Networking After a Layoff: How to Reach Out (With Scripts)

Here's a reality of job searching: 70-80% of jobs are filled through networking. Not job boards, not applications—connections.

If networking feels awkward or salesy, this guide will help you reframe it and give you scripts that actually work. We'll cover everything from reaching out to your existing network to attending events, conducting informational interviews, and following up effectively.

Reframe Your Mindset

Networking Isn't Begging

The biggest barrier to effective networking is often psychological. You're not asking for a handout. You're:

• Reconnecting with people who know and respect you
• Offering to share insights and help them too
• Expanding your professional community
• Learning about opportunities and industries
• Building mutually beneficial relationships

Most people genuinely want to help. They've been in your shoes or might be someday. In fact, many professionals find satisfaction in helping others navigate career transitions because they remember when someone helped them.

Think of networking as professional relationship building, not transactional favor-asking. The best networkers focus on creating value for both parties, maintaining genuine curiosity about others, and playing the long game.

Quality Over Quantity

You don't need to network with hundreds of people. A few meaningful conversations with the right people are exponentially more valuable than dozens of superficial connections.

Focus on depth rather than breadth. A single conversation with someone who truly understands your industry and is invested in your success can open more doors than fifty generic LinkedIn connections.

The Compounding Effect of Networking

Every conversation you have can lead to multiple new connections. If you talk to one person and they introduce you to two others, and those two each introduce you to two more, your network expands rapidly. This compounding effect is why consistent networking activity—even just a few meaningful conversations per week—can transform your job search.

Who to Reach Out To

Tier 1: Strong Connections (Start Here)

People who know you and your work are your most valuable contacts. They can vouch for your abilities and are most likely to want to help:

• Former colleagues you worked closely with — They've seen your work firsthand and can speak to your capabilities
• Former managers who supervised you — They understand your strengths and can provide strategic advice
• Close friends in your industry — They want to see you succeed and may have insider knowledge
• College or grad school classmates you're in touch with — Shared experiences create strong bonds
• Mentors or people you've mentored — These relationships are built on mutual support

Start with 5-10 people in this category. Your response rate should be 70-90% with strong connections.

Tier 2: Extended Network

People you know but haven't talked to recently still remember you and are often happy to reconnect:

• Former colleagues from earlier jobs — Even if it's been years, professional relationships endure
• LinkedIn connections you've interacted with — People who've engaged with your content or vice versa
• Alumni from your school — School connections create an instant bond
• Industry contacts from conferences or events — You've already broken the ice
• Former clients or customers — If you had a good working relationship
• Professional association members — People you've met through industry groups
• Former vendors or partners — Business relationships often become personal ones

With extended network contacts, expect a 40-60% response rate. These people may not remember you immediately, so include context about how you're connected.

Tier 3: New Connections

People you don't know yet but could help—cold outreach requires more finesse but can be highly effective:

• People at companies you're targeting — Research who works in relevant departments
• Industry leaders or experts — Many successful people enjoy mentoring others
• Recruiters specializing in your field — It's literally their job to connect people with opportunities
• Second-degree connections (friends of friends) — Ask for warm introductions when possible
• Authors, speakers, or thought leaders — People who create content often enjoy engaging with their audience
• LinkedIn group members — Participate first, then reach out personally
• People who recently changed jobs — They're often open to talking about their experience

Cold outreach has a 10-25% response rate. Don't take non-responses personally—timing and circumstances matter more than your message.

Leveraging Your Existing Connections

Start with a Network Audit

Before reaching out, take stock of your existing network:

1. Export your LinkedIn connections — Download your connections list to see everyone at once
2. Review your email contacts — Look through past correspondence for forgotten connections
3. Check your phone contacts — People you text with may not be on LinkedIn
4. Think through past jobs — Write down names of colleagues from each position
5. Review school connections — Classmates, professors, career services contacts
6. Consider community connections — Professional associations, volunteer work, hobby groups

Create a spreadsheet with columns for: Name, Company, How You Know Them, Last Contact, Priority Level (Tier 1-3), and Notes.

