How to Use Your Connections to Find a Job (Even If You Barely Know Them)

How to Use Your Connections to Find a New Job (Even If You Met Them Once at a Conference)

1. The Hidden Job Market: Why Networking is More Powerful Than Applying Online

• Most doctors don’t get jobs from job boards—they get them from people they know.
• Studies show that 70-80% of job opportunities are never even posted publicly.
• That means your connections (even the weak ones) are often more valuable than sending out 100 CVs.
• Lesson: If you’re only applying online, you’re missing the real opportunities.

2. No Connection is Too Small

• You don’t need to be best friends with someone for them to help you.
• That doctor you met once at a conference? That colleague from medical school you haven’t spoken to in years?
• These are real connections—if you know how to approach them.

3. The Right Way to Reconnect Without Sounding Desperate

• You don’t want to message someone you haven’t spoken to in years and say:
  • “Hey, remember me? Can you get me a job?”
• Instead, rebuild the connection first.
• Example message:
  • “Hey Dr. [Name], we met at [event/hospital] a while back. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. Hope you’re doing well! I’d love to catch up and hear about your experience at [hospital/clinic].”
• Once the conversation flows naturally, then bring up your job search.

4. The Power of the Informational Interview

• Instead of asking for a job directly, ask for advice.
• Doctors love giving advice—it’s in our nature.
• Example approach:
  • “I’m considering a move to [specialty/location]. Since you have experience in that field, I’d love to hear your insights. Do you have 10 minutes for a quick chat?”
• This keeps the conversation non-threatening and makes it easier for them to help.

5. Leverage Social Media (Without Being Cringeworthy)

• LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook groups for doctors are goldmines for job opportunities.
• How to do it right:
  • Comment on posts of people in your field (so they recognize your name).
  • Share relevant medical news or insights to stay visible.
  • If you DM someone, be professional but friendly—no copy-paste messages.

6. The “Mutual Contact” Strategy: Get Introduced Instead of Cold Messaging

• If you and a potential employer have a mutual connection, ask for an introduction.
• Example:
  • “Hey [Mutual Contact], I saw that you know Dr. [Name] at [Hospital]. I’m looking into opportunities there and would love to get some insights. Would you mind introducing us?”
• A warm introduction always works better than a random message.

7. Conferences and Medical Events: The Best Place for “Job Hunting Without Job Hunting”

• If you’re actively looking for a job, conferences can be your best friend.
• Instead of awkwardly saying “I’m job hunting,” try:
  • “I’m really interested in working in [specialty/location]. Do you know of any good opportunities?”
• People love to give recommendations—sometimes they’ll directly connect you to a hiring manager.

8. Always Offer Something in Return (Even If It’s Small)

• If someone helps you, show gratitude—it makes them more likely to help again.
• How to give back:
  • Send a thank-you message after your chat.
  • Offer to return the favor in the future.
  • Keep them updated if their lead helped you land the job.

9. Follow Up Without Being Annoying

• If you reach out and they don’t reply, don’t panic.
• Doctors are busy—give them a week or two, then follow up politely.
• Example:
  • “Hey Dr. [Name], just following up in case you had any insights about [hospital/position]. Hope you’re doing well!”
• Most job offers happen because people follow up.

10. Be Ready When Opportunity Knocks

• If someone refers you for a job, be ready with:
  • A polished CV
  • A brief introduction email
  • A list of questions to ask in an interview
• You never know when someone will say, “Actually, we’re hiring right now!”

11. Treat Every Interaction Like a Future Job Opportunity

• Even if you’re not actively job hunting, networking today makes finding a job easier later.
• That intern you worked with? Might be a hiring manager one day.
• That professor you impressed? Could connect you to an amazing job years later.

12. Never Burn Bridges (Medicine is a Small World)

• The medical community is smaller than you think—a bad reputation will follow you.
• Always:
  • Be professional in all interactions.
  • Say thank you when someone helps.
  • Keep relationships positive, even if you don’t need them right now.

13. The “Luck” of Job Hunting (It’s Not Really Luck at All)

• The best jobs don’t always go to the most qualified candidates—they go to those who put themselves out there.
• If you consistently network, follow up, and stay visible, opportunities will come naturally.