Building a strong professional network can open doors to new career opportunities, especially in a competitive job market. But having connections is only half the battle. Knowing how to reach out and ask for help effectively can make all the difference.
According to Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn’s vice president of communications and a career expert, the secret to getting more responses is simple: be specific about what you’re asking for.
Make Your Requests Clear and Specific
When contacting someone for career advice, an informational interview, or a professional introduction, avoid vague messages that leave the other person guessing about what you need.
Instead, explain exactly why you’re reaching out, what you hope to learn, and how much time you’re asking them to give you.
For example, rather than asking someone to “connect sometime,” you could request a 15-minute conversation to discuss their career path, industry experience, or insights into a particular company.
You can also mention a few questions you would like to ask or offer to meet for coffee as a gesture of appreciation.
The goal is to make it easy for the other person to understand your request and decide whether they can help.
Respect Their Time and Make It Easy to Say Yes
Busy professionals are more likely to consider a request when they know exactly what it involves.
A clear, time-limited message shows that you have prepared in advance and respect their schedule. It also prevents the other person from having to figure out how to structure the conversation for you.
Fisher recently shared an example of someone who contacted her to ask for 15 minutes to discuss ways she might support the person's charity. Because the request was specific and straightforward, Fisher knew exactly what she was being asked to do.
This illustrates an important networking principle: the easier you make it for someone to help, the more likely they are to consider your request.
Specificity can also help when someone isn't the right person to assist you. If they understand your goals, they may be able to recommend another professional or introduce you to someone better suited to your needs.
Networking Doesn't Always Require a Formal Meeting
Reaching out to your network doesn't have to mean scheduling a meeting or asking for a favor.
Sometimes, maintaining professional relationships is as simple as commenting thoughtfully on someone's LinkedIn post, sending a quick message to check in, or congratulating a former colleague on a new role.
These small interactions help you stay connected and build relationships over time, without making every conversation about your own career goals.
The key is to maintain genuine relationships rather than reaching out only when you need something.
Your Network May Be Bigger Than You Think
Many people underestimate the number of connections they already have, particularly recent graduates and professionals who are just starting their careers.
Your network can include former classmates, professors, mentors, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family members. People you know through hobbies, community groups, or social activities may also be able to connect you with valuable opportunities.
Bonnie Dilber, a recruiting leader at Zapier, has also emphasized the value of looking beyond traditional professional circles when searching for a job.
These everyday relationships can lead to unexpected introductions, referrals, and insights into opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
Build Connections That Lead to Opportunities
Once you begin engaging with the people you already know, you can gradually expand your network through mutual connections. Someone you know may be able to introduce you to a hiring manager, an employee at a company you're interested in, or a professional working in your target industry.
As LinkedIn's Catherine Fisher points out, your network can help bridge the gap between submitting applications and finding meaningful career opportunities.
Before sending your next networking message, take a moment to make your request clear, specific, and easy to act on. Explain what you need, keep the commitment manageable, and respect the other person's time.
A small change in how you reach out could make your networking efforts more productive—and help turn existing connections into valuable career opportunities.