Activate Dormant Connections

Relationships don't expire—they just go dormant. Here's how to reactivate them:

For people you haven't talked to in 1-2 years:
Acknowledge the gap casually: "It's been too long since we caught up" or "I hope you've been well since we last talked."

For people you haven't talked to in 3-5 years:
Reference specific shared experiences: "I was thinking about our time working on [project] together" or "I saw your recent post about [topic] and remembered our conversations about this."

For people you haven't talked to in 5+ years:
Be transparent about the time gap and give them context: "I know it's been ages since we talked—we worked together at [Company] back in [year]. I've been following your career and was impressed to see [specific achievement]."

Ask for Introductions

One of the most powerful networking strategies is getting warm introductions from mutual connections:

How to ask for an introduction:

Hi [Your Contact],

I hope you're doing well! I'm reaching out because I saw that you're connected with [Target Person] on LinkedIn. I'm really interested in learning more about [their company/role/industry], and I'd love to connect with them.

Would you be comfortable making an introduction? I'm happy to draft a note you could forward, or you could just mention my name if that's easier.

Either way, I appreciate you considering it!

Best,
[Your name]

Make it easy for them:

• Explain why you want to connect with that specific person
• Offer to write the introduction yourself
• Don't pressure them if they're not comfortable

Scripts That Work

Reaching Out to Close Contacts

Subject: Quick catch-up?

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to let you know that I was recently laid off from [Company] as part of their restructuring.

I'm starting my job search and focusing on [type of role] in [industry/area]. I've always valued your perspective and would love to catch up.

Would you have 15-20 minutes for a quick call this week or next? I'd love to hear what you're working on, and I'm happy to share what I'm seeing in the market too.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Why this works:

• It's direct about your situation
• It's specific about what you're looking for
• It shows genuine interest in them, not just your needs
• It offers value in return (market insights)
• It respects their time with a specific duration

Reaching Out to Extended Network

Subject: [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out

or

Subject: Fellow [Company/School] alum - quick question

Hi [Name],

I hope this message finds you well. We [met at X / worked together at Y / connected through Z] a while back, and I've enjoyed following your work at [Company].

I recently transitioned out of my role at [Company] and am exploring opportunities in [area]. Given your experience in [their area], I'd love to get your perspective on [specific question or topic].

Would you have 15-20 minutes for a brief call? I'd really appreciate any insights you could share.

Best,
[Your name]

Why this works:

• It reminds them how you're connected
• It shows you've paid attention to their career
• It asks for something specific, not just "help me find a job"
• It's brief and respectful of their time

Reaching Out Cold (Someone You Don't Know)

Subject: [Specific topic] question from a fellow [industry] professional

Hi [Name],

I came across your profile while researching [specific topic] and was impressed by your work on [specific thing they did].

I'm a [your title] with [X years] of experience in [area], currently exploring new opportunities after a layoff. I'm particularly interested in [topic/company/area] and would value your perspective.

Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share your experience? I'd be happy to work around your schedule, and I'm also happy to share what I've learned about [relevant topic] in return.

Thank you for considering,
[Your name]

Why this works:

• It shows you've done your homework
• It's specific about why you're reaching out to them specifically
• It offers something in return
• It acknowledges you're a stranger asking for their time

Asking for a Referral

Subject: Opportunity at [Company] - would you be open to referring me?

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because I saw that [Company] is hiring for a [Role], and I'm really excited about the opportunity.

Given my experience in [relevant area] and my track record of [achievement], I think I could add a lot of value to the team. I'd love to apply, and I'm wondering—would you be comfortable referring me for the position?

I know referrals can carry extra weight, and I'd really appreciate your help. If you'd like, I can send my resume and a summary of why I think I'm a good fit.

Either way, thanks for considering, and I hope we can catch up soon.

