Networking Tips & Benefits

Index

1. Why network?

2. Tapping into the hidden job market

3. Referrals matter

4. Gaining insights

5. Practical tips for effective networking

6. Networking on LinkedIn: A step by step approach

7. Attending events and webinars

8. Create your own luck and opportunities

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1. Why network?

Networking is one of the most powerful tools in your job search strategy. In the UK, we often prefer a softer, more nuanced approach to networking, focusing on building relationships rather than “selling ourselves”. Done well, it can help uncover roles that aren’t advertised, introduce you to decision-makers, and create opportunities you may never have anticipated.

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2. Tapping into the hidden job market

• Many jobs are filled without ever being advertised. Instead, roles are shared internally, passed along through word of mouth, or filled by people who were recommended.

• Networking allows you to access these unadvertised opportunities before they go public.

• Using LinkedIn on a regular basis and engaging with your network there can uncover roles that might not yet be advertised. (See LinkedIn Tips & Best Practice resource).

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3. Referrals matter

• Employers value recommendations and referrals because they reduce the risks of hiring. A personal introduction can carry far more weight than a CV submitted online.

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4. Gaining insights

• Networking helps you gather inside information about industries, companies, and roles, giving you an edge over other applicants.

• Informal chats (informational interviews) with people in your target field can offer invaluable tips about what employers are looking for and what challenges the industry is facing.

 

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5. Practical tips for effective networking

Start by mapping your network as you may find your network is larger than you think. Consider:

• Former colleagues, managers, and clients

• Friends, family, and neighbours

• Alumni from your university

• Professional groups, associations, or clubs you’re part of

• LinkedIn connections you’ve made over the years

Make a list of people to reconnect with and those who might be able to offer advice or introductions.

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Spread the word thoughtfully

• Reach out individually to people who may be able to help or refer you. Be clear but humble in your approach.

  • Example: “Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know I’m looking for a new role in [specific field/industry]. If you hear of any opportunities or know someone I should speak to, I’d really appreciate it.”

• Avoid asking for a job directly; instead, ask for advice, information, or introductions. This feels more natural and puts less pressure on your contacts.

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6. Networking on LinkedIn: A step-by-step approach

Before you start reaching out, ensure your profile is up to date, professional, and tailored to your goals. Highlight your key achievements and career aspirations. (See LinkedIn Tips & Best Practice resource).

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Reconnect with your existing network:

• Engage with your connections by liking, commenting on, and sharing their posts. This keeps you visible and can naturally lead to conversations.

• Send a personalised message when reconnecting:

  • “Hi [Name], I noticed your recent post about [topic]—congratulations on [achievement]. I’d love to catch up and hear about what you’re working on.”

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Join LinkedIn groups:

• Search for industry-specific LinkedIn Groups (e.g., UK Project Management Professionals or Legal Jobs in London). These groups are excellent for connecting with people in your field.

• Join the discussions—comment on posts, ask insightful questions, or share your knowledge. This helps you build a reputation as someone engaged and knowledgeable.

• When you are a part of a LinkedIn group you can directly message people without a Premium account.

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Accessing the hidden market on LinkedIn

• Follow companies: Follow organisations you’re interested in and engage with their posts. Hiring managers notice individuals who take a genuine interest.

• Connect with hiring managers and recruiters: Use LinkedIn’s search to find hiring managers, HR professionals, or team leaders at your target companies. Send a polite connection request:

  • “Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company]—I’m very interested in opportunities within [field]. I’d love to connect and keep up with your updates.”

• Use Advanced Search: Filter searches by job title, company, or location to identify people you can reach out to.

 

Share your own updates

• Post updates about your job search in a way that’s professional and engaging:

  • “I’m currently looking for a role in [specific area]. I’ve got experience in [key skills] and am particularly passionate about [industry/topic]. If anyone knows of opportunities or can introduce me to someone in this space, I’d be really grateful.”

• Share relevant articles, insights, or reflections on your field to demonstrate your expertise.

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Download your Network to Excel

• If you have a sizeable network it can be hard to manage and keep track of who you have approached and might be an important contact you want to prioritise. You can though download your entire network onto an Excel spreadsheet where you can then manipulate the data to prioritise and keep track of your networking efforts.

• Just go to your "Settings & Privacy" page accessible on the drop down menu at the top of the LinkedIn page. Then select "Data Privacy" and then choose "Get a copy of your data". How all you need to do is select the "Download" radio button and "Request archive". In due time a csv file will be sent to your email address. Save this as an Excel spreadsheet and you are ready to go.

• My recommendation is that you delete any columns you dont want so you get a clearer view of your data and then add in a couple of extra columns entitled "Importance" and "Relationship". Go through your entire network and score each person against these 2 new criteria eg if they are someone who you think could be really useful to you in your job search then mark them under the "importance" column as "1" and if less so then "2" and use "3" if they are of no use. Similarly go through the list and mark in the "relationship" column "1" if you know them really well, "2" if they are just an acquaintance and "3" if you have no idea who they are!

• Once you have this analysis done you are now ready to sort the table by the highest importance and relationship scores of "1" to get a prioritised list of contacts to approach. If time permit then you can then focus on the "2" scores too.

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Watch this useful YouTube video on networking on LinkedIn by clicking HERE.

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7. Attending events and webinars

• Look for professional events or webinars in your industry—these could be in person or virtual. Use platforms like Eventbrite, LinkedIn Events, or industry associations to find them.

• When attending events:

  • Be genuinely curious. Ask questions, listen, and engage with others naturally.

  • Take notes of people names, companies and job titles.

  • Follow up after the event with a LinkedIn connection request or email. Mention something specific you discussed.

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8. Create your own luck & opportunities

In networking, effort and persistence pay off. By taking small, consistent actions—reaching out to people, joining groups, attending events, or simply spreading the word—you dramatically increase the chances of “lucky breaks” happening. Opportunities often arise from unexpected connections, so cast your net wide and be open to new conversations.

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• By letting your network know you’re looking, you increase the chances of someone thinking of you when they hear about a role. This creates “career luck”—unexpected opportunities that arise simply because you’ve spread the word.

• “Sow many seeds”: You won’t know where the opportunities will come from, so tell a wide range of people, even those outside your immediate field.

• A former colleague might connect you to their cousin who works in your dream company, or a casual conversation at an event could lead to an unexpected introduction.

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Here are some "UK-friendly" ways to connect with people:

• Reconnecting: “Hi [Name], I hope all’s well with you. I wanted to reconnect and let you know I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [field]. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to and share a bit about where I’m heading.”

• Requesting advice: “Hi [Name], I noticed you’ve had a long and successful career in [industry]. I’d really value your advice as I’m exploring new opportunities in this area—would you be open to a quick chat?”

• Following up after an event: “Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at [event]. I really enjoyed our chat about [topic] and would love to stay in touch. Could we catch up briefly so I can ask for some advice on [job query]”

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Networking isn’t about asking for favours—it’s about building relationships, sharing your journey, and creating opportunities for mutual benefit. By spreading the word, engaging on LinkedIn, and tapping into your network with thoughtfulness and persistence, you can uncover roles you’d never find through traditional applications alone.

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