Why Your Next Job Won’t Come from a Resume—But a Conversation
A few months ago, I introduced two people in my network—Mel and Eddie—who hadn’t met before. They hit it off. A few weeks later, Mel referred Eddie to a job, and just like that, a simple conversation turned into a career opportunity.
Here’s what I learned: Networking is about conversations, not transactions.
It’s not about what you know; it’s about who you talk to. In today’s job market, your skills alone won’t carry you. You could be brilliant at your job, but if no one knows you, your profile just gathers digital dust. Opportunities come from relationships, not resumes. And those relationships start with conversations—sometimes they go somewhere, sometimes they don’t, but the key is to keep having them.
Think of LinkedIn like pubs in the UK—many of them are closing because people aren’t showing up anymore. Why? Remote work, flexible hours, and endless distractions on our phones mean fewer real connections are being made in those once-bustling spaces. LinkedIn is just the platform, but the magic happens in the conversations. If you’re not engaging, your profile becomes one of many, gathering cobwebs in a crowded room.
So how do you stand out and make those connections count?
#1. Be the connector, even when you don’t need anything.
Connecting people is one of the most powerful moves you can make in your network. Here’s how to start:
Think of two people in your network who should meet. Make the introduction. No formalities—just a simple, “I think you two would benefit from connecting.”
Stay alert for opportunities to help others. Whether it’s a job lead or advice, be the person who brings people together.
Check in with both people after the introduction. Follow up to see how things are going and keep the conversation alive.
#2. Keep the conversations going—pursue or leave them, but don’t stop.
Every conversation doesn’t need to lead to a job. It’s about staying engaged. Here’s how to do it:
Reach out to your connections periodically, even if just to say hi. Keep those relationships warm.
Comment on posts meaningfully. It shows you’re paying attention and adds value.
Message someone new. Take a chance on someone you admire. You never know where that one message might lead.
#3. Give value before you ask for anything.
Networking is about creating value, not just taking. Here’s how:
Share useful content or insights with your network that might help them.
Offer help freely, whether it’s advice, mentorship, or an introduction.
Give your time generously when you can. Small actions build trust and strong connections.
Introducing Mel and Eddie turned into a job referral, and that’s what networking on LinkedIn is all about—having real conversations, sparking new opportunities, and helping people grow.
Keep talking, keep connecting, and trust that those conversations will lead to something bigger, even if you’re not looking for it right now.