Best,
[Your name]

Why this works:

• It's direct about what you're asking for
• It explains why you're a good fit
• It acknowledges that you're asking them to put their reputation on the line
• It gives them an out ("if you'd like")
• It offers to do the work for them

Following Up (No Response)

Subject: Re: [Original subject]

Hi [Name],

Just wanted to follow up on my note from last week. I understand you're busy—if now isn't a good time, no worries at all.

I'm still interested in learning more about [topic], and I'm flexible on timing. Even a quick email exchange would be helpful if a call doesn't work.

Thanks again,
[Your name]

Wait 5-7 business days before following up. Follow up once, maybe twice. Then let it go. People are busy, and non-responses often have nothing to do with you.

Mastering Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are one of the most powerful networking tools. They're low-pressure conversations that help you learn, build relationships, and often lead to job opportunities.

How to Request an Informational Interview

The key is to be clear that you're asking for advice, not a job:

• Use phrases like "pick your brain," "get your perspective," or "learn about your experience"
• Suggest a specific duration (15-20 minutes)
• Offer flexibility on format (call, video, coffee, email)
• Give them an easy out

Preparing for the Conversation

Before the call:

1. Research the person thoroughly (LinkedIn, company website, recent news)
2. Prepare 5-7 questions tailored to them
3. Know what you want to learn
4. Prepare a brief (60-90 second) introduction about yourself
5. Test your tech if it's a video call
6. Have a notepad ready

Your opening:
Thank them for their time, remind them how long you scheduled, and give them a brief overview of your background and what you're hoping to learn.

Questions to Ask

About Their Role/Company

• "What's a typical day or week like in your role?"
• "What do you enjoy most about working at [Company]?"
• "What challenges is the team/company facing right now?"
• "What skills are most valuable in this role?"
• "How has the role evolved since you started?"
• "What surprised you most when you joined [Company]?"
• "What's the culture like at [Company]?"
• "How does [Company] approach [specific relevant topic]?"

About the Industry

• "What trends are you seeing in [industry] right now?"
• "What advice would you give someone breaking into this space?"
• "What's changed most in the past few years?"
• "Where do you see the industry heading in the next 3-5 years?"
• "What skills are becoming more important?"
• "What misconceptions do people have about this field?"

About Your Search

• "Based on my background, what types of roles do you think I should target?"
• "Is there anyone else you'd suggest I talk to?"
• "What's the best way to learn more about opportunities at [Company]?"
• "Are there any skills you think I should develop or highlight?"
• "What would make a candidate stand out for roles like this?"

About Their Career Path

• "How did you get into this field?"
• "What were the key turning points in your career?"
• "If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?"
• "What resources or communities have been most helpful to you?"

Closing Questions

• "What's one thing you wish you'd known earlier in your career?"
• "Is there anything I can help you with?"
• "Would it be okay if I keep you updated on my search?"
• "May I reach out again if I have follow-up questions?"

What NOT to Ask

Avoid:

• "Do you have any job openings?" (too direct)
• "Can you get me a job?" (puts them in an awkward position)
• "What's your salary?" (inappropriate for informational interviews)
• "What's wrong with my resume?" (unless they specifically offer to review it)
• Generic questions you could Google

During the Conversation

Do

• Be genuinely interested in them — This isn't just a transaction
• Listen more than you talk — Aim for 70/30 (them/you)
• Take notes — It shows respect and helps you follow up
• Be respectful of their time — End on time or early
• Offer to help them too — Share an article, make an introduction, etc.
• Send a thank-you note after — Within 24 hours
• Ask for permission — Before asking for introductions or referrals
• Be authentic — Let your personality show

Don't

• Treat it as a job interview — It's a conversation, not an interrogation
• Ask directly for a job — Unless they bring it up
• Overstay your time — If they said 15 minutes, respect that
• Complain about your former employer — Stay professional and positive
• Be pushy or desperate — Confidence is attractive; desperation isn't
• Forget to follow up — The relationship continues after the call
• Monopolize the conversation — They should talk more than you
• Read from a script — Be natural and conversational

