groups
Friends and family who work in different industries
Neighbours, teammates, and people from volunteer work or community groups
Past clients, customers, or vendors
Write down 15 to 20 names. You do not need to contact them all today. The list just makes the task feel finite.
What to ask for (and what not to)
The fastest way to make a contact uncomfortable is to ask, "Do you have a job for me?" Most people do not, and they feel put on the spot.
Ask for something smaller and easier to give:
Information: "How did you get into your field?" or "What does a good week look like in your role?"
Perspective: "What skills matter most for someone starting in this area?"
Introductions: "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?"
Short, specific requests get answered. Vague ones get ignored.
A message you can adapt
Keep it short, say why you are reaching out to them specifically, and make it easy to say yes:
Hi Sam, I hope you're doing well. I'm exploring roles in operations and noticed you've been at your company for a few years. Would you be open to a 15-minute call in the next couple of weeks? I'd love to hear how you got into the field and what you'd focus on if you were starting out. Happy to work around your schedule.
Offer a short call or coffee, not an hour. Most people will say yes to 15 minutes.
Make the conversation count
Prepare two or three questions. Look at the person's role and company beforehand so you do not ask things a quick search would answer.
Listen more than you talk. People remember the conversations where they felt heard.
Share what you are looking for in one or two sentences. If they know the kind of role you want, they can spot it later.
Ask who else to talk to. One conversation often leads to the next.
Respect their time. End when you said you would.
Follow up, then keep in touch
Send a thank-you within a day. Mention one specific thing you learned, so it does not read like a template. If they suggested someone to contact, tell them when you reach out.
Then stay lightly in touch. When you apply to a role at their company, let them know. When you land a job, tell everyone who helped. Networking works best as a long-term habit, not a transaction you only start when you need something.
Pair networking with a targeted search
Conversations work best when you know where you want to land. Keep a short list of employers that interest you and check their current openings regularly. Our listings come from employer career pages and are reviewed before they appear, so you can see what is actually open at the companies on your list. When you spot a role that fits, check whether you know anyone there. A quick message to a contact can turn a cold application into a warm one.
If networking feels awkward
It does for most people, and that is normal. Start with the easiest contacts, such as a former coworker who liked working with you. Set a small goal, like two messages a week. Confidence comes from repetition, and each conversation gets easier than the last.
Quick recap
List 15 to 20 people you already know
Ask for advice and information, not a job
Keep requests short, specific, and easy to accept
Follow up, share updates, and say thanks
Combine conversations with a targeted list of employers
You do not need a huge network. You need a few honest conversations, started consistently.