Why Networking Is the Best Way to Land Your Next Job: Success Stories

Image of a person typing on a keyboard with a holographic display of diverse professional headshots forming a digital globe above the laptop. The futuristic interface suggests global networking, online recruiting, and the power of digital connections in job searching and career advancement.

The job search process has changed—dramatically.

In a market where hundreds of people can apply to the same role within minutes of its posting, many job seekers are finding themselves stuck in a cycle of silence.

Resumes disappear into the void. Automated rejection emails arrive within hours. The traditional route of applying cold through job boards just doesn’t hold the same power it once did.

Instead, it’s the personal connection—the referral, the intro, the recommendation—that has emerged as the most effective way to break through the noise.

According to some studies, up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking to some extent, and CNBC reports that up to 70% of jobs aren’t even publicly posted. It’s not just who you know—it’s who knows what you’re looking for.

As someone who works with hiring managers every day, I’ve seen the power of referrals, internal recommendations, or recruiter relationships. These methods carry a kind of social proof that helps hiring teams prioritize candidates more confidently and quickly.

Jump-To Guide:

When Results Speak for Themselves
Why Networking Works
Networking Success Stories
How to Network with Purpose

When Results Speak for Themselves

I recently had the opportunity and pleasure to sit down with 3 hiring leaders I’ve worked with over the years who all found their roles through networking and referrals.

One of them, Brian Perez, shared that when he re-entered the job market after a layoff, his first instinct was to rely on the old playbook: apply to roles on LinkedIn, tweak the resume, and wait for interviews.

“When I left one of my last jobs…I think I applied to maybe 12 companies, and I had about 9 initial conversations. Out of those 9 initial conversations, 7 of them wanted to continue with me… I continued with 5. Took all 5 to the end, and then made my decision on who I was going to join.”

But when he started his most recent job search, it became clear that the playbook had changed.

“I applied to maybe 30 jobs, made improvements to my portfolio, adjusted my resume multiple times, and still heard nothing,” he told me.

It wasn’t until he tapped his network—asking contacts for intros, checking who might know someone at target companies—that he started to see traction.

Out of one round of 10 warm intros, he heard back from 4. That compared to 0 responses from cold applications. The message was clear: the system is no longer built to reward passive outreach. The key differentiator is connection.

And while this might sound disheartening at first, it’s actually empowering. It means that your next opportunity could be one DM, one reconnection, one conversation away.

Why Networking Works

Networking helps you bypass the black hole of automated rejections and applicant tracking systems. More importantly, it gives hiring teams a reason to pause and take a second look.

Referred candidates are seven times more likely to be hired than those who apply without a connection. And they stay longer, too.

Companies understand the value. That’s why employee referral programs are standard practice, often incentivized with bonuses.

When an internal team member vouches for someone, it speeds up trust and fit assessments that can otherwise take weeks.

Networking Success Stories

Still not convinced? Here are a few real-world moments from my recent conversations with professionals Brian P., Kim G., and Andrew Y. who found success through their networks—proof that the personal route pays off:

How does networking differ from traditional job search methods?

“Every position I’ve landed after my first job was through networking—except one. And that one job I got through a posting? I was gone in five months. It wasn’t a fit. Every meaningful opportunity since has come from a referral, a reconnection, or a friend of a friend.”
—Kim, Tech Industry Leader

“I applied cold to a company and was auto-rejected in 38 minutes. Then I had a contact introduce me to someone there—and made it to the final interview. Same job, same experience, entirely different outcome because of a connection.”
—Brian, Design Leader

“I was a terrible networker. I was one of these people who thought you put your head down, you do your job, and the rest will take care of itself. I had a lot of relationships within the company. But I never really did the kind of networking that helps you get jobs when you need them because I thought my work would speak for itself, but it’s just not enough anymore.”
—Andrew, CMO

What surprised you about the networking process?

