Recently, I asked job seekers on LinkedIn, “What do you think matters MOST in getting interviews right now?” With votes still coming in, networking and referrals leads the options by a landslide. And it’s no wonder that people have gotten the memo that leveraging networking for your job search is a bit of magic. Sure, we used to have an apply-and-wait approach to the search, but in today’s market, all that’s changed.
Now, it almost feels as if we’ve reverted to the “It’s not what you know but whom you know that matters” approach.
I have clients who apply to dozens—sometimes hundreds—of jobs weekly and hear next to nothing. Then I have others who reach out to a former colleague or someone at a target company and *boom* they have an interview scheduled. That’s networking.
In 2026, networking isn’t a stuffy, smoke-filled room full of people aiming to shove a greasy card in your palm after a five-second “conversation.” Today, there are opportunities online and in person to meet the right people, develop visibility, grow relationships, and yes, land introductions. After all, at its core, networking for your job search is simply relationship building with intention. And in this market? It matters more than ever.
Why Networking Matters More in Today’s Job Market
With layoffs continuing (128,000+ so far this year, according to USA Today’s tracker), the job search is definitely more competitive. Yes, we’re starting to see a shift with more people getting interviews, but it’s still tough out there. And while this statistic is hard to prove, the number 80% is often bantered about as how many positions are filled through networking—without a job description ever being posted. Even if that number is wildly off base, it makes sense to at least consider the importance of networking in a modern job search.
And let’s say that you’re not even tapping into that so-called “hidden job market” and still applying for jobs as you see them posted. Networking still plays a part in moving forward. As recruiters sift through hundreds or thousands of applications, your targeted note (still considered as networking) helps give them context. Even better if you know someone who knows someone and can make that introduction. Suddenly, your name is shifted from unknown to someone the recruiter wants to talk to.
No, networking isn’t a guarantee, but getting your name out there creates visibility, which puts you ahead of many other job seekers.
The Definition of Networking
I think the big disconnect among job seekers when it comes to networking for your job search is that the idea is to ask for a job. It most certainly is not that. Nor should an outreach effort lead to an awkward pitch or, worse, a bait and switch.
Effective networking is nuanced. It’s about creating connections. First, you enter the conversation, building visibility. People get to know and like you. Then, as they learn about you professionally and personally, you create credibility. With visibility and credibility, you now have the foundation for trust—and trust leads to referrals and introductions.
The big thing about networking is that it doesn’t feel forced. It feels like a conversation. The most successful networkers ask questions, strive to help, and stay engaged. Those are human characteristics, so if you’re a human, you’re on the way to being a great networker.
There are several ways to leverage networking for your job search, so let’s talk about the top three:
1. Follow Up After Applying
Applying to positions shouldn’t be the end of the activity. The next step is to follow up and engage with someone on the recruiting team. That does not mean asking about your application. Yuck. Instead, focus on building a connection and sharing your alignment with that role by adding value. Start with:
Hi, NAME. I recently applied to POSITION at COMPANY and am excited about bringing my experience to the team.
Then, add something personal from their LinkedIn profile to create a human connection. Reinforce how your background matches the requirements or talk about something you like about the company or culture.
The goal here isn’t to pressure a recruiter into responding. It’s to create familiarity. Then, when your name shows up for them again, it feels recognizable instead of random. And recognizable people get more attention.
2. Use Informational Interviews to Build Relationships
This is one of the most underused strategies in the job search, mostly because the phrase “informational interview” sounds intimidating and corporate. The truth is that we often suggest informational interviews to new graduates as a way to gain information about a career path or a person. That’s essentially what you’re doing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re 20-something or 50-something.
The goal of such meetings is to learn about the person, their career path, and how they got into the industry with the goal of making a connection. This is not a bait and switch where you start by asking for information and then get them on a call and ask for a job. On the flip side, you shouldn’t ask them to meet you by asking for a job; they won’t be interested in that.
