How many people do you know? Maybe 200? Perhaps 400 or even more? Let’s say you know at least 200 people—friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, hobby groups, and online communities. Now consider this: if each of those 200 people also knows at least 200 others, your extended network suddenly becomes a web of 40,000 potential connections. That’s 40,000 opportunities for information, guidance, insight—and possibly your next job.
This isn’t just a numbers game. It’s a mindset shift.
When we think about job hunting, many of us automatically picture job boards, online applications, and tweaking our CVs for algorithms. While those tools have a place, they represent only a slice of the job market. A significant portion of job opportunities—sometimes as much as 60–80%, according to some estimates—are never advertised publicly. These hidden roles are filled through word of mouth, internal recommendations, and informal networks. This is known as the ‘invisible’ job market. And your personal and professional network is the most powerful tool you have to access it.
Step 1: Understand the Power of Your Network
Your network is more than just people you’ve worked with in the past. It includes:
- Family and extended family
- Friends and acquaintances
- Past and current colleagues
- Classmates and alumni
- Neighbours and community members
- People from social groups, hobbies, or sports clubs
- Online connections (LinkedIn, professional forums, Facebook groups, etc.)
Every one of these people may have a link to someone who knows about an opportunity—or can point you in a new direction. The key is not just who you know, but who they know.
And remember: networking isn’t just about asking for a job. It’s about gathering insights, building relationships, learning from others, and positioning yourself for opportunities that may not even exist yet on paper.
Step 2: Start with a Network Inventory
Begin your networking journey by listing people in your life. Don’t overthink it at this stage—just brainstorm broadly. You might be surprised how many connections you can recall once you get going. Think back through:
- Your current and past jobs
- Your educational experiences
- Social clubs or interest groups
- Volunteer work
- Events you’ve attended
- People you’ve met online in professional settings
Once you have a long list, prioritise who to reach out to first. These should be people you feel comfortable talking to, who are open-minded, and who have a potential connection to the kind of work or industry you’re interested in—or simply people whose perspective you value.
Step 3: Reach Out with Purpose
Whether you’re reaching out for a Zoom chat, a phone call, or meeting for coffee, be clear about what you’re hoping to get from the conversation. You don’t need to have a detailed agenda, but having a goal in mind helps both you and the person you’re meeting feel more comfortable and focused.
Here are some things you might want to explore in a networking conversation:
- Career path insights: How did they get to where they are? What lessons can they share?
- Industry trends: What’s changing in their field? Are there new roles emerging?
- Organisational news: Are there any internal changes or growth plans at their company?
- Job search advice: How do they recommend approaching the market right now?
- CV or portfolio feedback: Would they be willing to review your materials—if they understand your field?
- Referrals: Who else might be worth talking to? Can they introduce you?
Be respectful of their time. Aim for about 20 to 30 minutes—long enough for a meaningful exchange, short enough to be easy to schedule.
Step 4: Make It a Two-Way Conversation
Networking is not just about extracting information. It’s about building rapport and mutual respect. Show genuine interest in the other person’s experience and perspective. Ask thoughtful questions, express appreciation, and look for ways you might help them too—perhaps by sharing an article, a connection, or simply offering your own insight or encouragement.
Even if they don’t have immediate leads for you, they might think of something later—or refer you to someone who does.
And don’t underestimate the power of positive energy. People are more likely to help others who are engaged, open-minded, and appreciative.
Step 5: Follow Up and Stay in Touch
After every conversation, send a thank-you note—a quick email or message to express appreciation for their time and thoughts. Mention anything that resonated with you or that you plan to follow up on. This shows that you value the interaction and helps keep the connection warm.
Consider maintaining a simple spreadsheet or contact list to track:
- Who you’ve spoken to
- When you met
- What you discussed
- Any next steps or follow-ups
Staying organised will help you build momentum and maintain consistency.
Over time, make an effort to keep in touch. Networking isn’t just for when you’re looking for work—it’s an ongoing investment in your professional life.
Step 6: Adapt to Hybrid and Remote Networking
In today’s working world, many of us split our time between remote and in-person work. This creates new opportunities for networking:
- Virtual coffee chats are easier to schedule across time zones and distances.
- Online communities (like LinkedIn, Slack groups, or niche forums) are increasingly rich with interaction.
- Local meetups or co-working days can add in-person variety and deeper conversations.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match online and offline strategies. What matters most is the quality of the interaction—not the format.
The Hidden Bonus: Motivation and Momentum
Perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of networking is how energising it can be. The job search can feel isolating, especially when you’re spending hours alone scrolling through listings or sending out CVs into the void. Conversations, on the other hand, bring connection, feedback, and often a boost of encouragement just when you need it most.
Even if a conversation doesn’t lead directly to a job, it can spark a new idea, build your confidence, or simply remind you that you’re not alone.
Final Thoughts
Networking is not just a strategy—it’s a mindset. It’s about approaching your job search not as a solitary task, but as a shared journey with a community of people who want to help, share, and connect.
So make your list. Reach out with curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions. Offer value in return. And enjoy the process of discovering opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
The invisible job market is real—and it’s waiting for you to tap into it.