Network to Get Your Next Job
Network to Get Your Next Job
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Because Let’s Be Honest—People Hire People, Not PDFs.
Most jobs aren’t won in the black hole of online applications. They’re sparked in conversations, introductions, and yes—even awkward coffee chats. Your resume matters, but the people you meet? They’re what get you noticed, remembered, and recommended.
Whether you’re being strategic before a job is posted, or chasing down a role you just spotted—networking is the not-so-secret weapon that moves your name to the top of the stack. Just as I described on the Job Search Strategy page, there are two flavors of networking that matter here: Proactive and Reactive. Both have their place, and both require a different mindset and tactical approach.
Proactive Networking: Play the Long Game
Proactive Networking: Play the Long Game
Build Relationships Before There's a Job to Chase
If you're waiting for the perfect job to pop up before reaching out? You're already behind. Proactive networking is about planting seeds before you need the fruit.
Here’s the plan:
Start by identifying companies, roles, or industries that light you up. Then find the humans who live in that world. Reach out for a short conversation (20 minutes max—no one’s got time for a TED Talk). Your ask? Not a job. Just their story. Their journey. Their take on what’s happening in the field.
How to connect:
Keep it short, direct, and human:
"Hi [Name], I’m exploring my next career move and your work in [industry] jumped out. Would love to connect—and if you’re up for a quick chat this week, I’d be thrilled to hear how you got where you are. Go Hoosiers!"
What to ask:
“What’s one skill that’s served you best in this role?”
“If you were starting fresh today, what would you focus on?”
“How did you find your way into this kind of work?”
Why it works:
You’re not asking them to solve your job hunt. You’re honoring their experience. And people love to be seen as experts. This earns you goodwill, real insight, and—bonus—a place in their mental Rolodex when something opens up.
Reactive Networking: Play It Smart
Reactive Networking: Play It Smart
Tap Connections When the Clock Is Ticking
Found a role you’re excited about? Great. Now skip the spray-and-pray resume routine. Your mission is to find someone—anyone—who can help you learn more before you apply.
The move:
Reach out to someone at the company (a friend, a friend-of-a-friend, even a generous stranger). Ask for a quick conversation:
“I’m planning to apply for this role in the next 48 hours, and I’d love to get your take—anything you think I should know before hitting send?”
Keep it short. Be respectful of their time. But DO follow through. Apply when you said you would. Then—this is key—circle back and let them know you did. Thank them. Tell them you appreciated their insight. Stay human.
Didn’t hear back? No sweat. Still follow up. Let them know you’ve applied and that you’d value their perspective if they have time to share it down the line. No pressure. No expectations. Just a professional, friendly nudge that keeps the door open without demanding anything on their end. Because being the kind of person who follows up even when the ball isn’t returned? That’s the kind of standout behavior people remember.
Why it matters:
It’s not about asking for favors. It’s about showing professionalism, proactivity, and respect.
A Few Truths to Carry With You:
A Few Truths to Carry With You:
You’re allowed to ask for advice. People are allowed to say yes, no, or nothing at all. That’s not a rejection—it’s reality.
Networking isn’t about “selling yourself.” It’s about showing up curious, considerate, and clear on what you want to learn.
This isn’t transactional. It’s relational. And people remember how you made them feel, not just what you asked for.
Always stay kind, curious, and real. Because at the end of the day, it’s not your résumé that gets hired—it’s you.
Where Can You Network for a Job?
Where Can You Network for a Job?
Short answer: Anywhere other humans exist.
