How to Use Smart Networking Strategies in Your Job Search
- Tianyu Koenig
- Oct 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 19
September is here, and so is the hiring surge. It’s the time of year when decision-makers return from summer vacations, and teams push hard to fill headcount before the holidays. But here’s the truth: cold applications are the *last* priority. If you're serious about landing your next role, especially in product or UX, quality referrals are your best move.
These are the exact strategies my coach, Lucy F. Chen—who works with hundreds of product leaders and charges $1,000 per session with endless demand—taught me. And they work.
My own husband is living proof. He started his PM job search two months ago and is now interviewing with four companies. All of them came through strong referrals.
Here’s how to put this into action.
1. Start With Your 5 Biggest Advocates
We’re not talking about lukewarm contacts or LinkedIn randos. Think: previous managers, colleagues, old professors, or even your well-connected uncle. These are the people already rooting for you.
Reach out to them—even if they’re not in your target company or industry. Then ask them to introduce you to three more people. Repeat. This is how strong networks scale.
Your job is to keep your leads warm and flowing.
2. Make Your Referral Work *Extra* Hard
Getting a referral is common now. What moves the needle is how *strong* that referral is. Ask your contact to send a note to the hiring manager explaining why you're a great fit. Make it easy: offer to draft a few bullet points they can use.
Better yet? Have them introduce you to the hiring manager directly. If they don't know who that is, ask them to look it up in the company portal or help you find their LinkedIn.
Your goal is to have someone say: "You *need* to interview [Your Name]" *before* a role even hits the job boards.
3. Go Straight to the Decision-Makers
Don’t just apply and pray. Message the Head of Design, the Product Director, or whoever runs the function you're targeting. Follow up. If they don’t respond, reach out to another team member.
Even if there's no role open today, you're building the relationship *for* when it does. Several of my clients have landed interviews this way—just from one well-placed message.
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Want to Workshop Your Networking Game?
If you're navigating a job search and want to build a strategy that actually works, I offer coaching for mid-to-senior UX and product professionals. Book a free 15-minute intro call to get started.
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