Reading the Signals

Pay attention to how the conversation flows:

Positive signs:

• They offer to introduce you to others
• They mention job openings or upcoming opportunities
• They ask detailed questions about your background
• They extend the conversation beyond the scheduled time
• They offer to review your resume or application
• They ask you to follow up in a specific timeframe

Neutral signs:

• They answer your questions but don't elaborate much
• They stick to the scheduled time exactly
• They're professional but not particularly warm

Negative signs:

• They seem distracted or rushed
• They give very brief answers
• They don't engage with your questions
• They don't offer next steps or connections

Even neutral or negative informational interviews aren't failures—you still learned something and practiced your networking skills.

After the Conversation

Send a Thank-You Within 24 Hours

Hi [Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated your insights on [specific thing they shared].

Your suggestion to [specific advice] was particularly helpful, and I'm going to [action you'll take].

I'll keep you posted on how my search progresses. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's ever anything I can help you with.

Best,
[Your name]

Make it specific:

• Reference something unique from your conversation
• Mention a specific piece of advice
• State what action you'll take based on their input
• Offer to reciprocate

Follow Up on Action Items

If they suggested:

• Someone else to talk to → Reach out within a week and mention their referral
• A job to apply for → Apply within 2-3 days and let them know
• Something to read/learn → Do it and share your thoughts in a follow-up message
• A specific next step → Complete it and report back

Following through on action items shows you respect their advice and are serious about your search.

Keep Them Updated

When you have news (interviews, offers, new job), let key contacts know. People love to hear that their help made a difference.

Example update:

Hi [Name],

I wanted to share some good news—I just accepted an offer for a [Role] at [Company]! Your advice about [specific thing] was incredibly helpful in preparing for the interviews.

Thank you again for taking the time to talk with me. I really appreciate your support, and I hope we can stay in touch.

Best,
[Your name]

These updates:

• Close the loop on their investment in you
• Make them feel good about helping
• Keep the relationship warm for the future
• May help someone else they're advising

Networking Events and Communities

Online Communities

Digital communities are great for introverts and for making connections outside your geographic area:

Where to participate:

• Industry Slack groups — Often more active and engaged than LinkedIn
• LinkedIn groups — Good for finding people in your field
• Reddit communities — r/jobs, r/careerguidance, plus industry-specific subreddits
• Discord servers — Increasingly popular for professional communities
• Twitter/X communities — Follow industry hashtags and engage in conversations
• Facebook groups — Professional groups can be surprisingly active
• Industry-specific forums — Many fields have dedicated discussion platforms

How to engage effectively:

1. Lurk first — Spend a week observing before posting
2. Provide value — Answer questions, share resources, offer insights
3. Be consistent — Regular participation builds recognition
4. Be genuine — Share your actual thoughts, not what you think people want to hear
5. Support others — Celebrate their wins, commiserate with challenges
6. Direct message thoughtfully — Move conversations to DMs when appropriate
7. Don't spam — Share your job search status once, then focus on being helpful

In-Person Events

Face-to-face networking is still incredibly powerful:

Types of events:

• Industry meetups — Find them on Meetup.com, Eventbrite, LinkedIn Events
• Professional association events — Most industries have local chapters
• Alumni gatherings — Schools often host networking events
• Conferences — Expensive but high-value connections
• Workshops and seminars — Learn and network simultaneously
• Coffee chats or happy hours — Informal gatherings organized by communities
• Career fairs — Not just for new grads
• Panel discussions and speaker events — Q&A sessions are networking gold

How to Work Events

Going to events is only half the battle. Here's how to make them productive:

Before the event:

