Use Your Network to Find Jobs
Eighteen easy tips to use your network to find jobs, so people help you hear about good chances early.
Most jobs come through people. Ask kindly.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why networks work
Many jobs are filled through people before they are advertised. A kind note can bring tips you would never see online.
Reach out.
List people who know your work
Write names of past colleagues, teachers and friends. They can speak for you.
List twenty.
Pick ten to message first
Choose people who know your strengths. Start small.
Pick ten.
Say clearly what you want
Say, I am looking for a customer support role in a kind team. Clear asks are easier to help with.
Be specific.
Ask for advice, not a job
Say, do you know anyone I could talk to? Advice is easy to give.
Ask for advice.
Share your CV and a short line
Make it easy to forward you. Attach a clean CV.
Attach it.
Be gracious with replies
Thank people even for small help. Gratitude keeps doors open.
Say thanks.
Update helpers on progress
Tell them how it went. People love hearing results.
Update them.
Script: telling friends
I am looking for a new role in customer support and would love any ideas. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: asking for contacts
Do you know anyone in design I could chat with? Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: update
Thanks to your tip, I had an interview this week. Say it gladly.
Use it.
Mistake: being vague
Vague asks get vague help, so be clear.
Be clear.
Mistake: asking for a job directly
It puts pressure, so ask for advice.
Ask for advice.
Troubleshoot: when you feel embarrassed
Most people are glad to help. Share it as a normal step.
Be open.
Troubleshoot: when nobody replies
Try different people and send a gentle follow-up. Stay patient.
Try others.
Drill: send five messages this week
Message five people and ask for ideas or introductions.
Send five.
Drill: write your ask
Write a clear two-line request and save it.
Write it.
Tell family about your search
Relatives may know people you do not. Ask them kindly.
Tell three people.
Use alumni groups
Alumni often help fellow graduates. Search your school’s network.
Find the group.
Offer help while you search
Helping others keeps you active and visible.
Help one person.
Example: the hidden job
Anna told a neighbour she was looking. The neighbour’s cousin was hiring and she got the job.
Tell neighbours.
Example: the alumni message
Raj wrote to an alumnus and got a referral within a week.
Message an alum.
Mistake: relying only on online job boards
Many jobs never appear online. People matter.
Reach out.
Troubleshoot: when your network is small
Join one group and meet one person a week.
Join a group.
Drill: send three messages to people you know
Say what you look for and ask for ideas.
Send three.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I am looking for a new role.”
“Do you know anyone in this field?”
“I enjoy this kind of work.”
“No pressure at all.”
“Thank you for thinking of me.”
“I will keep you updated.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
List contacts
Choose ten
Write a short note
Say what you want
Ask for advice
Thank them
Follow up
Further reading
- What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
- The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
Keep your place and keep growing
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Finding the Job You Want”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Polish Your Online ProfileNext: Talk to People in Jobs You Like →
- Find Your Strengths and Interests
- Describe Your Ideal Job
- Research Roles and Companies
- Write a Clear CV
- Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
- Polish Your Online Profile
- Use Your Network to Find Jobs
- Talk to People in Jobs You Like
- Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
- Handle Rejection in a Job Search
- Keep a Weekly Job-Search Plan
- Look After Your Energy
