{"id":2857,"date":"2026-06-15T00:51:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T00:51:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T00:32:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T00:32:37","slug":"networking-to-find-a-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Networking to Find a Job"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use Networking To Find A Job is a key focus of this guide. Networking finds jobs by connecting you to roles before they are posted and giving you a warm introduction instead of a cold application. Most positions are filled through referrals and conversations, so building genuine relationships beats sending more applications into the void. Focus on helping others, reconnecting with people you know, and asking for advice rather than favors. Below is a practical, low pressure approach to networking that surfaces opportunities even if you find the whole idea uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/networking-coffee.jpg\" alt=\"Two professionals having a networking conversation over coffee\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Start_with_people_you_already_know\" >Start with people you already know<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Ask_for_advice_not_a_job\" >Ask for advice, not a job<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Use_LinkedIn_the_right_way\" >Use LinkedIn the right way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Attend_events_and_join_communities\" >Attend events and join communities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Give_before_you_get\" >Give before you get<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Follow_up_and_stay_in_touch\" >Follow up and stay in touch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Get_your_resume_reviewed_before_your_next_application\" >Get your resume reviewed before your next application<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Read_next\" >Read next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#What_if_I_hate_networking\" >What if I hate networking?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#How_do_I_network_if_I_am_shy\" >How do I network if I am shy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#Should_I_ask_contacts_directly_for_a_job\" >Should I ask contacts directly for a job?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/networking-to-find-a-job\/#How_important_is_networking_in_a_job_search\" >How important is networking in a job search?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_with_people_you_already_know\"><\/span>Start with people you already know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your existing network of former colleagues, classmates, and friends is the easiest place to begin. Let them know you are looking and what kind of role interests you.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple, specific message works best, like sharing that you are exploring marketing roles and asking if they know of teams hiring. Vague requests are harder to act on. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/find-job-without-job-boards\/\">find a job without using job boards<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People want to help, but they need to know how. Telling them exactly what you are after makes it easy for them to point you in the right direction.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ask_for_advice_not_a_job\"><\/span>Ask for advice, not a job<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When reaching out to new contacts, ask for insight rather than a position. Requesting fifteen minutes to learn about their role or company is far easier to grant.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These conversations build relationships and often lead to referrals naturally. People are more willing to advocate for someone they have actually talked with.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Come prepared with thoughtful questions and respect their time. A good conversation leaves them happy to help and likely to remember you when something opens up.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Use_LinkedIn_the_right_way\"><\/span>Use LinkedIn the right way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach out with personalized messages that reference something specific, like shared work or a post they wrote. Generic connection requests rarely lead anywhere.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engage with content in your field by commenting thoughtfully and sharing useful ideas. Visibility keeps you top of mind without any direct ask.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep your profile current and clear so that when people check you out after a conversation, it reinforces a strong impression.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Attend_events_and_join_communities\"><\/span>Attend events and join communities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry meetups, conferences, and online communities put you among people in your field. Regular, low pressure presence builds familiarity over time.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus on a few genuine conversations rather than collecting contacts. One real connection is worth more than a stack of business cards you never follow up on.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow up within a day or two with a short note referencing your conversation. The follow up is where a brief meeting turns into a real relationship. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-job-you-will-love\/\">find a job you will actually love<\/a>.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_before_you_get\"><\/span>Give before you get<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Offer help, introductions, or useful information to your contacts without expecting anything back. Generosity builds goodwill that pays off over the long run.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Share opportunities and resources you come across, even when they do not benefit you directly. People remember those who help them and return the favor.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This mindset makes networking feel less transactional and more like building real relationships, which is exactly what makes it effective.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Follow_up_and_stay_in_touch\"><\/span>Follow up and stay in touch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After any helpful conversation, send a thank you and report back on what you did with their advice. This closes the loop and strengthens the connection.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay in touch periodically, not just when you need something. A quick check in or sharing a relevant article keeps relationships warm over time.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Networking is a long game. The connections you nurture now often surface the opportunity you need months later, so keep tending them even after you land a role.<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Get_your_resume_reviewed_before_your_next_application\"><\/span>Get your resume reviewed before your next application<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sending more applications only works if your resume is getting through. Our recruiters review it and tell you exactly what is keeping you from the callback.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the fastest way to find out how a hiring team and the ATS will actually read your application.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" style=\"border-radius:6px\" href=\"\/get-your-resume-reviewed\/\" data-atr-cta=\"end\" data-atr-cat=\"Job Search\">Get your resume reviewed<\/a><\/div><\/div><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_next\"><\/span>Read next<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list atr-read-next\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-work-with-a-recruiter\/\">How to Work With a Recruiter to Find Your Next Job<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/january-job-search-tips\/\">Why January Is the Best Month to Find a New Job<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/get-job-through-networking\/\">How to Get a Job Through Networking (Even If You Hate It)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_I_hate_networking\"><\/span>What if I hate networking?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reframe it as building genuine relationships and helping others, not selling yourself. Start with people you know and ask for advice rather than favors to lower the pressure.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_network_if_I_am_shy\"><\/span>How do I network if I am shy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin online with thoughtful messages and comments, then move to one on one conversations. Small, specific interactions feel more manageable than large events.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_ask_contacts_directly_for_a_job\"><\/span>Should I ask contacts directly for a job?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually no. Ask for advice or insight instead. These lower pressure conversations build relationships and often lead to referrals more naturally than a direct request. For more on this, see our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/how-to-use-network-to-find-a-job\/\">use your network to find a job that was never posted<\/a>.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_important_is_networking_in_a_job_search\"><\/span>How important is networking in a job search?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Very. Many roles are filled through referrals before they are posted, so a warm introduction often beats a cold application for getting noticed.<\/p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"atr-schema-jsonld\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What if I hate networking?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Reframe it as building genuine relationships and helping others, not selling yourself. 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Reach hidden roles before they are posted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2856,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-job-search"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2857"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4973,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2857\/revisions\/4973"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asktherecruiter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}