Good networking tips all come back to one thing: people help people they know and trust. In a job search, networking is how you learn which teams are hiring before the advert goes up, get honest advice about a role, and find someone willing to refer you. This guide covers what networking actually is, who to contact, what to say (with scripts), how to use LinkedIn, and how to follow up without feeling pushy.
If you've just been laid off, networking is one of the most useful things you can do in your first month. Our guide on what to do when you get laid off puts it in context with the other early steps.
What is networking?
Networking is building and keeping relationships with people who can share information, advice or opportunities, and helping them in return. In a job search, it usually means short conversations with people in roles, teams or companies you're interested in. It is closer to asking for directions than to selling yourself.
Why does networking matter in a job search?
Because people pass on what they know. A contact can tell you what a team actually needs, whether a role is still open, who the hiring manager is, and how to frame your experience. A referral can also get your application read by a person instead of sitting in a pile. If you're applying online and hearing nothing back, adding networking to your week is one of the biggest changes you can make. Our guide to what to do when you can't find a job covers the other common causes.
Give your new contacts something concrete to pass on
Practise on job simulations of the real work in your target role and share a skills profile that shows what you can do. Free to start, no card.
Who should you network with?
Start with people who already know you, then widen out. Warm contacts reply far more readily than strangers.
| Circle | Who | What to ask for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Closest | Former managers, close colleagues, mentors | References, introductions, honest feedback on your target role |
| 2. Warm | Wider ex-colleagues, classmates, alumni from your school or bootcamp | What their team or company is like, who is hiring |
| 3. Shared ground | People in groups, communities or events you're part of | Advice on the field, introductions |
| 4. Cold | People in roles or companies you want, with no shared link | A short chat about their work |
Make a simple list of 20 to 30 names across the circles, with a note on why each one is relevant. That list is your plan for the next month.
How do you reach out without feeling awkward?
Be brief, be specific about why you chose them, and ask for something small. Most people are happy to give 15 minutes of advice; far fewer respond to "Can you get me a job?"
Message to a former colleague (example):
"Hi Sam, hope you're well. My role at Northfield was cut last month, so I'm looking for my next operations role. I saw you moved to Harbour Logistics, which is high on my list. Could I buy you a coffee or grab 20 minutes on a call to hear what the team is like? No pressure if you're busy."
Message to an alum (example):
"Hi Leah, I'm a fellow Leeds graduate moving from retail management into customer success. I noticed you made a similar switch at Brightwave. Would you be open to a 15-minute call about what helped you most? Happy to work around your schedule."
Message to a cold contact (example):
"Hi Marcus, I read your post on running analytics for a small product team, especially the point about keeping dashboards to five metrics. I'm a data analyst looking at product roles and would value 15 minutes of your perspective on the move. Totally fine if now isn't a good time."
All three are illustrative. The pattern: a personal hook, a one-line reason, a small and specific request, and an easy way to say no.
How do you network on LinkedIn?
Use LinkedIn to find people, warm up the connection and start conversations. Treat it as an introduction tool, then move the real conversation to a call.
- Fix your profile first. A clear headline naming the role you want, a recent photo, and an About section that matches your resume. Our resume format guide shows how to keep titles and dates consistent.
- Search by company, role and school. Filter people by current company and look for alumni, former colleagues and second-degree connections.
- Always add a note to connection requests. One or two lines saying why you're connecting.
- Engage before you ask. Comment thoughtfully on a contact's post once or twice, with a specific point about what they wrote.
- Post occasionally. A short post about what you're working on, learning or looking for helps the right people find you.
- Decide on Open to Work. Our LinkedIn Open to Work guide covers whether to use the banner or the recruiter-only setting.
Connection note (example): "Hi Priya, I'm a product designer exploring roles in healthtech and saw you lead design at CareLink. I'd love to follow your work and maybe ask a question or two down the line."
How do you run a networking conversation?
Keep it short, prepared and focused on them. Twenty minutes is plenty.
Before: read their LinkedIn profile and the company's recent news. Prepare a two-sentence introduction of yourself and three questions.
Good questions to ask:
- What does a typical week look like in your role?
- What separates people who do well on your team from those who struggle?
- What skills would you focus on if you were moving into this field now?
- How does your team usually hire: referrals, recruiters or adverts?
- Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?
At the end: thank them, and ask the last question above. One good conversation often leads to two more.
What to avoid: asking for a job outright, overrunning the time you asked for, or sending your resume unless they offer to look at it.
How do you follow up after networking?
Send a thank-you within a day, then stay in touch every month or two with something useful.
Thank-you message (example): "Thanks again for your time today, Sam. Your point about learning the warehouse management system before applying was really helpful. I've started the vendor's free course. I'll let you know how the Harbour application goes."
Later check-in (example): "Hi Sam, quick update: I finished that course and have an interview at Harbour next week. Thanks again for the steer. I saw this article on returns automation and thought of your project."
If someone offers to refer you, make it easy: send the job link, your tailored resume, and two or three lines they can paste into the referral form.
What are the best networking tips for introverts?
- Favour one-to-one over events. A single coffee chat is easier and more useful than a room of strangers.
- Write first, talk second. A thoughtful message or comment does a lot of the work.
- Set a small, steady target, such as two outreach messages a day.
- Prepare your introduction and your questions, so you aren't thinking on the spot.
- Give yourself recovery time after calls or events.
How do you network at events and job fairs?
Pick one or two events where your target employers or roles will be. Set a goal of three good conversations. Ask people what brought them there and what they're working on, then share your two-sentence introduction. Connect on LinkedIn the same day with a note that mentions where you met.
What mistakes should you avoid when networking?
- Only reaching out when you need something
- Copy-paste messages with no personal reason
- Asking a stranger for a referral in your first message
- Not following up after someone helps you
- Treating contacts as a means to an end. Offer help, introductions or articles when you can
Make networking part of your weekly routine
| Each week | Target |
|---|---|
| New outreach messages | 5 to 10 |
| Conversations | 2 to 3 |
| Follow-ups and thank-yous | Every conversation, within a day |
| Check-ins with existing contacts | 2 to 3 |
These targets are a starting point. Our job search strategy guide shows how networking fits alongside applications and interview prep.
FAQs
What is the difference between networking and asking for a job?
Networking is asking for information, advice and introductions. A referral or job lead often follows once someone knows you and your work, but leading with that request usually stops the conversation.
How do I start networking with no contacts?
Begin with alumni from your school or courses, people in online communities for your field, and second-degree LinkedIn connections. A shared link gives you a natural reason to reach out.
How long should a networking message be?
Short enough to read on a phone without scrolling: three to five sentences.
Is it OK to network while I'm still employed?
Yes. Networking is easier when you aren't under pressure, and talking to people about their work is normal professional behaviour.
What should I say if someone asks why I left my last job?
Keep it brief, honest and forward-looking. Our guide on how to explain being laid off in an interview has scripts that work just as well in networking chats.
What next
Networking opens doors, and the next step is showing you can do the work. You can practise on job simulations of the real work in your target role on Cohesyve, see where you lost marks, and share a skills profile with the contacts who offer to refer you.