Job-focused networking isn’t limited to formal events or professional platforms. Opportunity is everywhere—especially when you’re intentional and prepared. Here are great places to start:
Professional Networks
Professional Networks
LinkedIn (school + industry-specific groups)
Past colleagues or classmates
Mentors, former managers, or professors
Company “people pages” to find team members
Slack Channels
Industry / Community Spaces
Industry / Community Spaces
Alumni events (Kelley or otherwise)
Industry-specific webinars, panels, career fairs, or virtual meetups
Chamber of commerce events or business mixers
Unexpected Places
Unexpected Places
Volunteer organizations
Local coffee shops (especially near tech/startup hubs)
Neighborhood events, book clubs, religious groups
Gym classes, yoga studios, running clubs
Your kid’s school events or sports teams
Your local pickleball league (yes, really)
Be Ready to Talk About Your Career Goals
Be Ready to Talk About Your Career Goals
Great networking moments often come when you least expect them—standing in line for coffee, catching up with an old friend, or chatting with someone at a community event. To turn those everyday interactions into opportunities, you need to be ready. That doesn’t mean having a rehearsed sales pitch—it means knowing what you’re looking for, being able to talk about your strengths with confidence, and making it easy for others to help. The more clear and curious you are, the more likely your conversations will lead to insight, connection, or even your next opportunity.
1. Know Your Answer to "What Do You Do?"
1. Know Your Answer to "What Do You Do?"
Be clear and confident:
Craft a short, confident response that shares what you do well and what you’re looking for. And smile while you say it.
For example:
“I’ve led marketing strategy for SaaS startups, and now I’m looking to join a mid-sized company where I can help scale a new product or brand.”
2. Ask for Ideas, Not Just Jobs
2. Ask for Ideas, Not Just Jobs
Asking for a job is an imposition. Asking for advice is a compliment.
Instead of: “Are you hiring?”
Try: “I’m exploring roles in [industry]—do you know anyone I should talk to?” or “What would you do if you were in my shoes?”
Be genuinely curious and thank people even if they share ideas you think won't work.
3. Listen for Serendipity
3. Listen for Serendipity
People may not offer help unless you ask—or they might not even realize they know someone helpful until you mention your focus.
4. Make the Next Step Easy
4. Make the Next Step Easy
If someone offers to help, follow up right away. Ask if they’d be willing to make an introduction or share a name. Send a thank-you note and keep them updated.
With preparation and curiosity, every conversation becomes a potential opportunity—sometimes in the most unexpected places.
How to Have a Second Conversation (Without Feeling Like a Stalker)
How to Have a Second Conversation (Without Feeling Like a Stalker)
The first conversation is the introduction. The second is the start of a relationship. Here’s the rule of thumb: Don’t just follow up—follow through.
Here are some good reasons to reach out again:
✅ You tried something they suggested.
✅ You tried something they suggested.
"You mentioned [resource/book/platform] and I finally gave it a shot—it was spot on. I’d love to hear how you applied that when you were first starting out.”
➡️ Shows you listened, took action, and value their advice. Big trust builder.
✅ You saw a change / milestone in their world.
✅ You saw a change / milestone in their world.
“Congrats on the new role! I’d love to hear what the shift has been like—and what’s surprised you most in the first few weeks.”
➡️ Keep tabs on them like a normal human who cares, not a career opportunist.
✅ You’ve got a relevant update.
✅ You’ve got a relevant update.
“Quick update—I applied for a role you helped me think through, and it got me to the final round. No news yet, but I just wanted to say thanks again. Would love to keep in touch either way.”
➡️ Doesn’t ask for anything. This shows appreciation, momentum, and character.
✅ You’re offering value back.
✅ You’re offering value back.
“You mentioned you were exploring [topic/tool/trend]—this article reminded me of that conversation. Figured I’d pass it along just in case it’s helpful.”
➡️ Now you get to be the resource. This flips the script and deepens the relationship.
How NOT to Follow Up
How NOT to Follow Up
Here are a couple of conversation stoppers—phrases or behaviors that unintentionally shut things down instead of building rapport:
❌ “Just circling back—any updates?”
❌ “Just circling back—any updates?”
Why it stops the flow: It sounds like you're chasing a transaction, not nurturing a relationship. Plus, if they had an update, they likely would’ve shared it.
✅ Instead: Reopen the conversation with curiosity or value.
