How to network your way to a better role

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Looking to land a better role right now? Don't rely on online applications. You'll be waiting a long time.

Having an effective networking strategy is the key to securing your next role faster. Over the past year alone, our clients have transitioned into their new roles within 8 weeks on average.

And let's face it. With continued market shifts, layoff anxiety, and AI disruption, leaning into your relationships has never been more important.

Let's dive into 5 ways to network your way to a better role.

PS. Check out more of our latest free resources here.

5 powerful ways to network your way to a better role

1/ Reach out for an internal move

Your next big opportunity may be within reach at your current company, even if it's not an available role right now. The right conversations can open up doors for you proactively. Here's a few quick steps to follow:

→ Identify a department or leader you’d love to work with. → Set up an informal meeting to express your interest in joining their team. → Position it as a step towards your future goals in the company, not an escape from your current role.

"Hi [Name]. I really admire the work your team is doing on [X area of the business]. It's something I'm quite interested in too and pairs nicely with the projects I've been leading in my department. I’d love to learn more about your priorities and how I can contribute in the future. Would you be opposed to having a quick coffee chat?"

The benefit of being an existing employee is that you already know the business, company culture and internal dynamic vs. an external hire. Use that to your advantage.

2/ Reconnect with former bosses, colleagues, and/or mentors

Your past relationships hold more opportunities than you realize. These roles could be within their existing company or getting you in touch with someone else in their network. Here's a few quick steps to follow:

→ Identify 3-5 past managers, colleagues, or mentors with whom you had good relationships with. → Send a simple check-in message and integrate something about them (don't make it all about you). → Mention what you’re exploring and why now, but don’t ask for a new role directly.

"Hey [Name], it’s been a minute since we last connected. I saw [a recent update about them i.e. your recent promotion to Director], huge congrats! How's that been going for you so far? I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on and see if I can further support you in that. I've always admired the way you led your teams. I can see myself benefitting a lot from working more closely together given my career goals at [Company]. Would you be opposed to grabbing a quick coffee or hopping on a call next week?"

Remember, keeping in touch before you need help makes it easier for when you do. This also helps your relationships feel mutually beneficial instead of one-sided.

3/ Reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager

Even if you applied for a role, don't stop there. Where possible, make yourself visible to the recruiter or hiring manager to speed up the process. Here's a few quick steps to follow:

→ Research hiring managers or recruiters for your target companies on LinkedIn. Pro tip: If the role you're going after doesn't list the Hiring Manager, do this. Go to the LinkedIn company page, scroll down to 'people' and then set your filters to search for those in the HR department. → Send a short, targeted message. → Show them why you’re a great fit and reiterate your interest in the role.

"Hi [Name]. I saw you're the lead recruiter for Customer Success at [Company] for the past 2 years. That's amazing. In fact, I recently submitted my application for the Customer Success Manager role and I'm really excited to explore the opportunity with you further. My track record in implementing effective onboarding processes and maximizing customer retention align well with what you’re looking for. Would you be opposed to hopping on quick call?"

Specificity wins. Show you’ve done your homework to make their job easier, and they’ll be more likely to respond.

4/ Re-engage with your existing network

Most people underestimate the power of their current connections. These individuals already know who you are and can better serve as an advocate for you.

Here's a few quick steps to follow:

→ Look through your LinkedIn connections. → Pay attention to where they work now, where they worked before and their current role. → Keep the message warm and open-ended.

"Hey [Name]. I'm so happy to see you've moved into your new role at [Company]. How's that been going for you? I'm actively thinking about my next move and really admire the path you've created for yourself. I'd love to learn more about what you're working on and see if I can support you in that. Would you be opposed to a quick catch-up together?"

This is exactly what we did with our client who secured multiple interviews at different companies within weeks, including securing her winning offer.

5/ Reach out to someone at your target company

The best way to break into a new company? Talk to someone who already works there. Not only do they help inform your decision making, they can also serve as an internal advocate or referral.

Here's a few quick steps to follow:

→ On the LinkedIn company page, search for people you have connections in common with. → Personalize your outreach. → Ask for insights, not a job.

"Hi [Name]. I saw you're a Project Manager at [Company] and that we also both know Allison Jones. What a small world! I’d love to hear about your experience there as it's definitely a company I've had top of mind. Would you be opposed to connecting to chat more about it?"

Pro tip: Try to end your networking messages with a question rather than a statement. This leads others to be more inclined to respond back.

You've got this!

This week's mission: Whether it’s reaching out to a former boss, setting up an internal coffee chat, or messaging someone at your target company, don’t overthink it. Focus on sending the first message.

• Choose one of the options shared in today's newsletter.
• Adapt the script to your needs and contact.
• Lead with genuine interest, curiosity and kindness towards the other person.

Tiffany Uman

Career Strategy Coach & Workplace Expert ? LinkedIn Learning Instructor ? Former Fortune 500 Senior Director ? Forbes Coaches Council member

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