Finding a new job can be challenging, but leveraging your network of professional connections can significantly improve your odds of landing the perfect role. While it may feel uncomfortable or presumptuous to ask for help, most people are happy to assist others in their network with their job search. Here are some tips for politely and effectively asking a connection for assistance with your job hunt.
Why Ask for Help from Connections?
There are several key reasons why tapping into your network is a smart job search strategy:
- Many jobs are filled through internal referrals, before they are ever posted publicly. Asking your connections gives you access to these “hidden job market” openings.
- A reference or recommendation from a mutual connection often carries more weight with a hiring manager than someone they don’t know.
- Even if a connection can’t point you to a specific opening, they can still provide insider advice on hiring practices or tips for framing your resume and approach.
- By reaching out, you widen the number of eyes looking out for potential jobs on your behalf. The more people that know you’re looking, the better chance of landing a new role.
Tapping into the goodwill and expertise of your network is one of the most effective ways to give yourself an advantage in a competitive job market.
Who to Ask
The most obvious people to approach are close contacts who know you and your work well – former managers, colleagues, or classmates, for example. But don’t limit yourself only to your inner circle. Also consider reaching out to:
- Contacts of contacts: Ask around to see if anyone in your network can provide an introduction to someone one or two degrees removed who may be able to help.
- Alumni networks: Check alumni databases for your university or professional associations to find members working in your target field or company.
- Acquaintances: Don’t rule out people you don’t know extremely well but with whom you’ve interacted – a past client, vendor, or event contact could still provide a valuable connection.
Cast a wide net, but make sure to carefully consider who is best positioned to offer the type of support or advice you need.
How to Ask
When reaching out to tap your network, follow these tips for making your ask in a polite, appropriate way:
- Be upfront and specific about what you need. Explain that you are in job search mode and are eager to connect with people who may be able to provide leads, referrals, or insights.
- Mention where you found their contact information. This shows you did your homework to seek them out.
- Note any common connections. Outline who you both know, which establishes you are operating in similar circles.
- Highlight the unique value they can provide. Compliment their experience in the field or company you are targeting.
- Suggest an initial low-commitment ask. For example, propose a brief informational interview to learn more about their career path and network.
- Offer to return the favor. Note you would be happy to lend assistance with their own initiatives and contacts.
- Express appreciation. Thank them sincerely for their time, advice, or referrals.
The initial outreach is just the first step. Be sure to nurture the relationship and demonstrate you are following up on their guidance by reporting back on your progress.
Sample Asks
Here are some email template examples you can customize when asking for job search help from connections:
Casual acquaintance/loose tie:
Subject: Seeking your advice on transitioning to [field]
Hi [name],
I hope you’ve been well! I noticed on LinkedIn that you are a Manager at [company] – very impressive. I am currently exploring a career transition into [field] and would love to take 15-20 minutes to pick your brain on your career path and any tips you have for someone looking to break in.
We met briefly at [context of connection] back in [date], where we had a nice chat about [topic]. I have always been impressed with your expertise in [field] and would greatly appreciate any insights you can offer as I look to make this transition. Are you available for a quick phone call next week?
Looking forward to reconnecting. Let me know if there is any way I can ever be of assistance in return.
Best,
[Your name]
Former colleague:
Subject: Seeking Your Referrals and Advice
[Name],
I hope all is well! I wanted to reach out because I recently left [company] and am currently in an active job search. I am very interested in opportunities at [target companies/roles].
I was hoping you might be willing to connect me to any relevant contacts you have, or pass along my resume, for potential openings. As my former [title] at [company], I thought you would be an ideal person to provide a reference as well given our successful collaboration.
Please let me know if you have any advice for tailoring my resume or approach for [target field]. I would sincerely appreciate any referrals or insights you can offer!
Best,
[Your name]
Alumni connection:
Subject: Seeking Advice from a [University] Alum
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you doing well! My name is [your name] – I’m a fellow [university] alum who found your contact info via the alumni directory. I graduated in [year] with a degree in [field].
I’m reaching out because I am currently seeking new career opportunities in [industry/role] and would love to connect with other alums working in this space. I noticed on LinkedIn that you are a [title] at [company] – very cool!
Would you be open to sharing some of your career insights and potentially connecting me to your network? I’d be happy to take just 20-30 minutes of your time for a quick phone call to introduce myself and learn more about your path.
Please let me know if you are willing! I can be reached at [contact info]. Thanks so much for considering, and go [university mascot]!
Best,
[Your name]
The key is making the ask in a way that is polite, direct, and demonstrates you value their time and input. With the right approach, most connections will be happy to discuss career transitions and make helpful introductions.
When to Check In
After making the initial outreach, allow your contact time to respond – typically 5-7 business days. If you still haven’t heard back, consider sending a polite check-in:
Hi [name],
I hope you’ve been well! Last week I reached out seeking advice on breaking into [field], but wanted to follow up in case my email got lost in the shuffle. Please let me know if you have availability for a quick call. I would sincerely appreciate any guidance or contacts you can provide.
Thanks again for considering,
[Your name]
Take care not to pepper them with too many follow-up emails, which can come off as aggressive. If they continue not to respond after a few attempts, it may be time to move on.
Offer to Help in Return
When asking for job search help, make it clear you are eager to return the favor. Some options include:
- Offer to connect them to individuals in your own network who could be assets.
- Provide strategic advice based on your areas of expertise.
- Send relevant articles or resources you come across that tie into their field.
- Give recommendations or references on their behalf.
- Exchange feedback on resumes, interview approaches, or LinkedIn profiles.
Helping others builds goodwill and motivates them to continue assisting and advocating for you. Look for opportunities to mutually support each other’s career growth.
Express Appreciation
No matter how brief the interaction, always take time to earnestly thank contacts who engage with your job search outreach. Appreciation can be expressed:
- During the discussion: Verbally thank them for their time and advice.
- In a follow-up email: Send a message recapping the key takeaways from the discussion and reiterate your gratitude for their support.
- Handwritten note: Mail a personalized card or letter thanking them for their referrals or assistance.
- LinkedIn recommendations: Write recommendations touting their expertise and endorsing their skills.
Graciousness makes a memorable impression and motivates people to continue helping you. Follow up with progress updates and continue nurturing these valuable connections.
Conclusion
Tapping into your professional network provides invaluable access and insights that can significantly boost your job search. Polite, personalized outreach followed by demonstrations of appreciation will make contacts more likely to lend their assistance.
With the right strategy, networking through your connections can unlock hidden job market opportunities and accelerate your transition into an exciting new role.