s10) 5 Best Networking Tips to Land Your Next Job Successfully

When it comes to finding your next job, sending out dozens—or even hundreds—of online applications may feel productive, but it’s often not the most effective way to land meaningful work. The reality is, more than 70% of job opportunities are found through networking, not job boards or cold resumes. That means the true key to unlocking career advancement lies not just in what you know—but who you connect with and how you build those relationships over time.

Whether you're just starting out, recovering from a layoff, exploring a career pivot, or aiming for that next big step, strategic networking can open doors that a resume alone simply can’t. It allows you to tap into the hidden job market, access unlisted roles, receive personal referrals, and build long-term professional relationships that support your goals—even years down the line. It’s not just about asking for favors—it’s about creating mutual value, engaging in authentic conversations, and showing up as someone others trust and want to work with.

At Living Wiser, we believe that building a successful career isn’t just about your qualifications—it’s about connection, credibility, and community. That’s why in Sequence 10 of our Career Journey series, we’re diving into the practical, powerful ways you can start networking with intention—no matter where you’re starting from. Because the right relationship at the right time can change everything.

At Living Wiser, we believe that career growth is not just about what you know, but also who you know and how you connect with them. This Sequence is designed to help you tap into the power of relationships to discover hidden opportunities, gain insider information, and build genuine professional connections that can change the course of your career. Let’s explore the five best networking tips to help you land your next job with confidence and clarity.

1. Start with Your Existing Network

You don’t have to look far to start networking—your current network is a goldmine. Think of family, friends, former colleagues, classmates, neighbors, and even acquaintances from previous volunteer work or community activities. Often, we underestimate how willing people are to help, especially when they know and trust us.

Reach out with a personal message or a short phone call to let them know you’re exploring new job opportunities. Don’t immediately ask for a job—ask for insights, advice, or introductions. For example:

“Hi [Name], I’m currently looking for new opportunities in [industry or field] and would really appreciate your thoughts on where I might look or who I should talk to.”

This kind of outreach feels natural, builds trust, and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

2. Build a Professional Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your online presence is your virtual handshake. If someone refers you to a hiring manager, the first thing they’ll do is look you up. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strong, updated LinkedIn profile (and possibly a professional website or portfolio, depending on your field).

Make sure your headline clearly states your career focus (e.g., "Marketing Specialist | Helping Brands Grow Online"). Include a well-written summary that shows who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you're passionate about. Use a professional photo, list relevant skills, and ask for endorsements or recommendations from past colleagues or supervisors.

Join LinkedIn groups in your industry and start contributing to discussions. When you show up consistently and with value, opportunities will naturally come your way.

3. Attend Networking Events and Job Fairs—In Person and Online

Whether it's a local career expo, a professional association event, or a virtual conference, networking events are powerful spaces to meet potential employers and peers. The great thing is, many of these events now happen online, so you can connect with professionals from anywhere in the world.

Before attending, do a little homework: research the event, make a list of companies or speakers you’d like to connect with, and prepare a quick personal pitch about who you are and what you're looking for. Think of it as your "elevator pitch"—short, confident, and memorable.

Follow up afterward with a LinkedIn connection or thank-you email. The follow-up is often where the real relationship begins, so don’t skip this step.

4. Offer Value First

One of the biggest networking mistakes people make is only thinking about what they can get. Instead, flip the script and ask: What can I offer?

Whether it’s sharing an interesting article, offering to connect someone with a resource, or simply supporting someone’s work on social media, providing value creates genuine connections. People remember those who help them, and they’ll be more likely to help you in return.

For example, if you're trying to connect with a hiring manager or industry leader, comment on their posts, engage with their content, or share something insightful related to their work. These small actions can warm up the relationship before you ever send a direct message.

5. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Networking isn’t a one-time event—it’s a long-term strategy. Once you’ve made a connection, nurture it. Keep in touch periodically, not just when you need something. Share updates about your progress, express gratitude when someone helps you, and look for opportunities to reconnect.

Set a reminder to check in every few months with key contacts. A simple message like, “Just wanted to share that I started a new course in project management—thanks again for the advice you gave me!” can keep the relationship alive.

These small gestures of follow-up show that you’re thoughtful, intentional, and professional—all traits that will make you stand out in a competitive job market.

Your Network Is Your Net Worth

At the heart of every career success story is a network of people who offered guidance, shared opportunities, or believed in someone’s potential. Whether you're recovering from a layoff or aiming for your next big promotion, the relationships you build today can become the stepping stones to your tomorrow.

Here at Living Wiser, we want to make sure you’re never navigating this journey alone. Take these five tips, apply them consistently, and you’ll start to see new opportunities unfold in ways you didn’t expect.

We’ve also created a Free Networking Checklist to help you take action on everything we covered today. From conversation starters to follow-up messages, it’s a simple tool that makes networking easier, more effective, and less intimidating. Click the link in the description to download your free copy now.

If you found this video helpful, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss the next Sequence in our Career Journey series.

Living Wiser – Empowering You to Build Smarter Careers with Stronger Connections.