1. Set a goal — "Have 3 meaningful conversations" not "collect 50 business cards"
2. Research attendees — Many events share attendee lists
3. Prepare your introduction — 30-second version of who you are and what you're looking for
4. Bring business cards — Or have LinkedIn QR code ready
5. Dress appropriately — Match or slightly exceed the expected dress code

During the event:

1. Arrive early — It's less crowded and easier to approach people
2. Approach people standing alone — They're often grateful for someone to talk to
3. Join small groups — Easier than large circles
4. Ask questions and listen — "What brings you here?" "What do you do?"
5. Have conversations, not pitches — Build genuine connections
6. Exchange contact info — Get specific about how you'll follow up
7. Take notes after each conversation — Brief notes on your phone about what you discussed
8. Don't monopolize anyone — 10-15 minutes, then move on
9. Don't spend the whole time with people you know — You're there to expand your network
10. Volunteer or help organize — Great way to meet people naturally

Body language tips:

• Make eye contact
• Smile genuinely
• Keep your hands free (not holding phone)
• Turn your body toward the person you're talking to
• Don't cross your arms
• Nod and show engagement

Conversation starters:

• "What brings you to this event?"
• "What do you do at [Company]?"
• "Have you been to this event before?"
• "What's been the most interesting thing you've heard so far?"
• "How did you get into [industry]?"

Graceful exits:

• "I don't want to monopolize your time—I know there are lots of people here to meet"
• "I should let you mingle, but let's definitely connect on LinkedIn"
• "I'm going to grab another drink/snack, but it was great talking to you"
• "I see someone I need to say hello to, but let's continue this conversation over email"

After the event:

1. Review your notes — While conversations are fresh
2. Connect on LinkedIn within 24 hours — Include a personal note
3. Send follow-up emails — Reference specific conversations
4. Complete any commitments — Send that article you mentioned, make that introduction
5. Reflect on what worked — What felt natural? What would you do differently?

Common Concerns

"I feel like I'm bothering people"

You're not. Most people genuinely want to help. Here's why:

• They've been in your shoes or may be someday
• Helping others feels good
• They remember people who helped them
• They might learn something from you too
• Networking is part of professional life

The worst they can do is not respond—and that's fine. It's usually about their circumstances, not about you.

Reframe your thinking:

• "I'm giving them an opportunity to help someone"
• "I'm building a relationship that could be mutually beneficial"
• "I'm showing respect by asking for their expertise"

"I don't know what to say"

Use the scripts above. Practice before you reach out. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.

Practice techniques:

• Role-play with a friend or family member
• Record yourself and listen back
• Write out your introduction and read it aloud
• Join a Toastmasters group for general communication practice
• Start with lower-stakes contacts before reaching out to dream contacts

"I don't have a network"

You have more connections than you think. Start with:

• Former classmates — Use LinkedIn alumni search
• Former colleagues — Even from years ago
• Friends of friends — Ask for introductions
• Industry groups — Start participating and you'll build connections
• Online communities — Easier to build relationships when you can think before responding
• Local meetups — Regular attendance builds familiarity
• Volunteer work — Meet people while doing good

Everyone starts somewhere. Every connection in your network began as a stranger.

"I'm an introvert"

Networking doesn't have to mean working a room. Focus on:

• One-on-one conversations — Where introverts often excel
• Written communication — Email, LinkedIn messages
• Small group settings — Intimate dinners or coffee chats
• Online communities — Where you can contribute thoughtfully
• Deep relationships — Quality over quantity plays to introvert strengths
• Preparation — Introverts often shine when they can prepare

Introverts can be excellent networkers because they listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and build deep relationships.

"I haven't talked to this person in years"

That's okay! People understand that life gets busy. A simple "It's been a while, hope you're doing well" opens the door.

Templates for reconnecting:

For 2-3 years: "It's been too long! I hope you've been well."

For 5+ years: "I know it's been ages, but I was thinking about our time at [Company] and wanted to reach out."

For 10+ years: "I hope this isn't too out of the blue, but I've been reflecting on my career and remembered working with you at [Company] back in [year]."

