Most of My Jobs Came From Knowing the Right People

Not job boards. Not cold applications. Just… people.

• My first job? Working in my uncle's ice cream stall.

• Second? Working the cash change kiosk on the pier run by friends of my parents.

• First "career" job after uni? A graduate accounting role I heard about through a mate's dad.

• And when I moved to Australia? My first recruitment job came through a friend from London - her husband ran a recruitment agency.

Yes, I had the skills.

Yes, I worked hard.

But the door opened because someone knew me and was willing to vouch for me.

Networking isn't about 'working the room'. It's about connection, trust and visibility.

If you're relying solely on job ads for your next role, you're only playing half the game.

So, how do you network well on LinkedIn?

Here are a few tips I share with job seekers I coach:

1. Reconnect with past colleagues - a simple message to check in can start a conversation that leads to an opportunity.

2. Comment before you DM - add value publicly before jumping into someone's inbox.

3. Send a voice note, or better still video - it's more personal than text and helps you stand out.

4. Ask better questions - try "how did they get into their role?" instead of "can you refer me?

5. Let people know you're open - share what you're looking for (without desperation). Be clear, not vague.

6. Add value first - share insights, articles, or your perspective. Don't just ask - offer.

Because it's not just who you know.

It's who knows you, and what they remember about you.