Building Connections: Networking Before a Company is Hiring

Sending applications only after a job is posted puts you in a crowded line with hundreds of other people. Networking with employers before they are hiring for a role helps you get known early, so you're not a stranger when an opening shows up. It also helps you learn what the company actually needs, which makes your future application stronger.

Why early networking works

Hiring managers take less risk when they already recognize your name. If someone on the team has talked with you, liked you, and can vouch that you're thoughtful and prepared, you move from 'random applicant' to 'known professional.' That's why building relationships before a role exists can lead to referrals, early heads-up about openings, and faster responses when you do apply.

Where to start: pick employers on purpose

Make a list of employers you're genuinely interested in. Use LinkedIn to follow their company pages, watch what they post, and pay attention to growth signals (new leaders, new products, teams expanding). If you also attend networking events, look for meetups or industry talks where employees from those companies might show up.

Your LinkedIn action plan (step-by-step)

1. Search the company, then people. On LinkedIn, go to the company page and click the list of employees. Start with roles close to the team you want (future peers, team leads, recruiters).

2. Find any real connection. Look for something that makes the outreach warm: same college, same hometown, previous employer, shared volunteer work, same professional group, same conference, or a mutual connection. Even a small connection can open the door to a conversation.

3. Send a short message that bridges the connection. Keep it simple, specific, and respectful of their time.

   Example message: 'Hi Maya-I noticed we both went to Ohio State, and I've been following the work your team is doing at Acme. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute coffee chat sometime next week? I'd love to learn about your role and what's important on your team.'

4. Your most important goal: get a call on the calendar. Don't try to 'pitch' yourself over messages. The win is a short 15-minute call (a coffee chat / informational interview). Offer two time windows, and make it easy for them to say yes.

How to run the 15-minute coffee chat (and what to say)

On the call, you are not there to talk about yourself the whole time. You are there to learn about them and their world. Be curious, take notes, and keep it professional.

• First 60 seconds: thank them, confirm the time ('I'll keep this to 15 minutes'), and share one sentence about your interest ('I'm exploring roles in X and wanted to learn how your team works').

• Spend most of the time asking questions. Try:

  • What does your day-to-day look like?

  • What skills make someone successful on your team?

  • What's changing in the team or industry right now?

  • If you were starting over, what would you focus on learning first?

  • Is there anyone else you recommend I speak with?

• Last 2 minutes: thank them, ask if you can stay in touch, and (if it feels natural) mention you'd love to be considered if they hear about future openings.

Follow-up so the connection actually sticks

Networking tips that work long-term are simple: follow up within 24 hours with a thank-you note and one specific takeaway you learned. Then keep the relationship warm-for example, check in every 6-8 weeks with a quick update, a helpful article, or a congrats when they post a milestone. This keeps you top of mind without being pushy.

Final step: set alerts so you're first to apply

Once you've made the connection, don't wait and hope you'll stumble across an opening. Use JobNab to set alerts for your target employers so you find out the moment they post a new role. Now you can apply quickly while you're still top of mind-and you're not applying cold. You've already opened the door to a conversation, which puts you ahead of the crowd and sets you up to land the interview.

Quick checklist

• Choose a targeted list of employers

• Find 2 to 3 people per company on LinkedIn

• Identify a shared connection (school, location, mutual contact, past work)

• Send a short outreach message and ask for a 15-minute call

• On the call, focus on them-ask questions and listen

• Follow up and keep building the relationship

• Set JobNab alerts so you're first to apply when a role posts

When you build connections before a company is hiring, you stop relying on luck. You create real relationships-and those relationships are often what unlock the next opportunity.