“Networking” conjures up name badges, warm wine and awkward small talk. 🍷 In reality, especially after a layoff, networking simply means telling people you trust what you are looking for, and making it easy for them to help.
Most IT roles are filled through people: referrals, former colleagues, managers who move companies and recruiters who know the market. This guide shows you who to contact first, what to say and how to follow up.
Why networking matters so much
- Many roles are filled before they are ever advertised
- Referred candidates are often fast-tracked through interviews
- People who know your work can vouch for you in a way a CV cannot
- Conversations give you market insight: who is hiring, who is cutting, what skills are hot
Your call list, in order
- Former managers who rated your work. They are often your strongest advocates.
- Former colleagues who have moved to other companies. They know what you can do and can refer you internally.
- Vendors and partners you worked with on projects. They see many organisations and often hear about openings first.
- Two or three specialist recruiters in your skill area. Choose quality over quantity.
- Your wider LinkedIn network, with one clear, positive post.
- Industry communities: meetups, user groups (ServiceNow, Salesforce, AWS and so on) and alumni groups.
Messages you can copy
To a former manager:
“Hi Priya, hope you are well. My role at Acme was made redundant last week as part of a restructure. I really enjoyed working with you on the data platform project. I am looking for my next senior data engineering role in Melbourne, ideally hybrid. If you hear of anything, or would be happy to be a referee, I would really appreciate it. Coffee is on me if you have time.”
To a former colleague at another company:
“Hi Sam, congrats on the new role at Beta. I have just finished up at Acme after a restructure and I am exploring my next move in cloud engineering. Would you be up for a 20 minute chat about what it is like at Beta and whether there might be a fit?”
LinkedIn post:
“After four great years at Acme, my role was made redundant in this week’s restructure. I am proud of what our team built, including migrating 120 applications to Azure. I am now looking for my next cloud engineering role in Sydney, hybrid or contract. Introductions and advice are very welcome. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out.”
Make it easy to help you
- Be specific about the role, location, seniority and type of work
- Share your updated CV or LinkedIn profile
- Suggest a short call or coffee, not a long meeting
- Follow up once, politely, after about a week
- Say thank you, whatever the outcome
Making the most of conversations
Go in curious rather than desperate. Ask questions like: What is your team working on? What skills are hard to find? Who else should I talk to? End every conversation by asking for one introduction. That is how a network multiplies.
A real-world example
A project manager laid off from a telco sent eight messages in her first week. Five people replied, three met for coffee, and one introduced her to a program director at a state government agency who needed a PM in a month’s time. She started six weeks after her redundancy, without ever applying through a job board.
Give back
Networking works both ways. Share other people’s posts, refer people you rate, and help others who reach out to you. People remember generosity. 🤝
Networking checklist
- List 20 people across the categories above
- Send five messages a day for the first week
- Book at least two coffees or calls each week
- Track who you contacted and when to follow up
- Post once on LinkedIn with a clear ask
Using LinkedIn well during a search
- Update your headline to the role you want, for example “Senior Data Engineer | Azure | Databricks | Open to new roles”.
- Turn on Open to Work for recruiters only if you prefer discretion.
- Comment thoughtfully on posts from people in your field. It keeps you visible.
- Ask for recommendations from managers and peers.
- Follow target companies and engage with their posts.
Read LinkedIn for quiet IT professionals if self-promotion is not your thing.
Frequently asked questions
Who should I contact first after being laid off?
Start with former managers and colleagues who know your work, then specialist recruiters and your wider network.
Is it awkward to tell people I was made redundant?
Most people are sympathetic and happy to help. Redundancies are very common, so keep it brief and positive.
How often should I follow up?
Once, about a week later, is usually enough. Then keep in touch occasionally without pressure.
👉 Ready for your next move? Browse open IT jobs or register your CV and a Zone IT recruiter will be in touch.
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