Ask Your Network for Job Leads (Message Template)

Most job openings get filled through referrals before they're ever posted publicly. The person who gets hired often isn't the most qualified candidate. They're the candidate someone knew and recommended.

Your network is the fastest path to interviews, but only if you actually use it. Most unemployed people avoid reaching out because they don't want to seem desperate or burden others with their problems. This reluctance costs you opportunities while you're applying to posted jobs where hundreds of other people are competing for the same position.

Asking your network for help isn't desperate. It's using the most effective job search tool available to you. People who know your work can vouch for your capabilities in ways a resume never will.

Why Your Network Matters More Than Job Boards

When a hiring manager has 200 applications for an open position, they're looking for ways to narrow the pool quickly. Resumes from strangers get cursory reviews. Resumes from referred candidates get actual consideration because someone the manager trusts has already vouched for that person's competence.

Your former colleagues and managers know what you're capable of. They've seen you handle problems, meet deadlines, and work with others. That firsthand knowledge is more credible than anything you can write in a cover letter.

Network referrals also surface opportunities that never get posted. Many jobs get filled when someone mentions they're hiring and a colleague says "I know someone who'd be perfect for that." If no one knows you're looking, you're not in those conversations.

Who to Contact First

Make a list of five people from your professional network. Choose people who meet these criteria:

They've worked directly with you. Former colleagues, managers, or clients who've seen your work quality firsthand. Not distant connections who barely remember you.

You had a positive working relationship. People who respected your work and would say good things about you if asked. Not people you had conflicts with or who barely knew you.

They're currently employed. People working at companies or in industries where you want to work. They have access to information about openings and can make introductions to hiring managers.

Don't limit yourself to people you've talked to recently. A former manager from three years ago still remembers your work. A colleague from a previous job still has insights about their current company. The relationship matters more than recent contact.

What to Say in Your Message

Write a brief message that's honest about your situation and clear about what you need. Use this structure:

State your situation directly. "I was laid off from [Company] last month and I'm looking for my next role in [field/function]."

Mention what you're targeting. "I'm focusing on [specific roles or industries] where I can use my experience in [relevant skills]."

Ask a specific question. "Do you know of any openings at your company or elsewhere that might be a fit?"

Make it easy to respond. "If nothing comes to mind right now, I'd appreciate you keeping me in mind if you hear of anything."

Here's what a complete message looks like:

"Hi [Name], I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that I was laid off from ABC Company last month as part of a restructuring. I'm currently looking for project management roles in healthcare or technology where I can use my experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing complex timelines. Do you know of any openings at your company or elsewhere that might be a good fit? If nothing comes to mind right now, I'd appreciate you keeping me in mind if you hear of anything. Thanks for any help you can offer."

This message is direct without being negative, specific about what you want, and easy to respond to. It doesn't apologize for reaching out or over-explain your situation.

What Not to Include

Don't write a long explanation of why you were laid off or how you feel about it. People don't need your employment history. They need to know you're looking and what you're looking for.

Don't apologize for reaching out. "I'm sorry to bother you" or "I hate to ask" makes the person feel like helping you is a burden. Most people want to help if they can. Let them.

Don't send your resume unless they ask for it. The goal of this initial message is to find out if they know of openings, not to get them to review your qualifications. If they know of something, they'll ask for your resume.

Don't ask them to hire you. You're asking if they know of openings, not whether they can get you a job. That distinction matters. One is a simple question. The other creates pressure.

Send the Messages Today

Identify your five people right now. Open your email or LinkedIn. Write the same basic message to each person, adjusting the personal greeting and any specific details about your relationship.

Send all five messages today. Don't space them out. Don't wait until you've perfected the wording. The message doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be sent.

Most people will respond within a few days. Some will say they don't know of anything but will keep you in mind. Some will mention specific openings or offer to introduce you to someone. A few won't respond at all, which is fine.

What Happens After You Send

When someone responds with a lead, act on it immediately. If they mention a company that's hiring, research the company and look for relevant openings. If they offer to introduce you to someone, accept and provide whatever information they need to make that introduction.

When someone responds with no immediate leads, thank them and ask if you can check back in a month. Most people genuinely will keep you in mind if you've made it easy for them to help.

Track who you contacted and what they said. Add this to your job search spreadsheet. Include their name, the date you reached out, their response, and any follow-up actions you need to take.

Keep Your Network Active

After you've contacted these five people, identify five more for next week. Your network is larger than you think. Former colleagues, clients, vendors, classmates, and professional association members all count as network connections if you've worked with them directly.

The more people who know you're looking, the more likely someone will think of you when they hear about an opening. Network activation isn't a one-time task. It's an ongoing part of your job search that produces better results than most other activities.

Identify your five people now. Write the message. Send it today. This single action puts you in conversations where jobs get filled before they're ever posted publicly.