“I had some hesitation about reaching out—I didn’t want to feel like I was asking for too much. But I was surprised how open people were to helping, even loose connections. They knew how hard the market was and were happy to make intros.”
—Brian, Design Leader

“It’s really important to be organized… have a spreadsheet of who you’re contacting, how you are connected to them, when you’re calling them… and what you’re doing next. Staying on top of that and having a system is critical to success.”
—Andrew, CMO

What advice would you give someone who’s hesitant to leverage networking to find their next job?

“No one will be annoyed that you reached out—especially if you’ve worked together before and had a good relationship. Mature professionals know how important networks are.”
—Kim, Tech Industry Leader

“Besides ‘use your network,’ I’d say – don’t give up. There are opportunities out there—they’re just a little harder to find. But don’t give up. And for hiring managers and internal recruiting departments, don’t forget to be human.”
—Brian, Design Leader

“You have to start somewhere, so don’t be hesitant. Really leveraging the friends and family approach is something you have to do. Not to ask friends and family for jobs, but to ask them for people to network with.

Always ask people how you can help them. You want to make sure you always ask two things. One: who else can I speak to? You need the next 2-3 contacts to keep the ball rolling. But then also ask how you can help them. And make it as specific as possible. Whether it turns into something or not, at least ask the question.”
—Andrew, CMO

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

“What I would have done differently last time is… I ignored the signs that were there. The hiring market had really changed since the last time I was looking for a role, but I thought, ‘No, I have a strong background, I’ll find a role quickly.’ That caused a delay in me adapting to the current state of play.”
—Brian, Design Leader

“I always feel like I could have been more intentional. I went to maybe one industry networking event. It’s that extra effort and willingness to put yourself out there that I didn’t push myself to do.”
—Andrew, CMO

How to Network with Purpose

1. Audit Your Network

If you’re unsure where to begin, start by auditing your LinkedIn and professional contacts:

Who have you worked with that might be at companies you admire?
Who do you know that can introduce you to someone one step closer?
Are there alumni groups, former managers, or colleagues you can check in with?

2. Keep Your Message Simple

When reaching out, keep it clear, respectful, and low pressure:

“Hey [Name], I noticed you’re connected to [Hiring Manager] at [Company]. I’m really interested in the [Job Title] role and would be grateful if you’d be willing to make an intro. No worries at all if not! Just wanted to ask.”

You don’t need to make it a big ask. Most people are far more willing to help than we give them credit for. As Brian pointed out, even soft connections were often happy to pass his name along.

3. Leverage Recruiters

Don’t underestimate the power of working with a recruiter. In competitive markets, recruiters can be your best advocates—getting your resume in front of hiring managers and giving context that a cover letter never could.

Many job seekers wait until they’re months into their search to start reaching out to recruiters. Don’t wait. A good recruiter can help you tailor your job search, keep you posted on openings that aren’t listed publicly, and be a long-term partner in your career growth.

Plus, recruiters often work on confidential or private roles that never make it to job boards—meaning they can connect you with exclusive opportunities you wouldn’t find on your own.

4. Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

One of the most common reasons people avoid networking? Fear. Fear of asking for too much. Fear of being annoying. Fear of rejection.

But the worst-case scenario is usually silence. And the best-case? Your next opportunity.

As Brian said, “I realized quickly that just asking was better than assuming someone would say no.”

Your network can’t support you if they don’t know you need help. Start by reaching out to just one person today. That single message could lead to your next role, or spark a conversation that changes your career path.

The Moral of the Story?

We all want job searching to feel more fair and more merit-based. But in this current market, relationships are what cut through the noise. Leverage them. Build them. Maintain them.

Networking isn’t about asking for favors—it’s about tapping into a collective understanding that we’re all in this together. Most people are more willing to help than you think. All you have to do is ask.

And if you’re a hiring manager or company leader reading this? Don’t forget to be human. That message in your inbox might be the best candidate you’ll never meet if you don’t look up.

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By Jessica Mirsky

Client Relationship Manager for Mondo National Staffing Agency