Finding a Job Through Your Network

A large share of open roles are filled — or at least seeded with a strong initial candidate — before the posting goes public, through a referral or a direct approach. Treating your network as a search channel, not a last resort, changes how quickly you find your next role.

Start with a specific ask, not a vague one

"Let me know if you hear of anything" rarely produces results because it gives the other person nothing to act on. A specific ask works better: "I'm looking for operations-coordinator roles at mid-size logistics companies in the next month or two — if anything crosses your radar, I'd appreciate a heads-up."

Reconnect before you need something

A message that opens with an ask, sent to someone you haven't spoken to in three years, reads as transactional. A short check-in — congratulating them on a recent role change, asking how a project turned out — before mentioning your search lands better and costs you five minutes.

Use former colleagues, not just close friends

Former managers, teammates, and even people you worked with briefly on a single project are a wider and often more useful pool than close friends, because they've seen your actual work. A short, specific message referencing shared context works well: "We worked together on the Q3 rollout at [company] — I'm exploring [type of role] now and thought of your team."

Ask for information, not just a job

"Could I ask you three questions about how your team hires for this kind of role?" is an easier yes than "can you get me an interview," and it often leads there anyway once the conversation happens.

Have your materials ready before you ask

A referral conversation can move fast — have a tailored resume and a short motivation letter ready so you're not scrambling once someone offers to pass your name along.

Get your resume ready before you reach out