Why Networking Isn’t a Dirty Word
The Secret to The Secret Jobs Marketplace
Here’s the harsh truth: the best jobs are never posted. They exist in the shadows — quietly swapped in the corner of a coffee shop, dropped casually in a boardroom meeting, or handed over during a round of golf.
These aren’t positions you stumble upon on a job board or land with a slick résumé alone. They’re reserved for people who are already part of the conversation. And if you’re not part of those conversations, you’re out.
Networking is the key to this secret marketplace — but not the kind that makes you cringe. I’m not talking about spamming strangers on LinkedIn with “Can I pick your brain?” messages or attending events where people wear sticky name tags and awkwardly shove business cards into each other’s hands. That’s amateur hour. What I mean is genuine, intentional connection-building — the kind where you offer value before you expect it.
Stop Tinkering with Your Résumé. Start Building Relationships.
If you’re serious about landing a great role in 2025, here’s your action plan: spend as much time building relationships as you do perfecting your résumé. Seriously, if you’ve spent three hours debating whether to use “proven track record” or “demonstrated expertise” in your summary, you could’ve used that time to actually talk to someone who matters.
Reach out to people already doing the job you want or working at companies you admire. And here’s the secret sauce: offer them something. That “something” could be a fresh perspective on an industry trend, a useful connection, or even just a well-thought-out question that shows you’ve done your homework. Most people love talking about themselves; give them the stage, and you’ll be surprised at how much they’re willing to share.
Don’t Ask for a Job. Ask for Advice.
Here’s a pro tip: never — repeat, never — lead with, “Are there any openings at your company?” It’s the networking equivalent of asking someone to marry you on the first date.
Instead, ask for advice.
Something as simple as, “How did you navigate this career path?” or “What do you wish you knew when you were starting out?” shows respect for their expertise. And here’s the kicker: people are much more likely to help you if they don’t feel like they’re being recruited into your job hunt.
Advice often leads to introductions. And introductions? They’re the currency of the hidden job market. You’re not just building a connection with one person; you’re potentially plugging into their entire network.
Be Strategic but Authentic
Networking isn’t a numbers game; it’s a quality game. Ten meaningful conversations beat a hundred superficial ones. If your idea of networking is blanketing LinkedIn with generic messages, you’re wasting your time.
Instead, tailor your approach.
Mention a specific thing you admire about their work or a recent article they wrote. Prove you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
At the same time, be authentic.
People can smell insincerity a mile away, and there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re someone’s project. Networking isn’t about using people; it’s about forming connections that are mutually beneficial. Be the person they’d want to grab coffee with, not the one they avoid at the office Christmas party.
Playing the Long Game
The hidden job market rewards patience. Networking isn’t a one-and-done deal; it’s a slow burn. You might have conversations today that bear fruit months — or even years — from now. That’s why it’s crucial to stay in touch. A quick “thought of you when I read this article” or “congrats on your recent promotion” keeps the relationship alive without being intrusive.
And remember: the goal isn’t just to land a job. It’s to build a network that will support you throughout your career. If you’re only reaching out when you need something, you’re doing it wrong. Relationships are like bank accounts; you’ve got to make deposits before you can make withdrawals.
The Bottom Line
If you want access to the best opportunities, you need to stop relying solely on job boards and start showing up where the real conversations are happening. Networking isn’t optional; it’s essential. But it’s also not a dirty word. Done right, it’s not about using people or faking interest. It’s about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.
So, start now.
Be curious. Be intentional. Be generous.
And when the time comes, don’t just ask for a job — ask for advice. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you let others shine while quietly positioning yourself for greatness.
The best jobs are hidden, but if you play the game right, you won’t need a map to find them.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
