Networking Simplified: How Spotly Helps You Build Connections and Find Referrals

A cozy room with a wooden desk, computer, and warm sunlight streaming through a window.

For most job seekers, networking feels like the hardest part of the career journey. Sending cold LinkedIn messages, waiting for replies, and trying to land referrals can be intimidating. Yet research shows that up to 85% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals. That means the hidden job market is often unlocked not through job boards, but through relationships.

This is where Spotly comes in.

Spotly isn’t just another job board it’s a full-stack AI-powered career assistant designed to help you go beyond applications and actually connect with the right people. Instead of leaving networking to chance, Spotly helps you simplify and systemize the process.

Recently, Spotly hosted a LinkedIn Live with Anna Miller, a career coach and founder of Code Career Mastery. The session was packed with insights on how to approach networking in a way that feels natural and effective. Here are some of the highlights:

Break Networking Into Steps

Networking is intimidating when you think of it as one big task. But when you break it into smaller steps—like identifying people in your city, attending industry conferences, or even joining hobby groups—it becomes manageable. Be intentional about whom you meet.

Stay Curious, Not Frustrated

One of Anna’s biggest reminders: you can’t be frustrated while networking. Instead, approach it with curiosity. Ask about what people do, what interests them, and where your common ground lies. Curiosity builds authentic connections.

Make It a Two-Way Conversation

Good networking isn’t about pitching yourself. Conversations should be back-and-forth. Share your own interests, but give space for the other person to contribute too.

Prepare Questions and Practice

Do you struggle with what to say? Prepare questions in advance and even practice with a chatbot like Spotly Interview Prep to simulate conversations and get more comfortable.

Avoid the Common Mistakes

Many job seekers unknowingly sabotage their networking efforts by making avoidable mistakes. One of the biggest is writing long texts about yourself. Networking isn’t about overwhelming someone with your achievements, but about showing interest in them. Another mistake is neglecting LinkedIn. Your profile should always be up to date, and it helps to regularly share posts about your work or progress so others can see your growth. Finally, don’t treat networking as a transaction. At its core, networking is just like a real-life conversation authentic, back-and-forth, and human.

Adopt Effective Practices

Instead of making those mistakes, focus on small, effective habits that make a big difference. Start by genuinely complimenting the other person’s work or something they’ve shared it shows you value their contributions. Engage with posts that resonate with you and add thoughtful comments to continue the conversation. Think of LinkedIn not just as a job board, but as a community space where you can build meaningful, long-term professional relationships. When you treat networking as a way to connect, rather than just a way to ask, doors open naturally.