Job Search Strategy
Networking for Job Search — How to Do It Without Feeling Fake
Referrals convert at 5–10x the rate of cold applications. Most professionals underuse their network because networking feels transactional. Here is the approach that generates real conversations and real referrals.
Networking contacts ranked by conversion
- 1. Former managers
- 2. Former colleagues at target companies
- 3. Recruiters at target companies
- 4. Current contacts in your field
- 5. Alumni at target companies
- 6. Cold LinkedIn connections (lowest, but still works)
The outreach framework
Every networking message has three jobs: establish who you are, give them a specific reason to respond, and make the ask small enough that "yes" is easy.
Reaching out to former managers
"Hi [Name], hope you're well. I'm starting to explore new opportunities — specifically [specific role type] at [company types or industries]. You know my work better than most and I wanted to reach out directly. If you hear of anything that might be a fit, or if you'd be open to a referral if something comes up at [their company], I'd genuinely appreciate it. Happy to catch up anytime."
Reaching out to a peer at a target company
"Hi [Name], I'm a senior [role] currently exploring [type of opportunity] — I came across your profile and noticed you're at [Company] on the [team]. I'm genuinely interested in [Company] and would love 20 minutes to hear your perspective on the team and the kind of work you're doing. No pressure at all — happy to return the favor if useful."
Following up on a job application with a contact
"Hi [Name], I just applied for the [Role] at [Company] and noticed you're on the [team/at the company]. I'm really excited about this opportunity — specifically [one specific thing]. If you'd be willing to put in a good word or pass my profile to the recruiter, I'd genuinely appreciate it. Happy to share more about my background."
Building a networking system
Sporadic networking does not work. A systematic approach — consistent outreach volume, organized tracking, and thoughtful follow-up — does.
- Set a weekly outreach target. 5–10 personalized messages per week is sustainable and produces results. More than that risks quality. Fewer than that produces too slow a pipeline.
- Build a contact list before you start. List every former manager, colleague, and relevant contact you have. Add recruiters in your function. Add alumni from your school at target companies. This list becomes your outreach queue.
- Track every contact in a spreadsheet. Name, company, date contacted, status, follow-up date. Without tracking, you lose visibility and make duplicate contacts.
- Follow up once after 5–7 days. One professional follow-up is appropriate. More than two is spam.
- Close every conversation with a next step. Even if the conversation does not lead to an immediate opportunity, end with: "Would it be OK if I reached out in a few months if the timing changes?" This keeps the door open.
- Give before you ask. Share relevant articles, make introductions, answer questions in professional communities. Networking accounts that give consistently find it much easier to ask when the time comes.
Build a job search strategy around your network
Askia's job search coaching builds your networking strategy, writes your outreach templates, and helps you systematically activate the highest-converting channel in your search.
