When people hear "networking", many picture crowded rooms, name badges and awkward small talk by the drinks table. No wonder it stays on the "I really should do that" list for so long. But networking to find a job usually looks very different in practice: a message to a former colleague, a coffee with someone who already works where you'd like to be, an introduction through a friend. Small, ordinary conversations.
In this article you'll learn why those conversations can make such a difference, who is already in your network, how to ask for a conversation without asking for a job, and how to stay in touch afterwards. With message templates you can send today.
Why networking works
You'll often come across the claim that a certain percentage of all jobs is never advertised. Those figures vary wildly and the source is often unclear, so we'll leave them aside. What you can see when you look at how hiring works in practice:
- A recommendation lowers the risk for the employer. A candidate a trusted colleague vouches for feels like less of a gamble than an unknown CV. It's no coincidence that many organisations run employee referral schemes.
- The need often exists before the vacancy does. A team that's growing or someone who's about to leave: people talk about it internally before anything goes online. Whoever is on the radar at that moment may get a conversation sooner.
- You hear what isn't in the job ad. How the team works, what the manager really cares about, what the organisation is struggling with. That helps you make better choices and give stronger interviews.
Interestingly, new opportunities don't always come from your closest friends. In 1973 the American sociologist Mark Granovetter published an article called "The Strength of Weak Ties". His point: people you know less well move in different circles from you, so they're more likely to have information you don't already have. The former colleague you haven't spoken to in years may be a more valuable contact than you think.
Who is already in your network?
"I don't have a network" is a common objection. Usually it isn't true: you do have a network, you've just never mapped it. Open a blank document and write down names without filtering yet:
- former colleagues and managers, including from part-time jobs and internships;
- fellow students, former lecturers and people from your course;
- friends, family and their partners (what do they actually do for a living?);
- clients, suppliers and partners you got on well with;
- people from your sports club, societies, volunteering or the school gate;
- recruiters you've been in touch with before, even if nothing came of it then.
Next to each name, note where that person works. Then highlight two groups: people in an organisation or field that interests you, and people who probably know a lot of others. That's where you start. You don't need to contact everyone; a handful of good conversations achieves more than fifty rushed messages.
Ask for a conversation, not a job
This is where it often goes wrong. "Do you happen to have a vacancy for me?" puts the other person in an awkward spot: the answer is usually no, and then the conversation is over. Instead, ask for advice or information. It's easier to say yes to, plenty of people enjoy talking about their work, and you'll learn more.
- Keep it small. Ask for twenty minutes, a coffee or a short video call, not "a catch-up sometime".
- Be specific. Say why you're contacting this particular person and what you'd like to know.
- Make it easy for them. Suggest a few times yourself and fit in with their diary.
- Prepare your questions. For example: How did you end up in this role? What makes someone successful in your team? What changes do you see in the sector? What would you do in my shoes? Who else should I talk to?
That last question may be the most important one: it means every conversation can lead to a new name, in exactly the direction you're heading. Also make sure you can say who you are and what you're looking for in a few sentences. A short elevator pitch is ideal for that.
Message templates
Adapt these templates to your own situation and tone; the names are just examples. Keep it short: your message should fit on a phone screen.
To a former colleague
"Hi Sarah, it's been a while! I saw you're at [organisation] now, great to see. I'm exploring a next step towards [field] and I'm curious how that works in practice where you are. Would you have twenty minutes in the next few weeks for a coffee or a quick call? Happy to fit around your diary."
Through a mutual contact
"Hi Ahmed, Lisa passed on your name; she thought you'd be a great person to tell me what it's like to work as a [role] at [organisation]. My background is in [field] and I'm considering a move towards [direction]. Would you be open to a short fifteen-minute chat? Completely understand if now isn't a good time."
Even better: ask your mutual contact to introduce you both in a short email. An introduction from someone you both know feels much less like a message out of the blue.
To an alumnus of your university
"Hi Mark, I noticed we both studied [course] at [institution]. Your move from [field A] to [field B] caught my eye, as I'm considering a similar step. Could I ask you a few questions about how you went about it? Twenty minutes on a video call would already be really helpful."
Following up: where the difference is made
The first conversation isn't the end point. Following up is where you make the difference, and it's exactly where many people drop the ball.
- Say thank you within a day. Mention something specific you took away from the conversation, so it doesn't read like a stock message.
- Act on the advice. If someone gave you a name, actually contact that person, and let your original contact know you did.
- Send an update after a few weeks. "Thanks to your tip I spoke to Karim. I'm now focusing mainly on..." That keeps you on the radar without being pushy.
- Give something back. An article that fits what they're working on, congratulations on a new role, an introduction to someone in your network. Networking works both ways.
- No reply? Send one friendly reminder after a week or two. If it stays quiet after that, let it go. People are busy, and it usually says little about you.
Keep a simple overview, for example in a spreadsheet: name, organisation, date of contact, what you discussed and when you'll next get in touch.
Networking as an introvert
Being an introvert isn't a disadvantage in networking; it just calls for a different approach. Much of what good networking involves often suits introverts well: listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions and having one-to-one conversations rather than working the room.
- Choose one-to-one over big events. A coffee or video call with one person takes less energy and often goes deeper.
- Start in writing. You can prepare and rewrite a message at your own pace.
- Bring a few questions. With three good questions up your sleeve, you don't have to worry about what to talk about.
- Set a small goal. Two real conversations in an evening is fine. After that you're allowed to go home.
The role of LinkedIn
LinkedIn doesn't replace the conversation, but it does make it easier. You can find people there, see mutual connections and send a first message.
- Make sure your profile is in order. Whoever receives your message will often glance at your profile first. A clear headline, an up-to-date summary and experience that fits what you're looking for make it easier to say yes. Our article on optimising your LinkedIn profile explains how.
- Add a personal note to a connection request to someone you don't know well. One or two sentences about why you're getting in touch are enough.
- Let people know you're looking. In your profile you can indicate that you're open to new roles, visible to everyone or to recruiters only. Choose what suits your situation.
Want to speed up your preparation? The LinkedIn Optimizer from MARA helps you sharpen your profile, the Elevator Pitch Generator helps you put who you are and what you're looking for into a few sentences, and MARA's Marketing Bio gives you a concise document to share after a networking conversation, so your contact can easily pass your name on.
Conclusion
Networking to find a job is smaller and less daunting than it sounds. It starts with a list of people you already know, a small and specific request for advice, and the discipline to follow up. Do it regularly rather than only when you urgently need something, and be as ready to give as to ask. If a conversation leads to an interview invitation, prepare with the most common interview questions. And send one message today: that's all the first step takes.