Most people are happy to hear from old colleagues. Worst case, they don't respond.

"What if they say no?"

• That's okay—not everyone can help everyone
• It's usually about their bandwidth, not about you
• A "no" now doesn't mean "never"
• You've lost nothing by asking
• Move on to the next person

How to handle rejection gracefully:

Thanks so much for considering it. I completely understand—I know you're busy. I appreciate you getting back to me!

Then let it go and move on.

Weekly Networking Goals

Aim for consistent activity rather than occasional bursts:

Week	Goals
Week 1	Reach out to 5 close contacts, create network spreadsheet
Week 2	Schedule 3-5 conversations, reach out to 5 more contacts
Week 3	Reach out to 5 extended network contacts, join 1 online community
Week 4	Schedule 3-5 more conversations, attend 1 event
Ongoing	5-10 outreach messages/week, 3+ conversations/week, 1 event/month

Track your networking in your job search spreadsheet with columns for:

• Contact name
• How you know them
• Date of outreach
• Response status
• Call scheduled/completed
• Follow-up needed
• Notes

The Numbers Game

Not everyone will respond, and that's normal. Understanding typical response rates helps you stay motivated:

Response rates:

• Close contacts (Tier 1): 70-90%
• Extended network (Tier 2): 40-60%
• Cold outreach (Tier 3): 10-25%

Conversion to calls:

• About 50-70% of those who respond will agree to a call
• About 80-90% of scheduled calls will actually happen

Each conversation typically leads to:

• 1-2 new names to contact
• 0-2 specific job leads
• 1-3 new insights about the market

If you reach out to 10 people each week:

• Week 1: 10 outreach → 5 responses → 3 calls → 5 new contacts
• Week 2: 15 outreach → 7 responses → 5 calls → 8 new contacts
• Week 3: 20 outreach → 10 responses → 7 calls → 12 new contacts

By week 4, you're having ongoing conversations and your network is compounding.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Five outreach messages per week for a month (20 total) will get you further than 50 messages in one week followed by nothing.

Advanced Networking Strategies

The "Give First" Approach

Instead of asking for help, offer value first:

• Share a relevant article with a note
• Make an introduction between two people who should know each other
• Offer your expertise on something they're working on
• Congratulate them on a recent achievement

This approach builds goodwill before you ask for anything.

Building a "Board of Advisors"

Identify 3-5 people who can provide different perspectives:

• Someone in your target industry
• Someone who's great at networking
• Someone who knows your work well
• Someone who can be brutally honest with you
• Someone ahead of you in their career

Check in with these people regularly throughout your search.

Staying Visible

Even while job searching, stay active professionally:

• Post thoughtful content on LinkedIn
• Comment on others' posts
• Write articles or blog posts
• Speak at events or on panels
• Contribute to industry publications
• Help others with their job searches

The more visible you are, the more opportunities come to you.

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Key Takeaways

1. Most jobs come through connections — Networking isn't optional, it's the primary path to opportunities
2. It's not about asking for jobs — It's about building genuine relationships and gathering information
3. Start with people who know you — Warm contacts first, then extend outward
4. Be helpful, not just needy — Offer value, share insights, make introductions
5. Follow up consistently — After conversations, with updates, and to nurture relationships
6. Quality beats quantity — A few meaningful conversations outweigh dozens of shallow ones
7. Practice makes it natural — The more you network, the less awkward it feels
8. Track your activity — Use a spreadsheet to stay organized and maintain momentum
9. Play the long game — Networking is about relationships, not transactions
10. Persistence pays off — Consistent weekly activity compounds over time

Remember: networking isn't about using people, it's about building a community of professionals who support each other. The relationships you build during your job search will benefit you throughout your entire career.

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Related Resources:

• LinkedIn Optimization →
• Resume Tips →
• Interview Preparation →
• Maintaining Relationships During Job Loss →
• Rebuilding Confidence →