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Leveraging Weak Ties: A Practical Guide to Expanding Your Career Network

Writer's picture: Career Pathway InstituteCareer Pathway Institute


With all the online communications, many of us have a lot of distant contacts. While we tend to focus on our close connections regarding a job search, remote connections, or weak ties can be even more useful. Let's talk about it.


The science behind the idea


The idea of weak ties is not new. In 1973, Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter published his paper “The Strength of Weak Ties" in The American Journal of Sociology. He defined weak ties as a means of “diffusion of influence and information, mobility opportunity, and community organization.”


In 2015, a group of researchers from MIT and LinkedIn decided to prove the theory through an experiment. The results of the five-year experiment were published in 2022 in the article “A Causal Test of the Strength of Weak Ties.” The authors analyzed LinkedIn's People You May Know algorithm data over five years.





What Were the Findings?


  1. There is a U-shaped relationship between tie strength and finding and securing a job.

    The research found that the connection between how strong or weak a relationship is and how likely it is to help you find a job follows a curve. At first, weaker relationships, like distant acquaintances, can be very helpful in finding a job. However, after a certain point, if the relationship is too weak, the benefits of that connection decrease and won’t help as much.


  2. Friends of friends are most likely to help you find a job.

    Weak connections, based on how often you interact and how many friends you have in common, have different effects on finding jobs. Moderately weak connections (like friends of friends) and very weak connections (like people you don’t talk to often) are the ones that help you find jobs the most.


  3. The benefits of weak connections change depending on the industry.

    In digital industries, weak ties help you find jobs more effectively. In less digital industries, strong ties, like close friends, are better for finding jobs.


What the Numbers Say


56% of people found jobs through weak ties, meaning acquaintances they rarely interacted with.
In contrast, only 27% secured jobs through close friends and colleagues.
A LinkedIn study found that 80% of professionals believe networking is crucial for career growth, with weak ties playing a significant role in opening new horizons.

How to Leverage Weak Ties Practically


  • Reconnect with Former Colleagues: Send a brief message to former colleagues, mentioning that you haven’t spoken in a while. Politely let them know you might need some assistance. Approach the conversation with respect and understanding, as this might come as a surprise to them.

  • Set a Goal to Reach Out: Aim to contact 20-30 people and inform them that you are looking for a job in a specific profession. This focused effort can help broaden your network and create new opportunities.

  • Join Professional Online Communities: Engage in interest-based groups on LinkedIn or other social networks. Participate in discussions and connect with new contacts.

  • Attend Networking Events and Conferences: Even small webinars can introduce you to new weak ties that may assist in your professional growth.


Open Your Contacts


  • Check your contact list; what numbers have you saved? Who have you not talked to in a long time?

  • Review your messages on Facebook and WhatsApp — this can remind you of useful acquaintances.

  • Look through old email threads — they may help revive forgotten connections.

  • Scroll through your gallery photos — pictures from events or conferences might jog your memory about people you can reconnect with.

  • Regularly Share Content on Professional Platforms: Write articles or share news from your field to stay visible and expand your network.


Weak ties can become bridges to new opportunities and career successes. Cultivate them!


 


Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?


As we've discussed the power of weak ties and how networking can open new opportunities, we’re excited to announce an excellent opportunity to enhance your career journey!


Join us from November 11-15 for a 5-day online course designed specifically for expats and international professionals looking to thrive in the U.S. job market. Led by Kate Khatseyeva, this program will equip you with the essential tools to clarify your career path, improve your brand, and boost your networking skills.


Course Details:

  • Dates: November 11-15

  • Format: Online

  • Cost: Early Bird $50 | Regular $100


Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your professional connections and set yourself up for success in your career.


Register now to secure your spot and take a significant step toward your career goals!





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