Since people’s favorite topic is themselves, start there:
“I see that you’ve had a fascinating career path, and I would love to ask you some questions about how you got into your industry and what you love about it. Do you have 15–30 minutes you can spare?”
Once you get on the call, in the Zoom meeting, or together at a coffee shop, you truly will ask about them and their journey. While they’re talking, listen and take notes. See if there’s an area where you can fit or solve problems. If so, suggest yourself as a solution. If not, they’ll ask about you, and you’ll be honest:
“I’m actually on the job market at the moment, and your company is on my short list. I so appreciate you taking the time to meet with me and share some insights, which are so helpful. I don’t know if you’re looking to hire in the near future, but I’m hoping we can stay in touch. Perhaps I can send you my resume and see if you have any feedback. And if you know of anyone else I should talk to, I welcome the introduction.”
Easy peasy. Nothing slimy at all here. It’s like a first date, and you’re just getting to know each other.
3. Reconnect with People You Already Know
When it comes to networking for your job search, most people think “new” and forget about “known.” They look for people in their target companies, they follow up after applying, and they neglect the biggest goldmine they already have: their own networks.
Networking includes everyone who’s already in your database:
- former coworkers
- past managers
- vendors
- clients
- association peers
- friends
- former classmates
These people already know and trust you; you just have to touch base and give them a reason to listen for opportunities. Don’t worry if they don’t work at a company or in an industry you want to target. Most of us have about 150 people in our personal network, and if each of those individuals also has 150 people, on average, you have near-immediate access to around 22,500 people. That’s a huge network! Of course, math doesn’t always math exactly this way, but you get the idea. Tap into your known people and see what you can do!
Networking Online: The Old Standby
For many job seekers, heading to a networking event can feel intimidating, so they lean into online resources, namely LinkedIn. A social-networking site at its core, LinkedIn provides ready access to millions of people around the globe. You can tap into the magic of networking for your job search on LinkedIn by:
- identifying decision-makers
- engaging with target companies
- commenting thoughtfully
- building familiarity over time
Whether you choose a reactive approach of following up after applying or a proactive approach of building relationships to tap into those “hidden” opportunities, LinkedIn is your place. Comment, post, and engage. That continued visibility creates momentum.
When Networking for Your Job Search Goes Live
While you may tend to shy away from in-person gatherings, there’s a wealth of opportunity IRL for job seekers. Consider all the places you can go:
- conferences
- trade shows
- association events
- networking breakfasts, lunches, and happy hours
- leadership summits
- alumni gatherings
And that’s only the professional events! You’re likely meeting up with friends and family and going to backyard barbecues or hiking events (maybe that last one is just me) where you can chat about your job search. Start telling everyone what you’re looking for and how they can help. You never know who has the key to that next door of opportunity.
Don’t Make This Networking Mistake
Recently, one of my clients said to me, “When I was working, I didn’t use LinkedIn or network because I didn’t need to.” While true for many, this is a huge misstep for a business professional. Then, when you need your network, you’re left trying to start a fire without a match.
Networking happens consistently and all around us. It’s easy to comment on posts, send a quick text, or make an appearance at a networking event. It’s all about remaining visible and top of mind since relationships compound over time. You never know: YOU might be able to help another person on their job search.
Integrate Networking into Your Job-Search Strategy
Sure, you can—and should—keep applying to positions. But one thoughtful networking conversation can outperform 50 cold applications. That’s because people hire people, not resumes or LinkedIn profiles. They want to work with people they know, like, and trust.
Networking works for so many things, and the truth is you don’t have to become someone else. It’s not a requirement to work a room, create a compelling pitch, or even be an extrovert. All you truly need to leverage networking for your job search is to be yourself, smile, say hi, and be genuine. Building and nurturing relationships is great on multiple levels. I’ve built friendships, referral relationships, and even met my husband through networking. And guess what? It can actually be fun.
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Need help navigating the job-search process? There’s a reason I named my company Your Career Advocate: I’m here to guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Learn more about how I can help.