How to Network During a Job Search

Because building real connections = long-term success.

Networking often gets a bad rap—somewhere between a pushy sales pitch and an awkward LinkedIn DM. But it’s actually one of the most powerful (and human!) tools in your job search toolbox. It opens doors, builds trust, and helps you create opportunities where none existed before.

Networking isn't about hunting people down for favors. It’s about building long-term relationships with people in your field—sharing ideas, learning from each other, and supporting each other’s growth at different stages of life. Yes, it can help you land a role, but more importantly, it helps you stay visible, connected, and informed.

Whether you’re actively job hunting or just keeping your options open, strong professional relationships are like seeds—you never know which one will grow into your next opportunity.

I’ve Seen It Work (Many Times Over)

When I was job hunting after finishing my MBA, every single interview I got came through networking—some through warm intros, some from cold messages. 

As an in-house HR/recruiter, I can tell you: many great hires happen via referrals. And not always because the person knows someone well—it could simply be that they left a great impression during a conversation, and their name came up at the right time. 

Lately, I’ve heard so many stories from friends landing jobs through connections they never imagined would open doors.

Why Networking Really Works

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes when networking works in your favor:

• You stay top-of-mind: When someone hears of a role that suits you, they’re more likely to think of you because they just spoke to you. You might get the interview even before the job is posted publicly.

• You are seen as more “trusted”: As a “referred” candidate, you're often viewed as less risky, even if it's a loose connection. It’s human nature / “association bias”.

• You get additional credibility: When you have a great conversation with someone, they might happily vouch for you or put in a good word—even if there’s no referral bonus in it for them. 

It’s not magic. It’s just how people work.

Common Blocks—and How to Rethink Them

Let’s get real: lots of people feel weird about networking. Here are three common objections, and how to flip your thinking.

💬 “I don’t like being transactional.” 

Totally fair—and you shouldn’t be! But here’s another way to look at it: Are you asking someone for a job? Or are you asking for their insights, experiences, and advice? Approach it with curiosity and zero pressure. Most people genuinely enjoy sharing their own journey, and that’s where trust begins. Even if you're lucky and get help right away, always offer your support in return. You never know when that person might need your perspective or help down the road.

💬 “I’m an introvert. Networking drains me.” 

Totally valid. Good news: you don’t need to attend every event or Zoom call. Start small. Send one message a week. Have one virtual coffee chat a month. Let it be sustainable for you and it does not drain your energy too much. Choose formats that work for you: for example, sending a thoughtful message can go further than a crowded room.

💬 “I’ve tried before, but it didn’t work.” 

If you’re expecting quick results, you might miss the point. Networking is a long game. Sometimes that conversation today becomes an opportunity a year from now. It’s about showing up consistently, planting seeds, and building trust—even when it doesn’t lead to anything right now.

How to Network (Without Feeling Like You’re Faking It)

Step 1: Get Your Personal Brand Ready

🧠 Elevator Pitch: Think of this as your go-to intro when someone asks, “So what do you do?” Keep it short, clear, and real—who you are, what you’ve done, and what kind of opportunities you're exploring. Practice it out loud until it feels natural. If you have a career coach, you could definitely work with him/her to get it perfect.

💼 Update Your LinkedIn and Résumé: You never know when someone will check your profile or ask for your CV. Make sure your experience, skills, and headline reflect your current goals. Highlight recent achievements and let your personality shine through your summary.

Step 2: Use the Various Channels

📞 Your Personal Network

Start with the easiest and most natural connections—people who already know, like, and trust you. Think friends, former colleagues, classmates, or even past managers.

You could say something like:

“Hey! Hope you're doing well. I'm currently exploring new opportunities in [industry/role] and would love to catch up. If you’re open to it, I’d really appreciate a quick coffee chat to hear your thoughts and advice.”

Or be a bit more direct:

“...If you happen to come across any roles or know someone I should speak with, I’d be so grateful for an introduction!”

You’d be surprised how many people are happy to help—they just need to know you're looking.

💻 LinkedIn (Yes, Cold Networking Works Too)

Cold messages don’t have to be awkward—they just need to feel human. The key is to be personal, specific, and respectful. (And hey, recruiters do this all the time to find great candidates—it works both ways!)

Here’s a friendly, non-cringey template to get started:

“Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [company/industry]. Your work on [specific project or topic] really stood out to me. I’d love to hear more about your career journey and any advice you might have for someone transitioning into this field.”

Reaching out to a hiring manager directly in LinkedIn can increase your chances of being hired by 3x (according to LinkedIn data). LinkedIn Premium allows you to find them easily. 

If you're reaching out to someone who could potentially be a future hiring manager, you can gently add:

“I’m currently exploring new opportunities and would be happy to share more about my background in case anything relevant opens up on your team.”

Other helpful ways to build visibility on LinkedIn:

• Engage thoughtfully with people’s posts—comment with insight or questions, not just likes.

• Share your own thoughts or articles occasionally to build your voice and show what you care about professionally.

Cold networking is really just warm networking in the making. So take the first step—it gets easier with practice!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Industry Events & Meetups

Whether virtual or in-person, these are great places to connect naturally. Don't feel pressure to “sell” yourself. Instead, be curious:

• Ask questions during panels

• Join breakout groups

• Follow up with a LinkedIn message the next day:

"It was great chatting at [event]! I’d love to stay in touch.” 

There are often virtual events on LinkedIn; check out those networking opportunities if you haven't.

Another useful trick is to connect with the person before the networking event. This can make your conversation smoother when you meet in person, and it gives you a head start over others who typically follow up only after the event.

Step 3: Keep It Organized (This Is Your Power Move)

📋 Use a simple tracker: Especially for those people who you think could help you down the road, you can include their name, company, role, date of last conversation, notes, and follow-up plans. It keeps you from losing touch or forgetting details.

✉️ Follow up after chats: A thank-you message or a quick LinkedIn note goes a long way. It’s polite, professional, and helps you stand out.

🔁 Stay in touch: Check in every few months. Share an article they’d enjoy. Congratulate them on a milestone. Think: light touchpoints, not heavy lifting.

Don’t Forget the Golden Rules

🎁 Give Before You Get Offer help. Share knowledge. Introduce people. Recommend a book or podcast. When you create value without expecting anything, people remember you—in the best way.

📅 Be Consistent, Not Perfect Networking isn’t about working the room every night. It’s about showing up regularly. One message or one coffee chat a week adds up faster than you think.

Final Thoughts

Networking doesn't have to be awkward or overwhelming. It’s just talking to people—curiously, kindly, and consistently. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. Be genuine, play the long game, and most importantly, enjoy the process. You’re not just looking for a job. You’re building your social network and career village.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

👋 Let’s Connect

If you have questions about this article or want tailored advice on how to approach it based on your unique goals and personality, I'm here to help!

Whether you're not sure what to say in a message, how to reach out without it feeling awkward, or you just want someone to walk you through your strategy step by step—reach out to me, Melody Chen.

You don’t have to navigate your job search alone. ✨ Let’s build a plan that works for you.

📩 Send me a message on LinkedIn or reach out via email (melody@poppartners.org)