Networking for a job search: who to contact and what to say

Networking for a job search means telling people you trust what you are looking for and asking for advice or an introduction. Many jobs are filled through someone's recommendation, and a warm message gets read more often than a cold application. Start with people you know, ask small questions and always thank them.

At a glance

• Start with former colleagues, classmates, managers and friends.
• Ask for advice or an introduction, not a job.
• Be specific about the role you want.
• Offer something back: a thank-you, a useful link, help.
• Aim for a few conversations a week.

Who to contact

What to say

Keep it brief: who you are, what you are exploring, one specific question and how little time you need. See the networking email template.

A weekly routine

1. Make a list of 10 people.
2. Send three messages.
3. Have one conversation.
4. Follow up and thank.
5. Record what you learned.

Asking for a referral

Ask only after you know the person's view of your work. Send the job link and your resume, say what fits, and make it easy for them to decline.

Mistakes

• Asking strangers for a job in the first message.
• Sending the same long message to everyone.
• Not saying thank you.
• Disappearing after the conversation.

Step by step: your first conversation

1. Choose one person. Pick someone who knows your work or works in a role you want.
2. Write a short message. One line on who you are, one line on what you are exploring, one specific question, and a clear small ask such as 15 minutes.
3. Offer a choice. Say a call or a written reply is fine. It makes yes easier.
4. Prepare three questions. For example: what does a good first year look like, which skills matter most, and who else should I talk to?
5. Thank them the same day. Mention one thing you will do with their advice.
6. Report back later. Tell them what happened. People remember being useful.

Example message (adapt it, do not copy it)

"Hello [Name], I worked with you on [project] in [year]. I am looking for a [role] and would value your view on what employers in your field look for. Could I ask you two questions by email, or have 15 minutes this week? Thank you either way."

What is an informational interview?

It is a short conversation where you ask someone about their work, not for a job. You learn the language of the field, hear about roles that are not posted, and make a contact who may remember you later.

Tracking your contacts

Keep a simple list: person, date, what you asked, what they said, next step. A second tab in your job search tracker works well. The list also stops you from messaging the same person twice by accident.

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking for a job before the person knows you.
• Sending a long life story as a first message.
• Ignoring replies or not following up on an introduction.
• Asking for a referral for a job you do not fit.
• Contacting only people at your own level; include people one or two steps ahead of you.

When your network is small

Start with classmates, former coworkers, neighbors, teachers and members of groups you already belong to. Answer questions publicly where it is relevant to your field. A small, steady effort of a few messages per week adds up over a month.

Frequently asked questions

I am shy. What can I do? Use short written messages and ask for 15 minutes.

Is a referral guaranteed to lead to an interview? No, but it often helps your application get read.

Should I connect on every platform? Use one or two you are comfortable with.

Do I need an online profile to network? No. Email and phone work. The goal is a conversation, not a profile.

Next step

Send the first three messages today.

This page is general career information.