It’s no secret, I’m sure you’ve been told about 80% of jobs are never posted online. They’re filled through word of mouth, personal connections, and informal referrals. Yet, so many job seekers still spend most of their time scrolling job boards, submitting applications into what feels like a black hole, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to magically appear.
I see it often. Many of my clients make a few calls to former colleagues or friends, then… stop. They wait. They hope. But hope is not a strategy. The opportunities you’re looking for are out there, but they don’t always walk up and introduce themselves. You have to go find them.
If you’re serious about landing your next role, your mindset needs to shift: your job right now is to find a job. That means actively networking every single day. My rule of thumb is: contact 5 sources a day, whether it’s a friend, a colleague or a recruiter at a company you’d like to work for. Have conversations daily. Connect with other people. Talk about what you are looking for.
Networking isn’t just about scheduled meetings and industry events. It’s about talking to people wherever you are. That might mean chatting with the person next to you in line at the coffee shop, introducing yourself to someone at your gym, or following up with a friend-of-a-friend who might know someone in your field.
A fellow coach I know shares one of my favorite networking stories: his client found a lead for a new role from the person mowing his lawn. Turns out, the mower’s boss used to work in the client’s industry and still had contacts. One conversation sparked another, and that chain of connections led to a job offer.
The takeaway? Take chances. Speak to people. Follow up. Keep building new connections. Every conversation is a potential opportunity, and you never know who will hold the key to your next career move.
When you approach your job search like it’s a full-time role, you will be more committed, curious, and connected. Connecting people is an ongoing activity. Reach out to 5 people a day. Believe me, you’ll start finding doors you didn’t even know existed.
Need help with your job search, telling your story, or getting clarity? I’m here to help you take the next step Book a session with me, I’m happy to support you!