“I’ve been reflecting on your advice about [topic]—it’s shifted how I’m approaching things. If you're open to it, I'd love to share where it led and hear your thoughts.”
❌ “Let me know if you hear of anything.”
❌ “Let me know if you hear of anything.”
Why it fizzles: It puts the burden on them to remember you and track openings—without giving them a clear timeline or reason to stay connected.
✅ Instead: Be specific and offer a thread to continue the relationship.
“If anything comes up on the [insert function] side of your work, I’d be excited to learn more about how your team is evolving, especially if any new roles open up.”
❌ “Can we set up a monthly check-in?”
❌ “Can we set up a monthly check-in?”
Why it stalls: It implies an ongoing obligation, which may feel like too much too soon—especially if you're not colleagues or close contacts yet.
✅ Instead: Ask for a natural next moment.
“If it’s okay, can I reach out again in a few weeks if I have another question? I’d love to keep learning from you as I continue this pivot.”
Bottom-line:
Bottom-line:
Always follow through with something to deepen the conversation / relationship.
Be curious, specific, and generous.
Relationship-building is a long game—so play like a pro, not a cold caller.
When the Job Doesn’t Happen—But the Relationship Can
When the Job Doesn’t Happen—But the Relationship Can
Didn’t get the interview? Had the interview but not the offer? Don’t disappear into the networking shadows.
Here’s how to turn a “no” into a not-yet, or better: a long-game yes somewhere else.
What to Say When Someone Referred You, But No Interview
What to Say When Someone Referred You, But No Interview
“Just wanted to thank you again for putting me in touch with [hiring manager/team]. The role didn’t pan out, but I really appreciated your support and the intro—it gave me valuable insight into how [company/team] operates, and it clarified a lot about what I’m looking for next. I’d love to stay in touch—hearing more about your journey has been one of the highlights of this process.”
Why this works:
You close the loop (mature + professional).
You shift the focus back to the relationship, not the rejection.
You’re not asking for anything—you’re showing up as someone worth knowing.
What to Say if You Did Interview, But Didn't Get the Job
What to Say if You Did Interview, But Didn't Get the Job
“Thanks again for cheering me on through the [company] process—it meant a lot. I didn’t get the offer, but the conversations gave me such a clearer sense of what I want in my next role, and I’m genuinely grateful for the insight you shared. I'd still love to keep in touch—I’ve really enjoyed learning from you and would love to hear more about your own path and what you're excited about next.”
Bonus move:
If you vibed with the company but the role wasn’t the right fit, you can also say something like this:
“The team left a strong impression—I’d still be very open to future opportunities there if something more aligned opens up. In the meantime, if you’re ever up for a virtual coffee to chat more about how you got to where you are, I’d love that.”
Key Mindset Shift
Key Mindset Shift
That person isn’t just a stepping stone—they’re a bridge to future insight, introductions, and inspiration. Don’t limit the relationship to the job that didn’t happen. Instead, let that be the beginning of a bigger conversation. Here are some ways to continue to grow the relationship:
Circle back when you land somewhere: “Just wanted to share the news—I accepted a role at [new company]! Thanks again for being part of the journey.”
Send a resource or article that reminded you of your conversation.
Invite them to something they’d enjoy—webinar, panel, event, etc.
Offer support if they ever need an intro or sounding board. (Power move.)
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth: most jobs are found through people, not postings. Networking isn’t just about getting hired—it’s about building relationships that outlast one opportunity, one company, one season of your career.
Whether you're sending that first message or following up after a “no,” you’re not just job hunting—you’re reputation building. Every conversation, every thank-you, every thoughtful ask shapes how people remember you. And that matters.
So show up curious. Be generous. Ask better questions. And remember:
You don’t need to be the most experienced person in the room.
You just need to be the most genuine one.
Because when you focus on connection over transaction, people don’t just open doors for you—they invite you in.
Next Step:
Next Step:
📥 Download the Networking to Get a Job Worksheet
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