In this guide
Applications, follow-ups and tracking
Finding roles through your network and referrals
A practical way to map your contacts, ask for information or a referral without pressure, and keep network leads organised alongside advertised roles.
Map who you already know
Most people know more relevant contacts than they think: former colleagues, managers, classmates, clients, suppliers, people from volunteering or clubs, and friends of friends. List them, then mark who works in or near your target field.
| Contact | Connection | Where they work | What to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Former team lead | Worked together for two years | Regional health charity | How their organisation hires operations staff |
| Course friend | Studied together | Software company | Whether their team uses referrals |
| Client contact | Worked on a shared project | Local council | Which roles are coming up next year |
Ask for information, not a job
A request for a job puts people on the spot. A request for information is easy to say yes to and often leads to the same place. Be specific about what you want to learn and how much time you are asking for.
Hi [Name], I hope you are well. I am looking for my next role in [field], ideally [type of role]. I know you have been at [organisation] for a while, and I would value 15 minutes of your view on how hiring works there and what they look for. Would you be open to a quick call in the next couple of weeks?
Make referring you easy
- Send a short summary of what you are looking for and your strongest relevant experience.
- Attach a resume tailored to the kind of role, so they can forward it with confidence.
- Point to a specific advert if one exists, so they can refer you against it.
- Accept a no gracefully; referral schemes and personal judgement vary.
Keep network leads organised
After each conversation
- Note what you learned and any names or roles they mentioned.
- Send a thank-you within a day.
- Record any promised next step and the date you will follow up.
- Tell them how things turn out; people like to know their help mattered.
Common questions
Is it awkward to ask a former colleague about jobs?
Less than it feels. Asking for their view on a field or employer is a reasonable request, and most people are glad to help if it is specific and brief.
What is a referral scheme?
Some employers ask staff to recommend candidates for open roles. A referral usually means your application is passed on with a recommendation; it does not replace the normal selection process.
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.