How to Create a Networking Brief for Your Job Search

Your job search is a marketing plan, and you are the brand. One of the best tools you can create for yourself is a Networking Brief.

A Networking Brief is a simple, one-page document that helps your network understand what you are looking for and how they can help. It builds on the steps we shared in our blog post, How to Market Yourself During a Job Search, by giving your contacts the tools they need to take action.

Here’s how to create your Networking Brief:

Networking Brief: What to Include

Contact: Include your name, email, phone, LinkedIn, and location (city/metro area is sufficient).

Professional Objective:

Briefly state what kind of role you’re seeking. Be direct and specific enough to guide your network.

For example: “I’m looking for a full-time role in [function or department] at a [size/type] company focused on [industry, values, or outcomes].”

Questions to Consider: Are you open to freelance, part-time, or project-based work?

Preferred Roles/Titles:

List 3–5 job titles you would consider. These should match how jobs are commonly labeled on LinkedIn or job boards.

Questions to Consider: Do these titles align with your past experience and future goals? Would your ideal job include a leadership component?

Experience Overview:

Summarize who you are professionally in 3–5 short bullets. Focus on what you’re great at and how you create impact.

Try starting with: “I’m a [function] professional known for…”  or  “I bring [X years] experience in…”

Questions to Consider: What accomplishments are you proudest of? How would a previous colleague describe your strengths?

Competencies:

Group your top skills under broad capabilities (e.g., Leadership, Brand Strategy, Communication). Use bullets or brief phrases.

Questions to Consider: What are your “go-to” tools or approaches when leading or contributing to projects? Are there specific tools, platforms, or certifications that should be included?

Company & Brand Experience:

List the brands, companies, or industries you’ve worked with, especially recognizable or relevant ones.

Questions to Consider: Which companies or experiences best reflect the kind of work you want to do again? Are there names that carry weight in your target industry or city?

Target:

• Geographic Location: Where do you want to work? Be as specific as needed (city, region, remote preference).

• Industries: List 3–5 industries you’re most interested in (and ideally have experience with).

• Types of Organizations: Include descriptors like private vs. public, startup vs. established, agency vs. client-side.

• Size of Organization: Include a revenue or employee size range (if it matters to you).

Questions to Consider: Do you thrive in larger, structured environments, or smaller, nimble ones? Are there industries or company types you want to avoid?

Example Company List:

List specific companies you admire, are interested in, or would consider working for. These help your network make connections and suggestions. Group them by industry, if helpful.

How to Build Your Example Company List

Use your Target section (location, industries, company types, and size) as your guide, then start researching and naming specific companies.

Where to Search:

• Local business journals and news sites: Look for “Fastest Growing Companies,” “Best Places to Work,” or “Top Private Companies.”

• Chamber of Commerce directories: Browse member businesses in your area by category or industry.

• Economic development websites: These highlight key employers and growing sectors in your region.

• Industry associations or professional groups: Use directories, LinkedIn, or member highlights.

• Targeted Google searches: Try “Companies that hire [your job title] in [your city]” or “Top [industry] companies near me.”

• Library databases: Use DataAxel (formerly ReferenceUSA)—a free business directory available with a library card.

• Book of Lists: Published by your local business journal (like the Cincinnati Business Courier). These rank companies by size, growth, or industry.

If You’re Stuck:

Your target might be too broad. Try narrowing by:

• Location (metro area vs. state)

• Industry (2–3 focus areas)

• Company size or type (startup, agency, family-owned, etc.)

A more specific target makes it easier to find the right names and easier for others to help.

Ready to Take Action?

We created three free tools to make this easier for you:

1. A Next Job Criteria Template to help you define your ideal role
2. A Networking Brief Input Doc to guide your content
3. An Example Networking Brief so you can see how it all comes together