Whether you’re looking for a job or just networking, the first thought is to rely on your strongest connections—family, friends, former colleagues. However, it’s actually loose ties that can be the most beneficial.

Many job hunters keep their circle too small. It’s important to expand your reach and proactively connect with people that are a few degrees separated. These connections have access to different information and resources compared to your inner circle.  

A study published in the Stanford Report found, “the greatest job mobility comes from moderately weak ties – social connections between the very weakest ties and ties of average relationship strength.”

Your close connections are people you spend a lot of time with, so you tend to be stuck in the same pool of information and opportunities. Tapping into loose connections broadens your pool and increases your odds of finding new roles. Not to mention, these weak ties tend to have less personal stake in the outcome.

With the holiday season in full swing, now’s the time to lean into your loose connections while at parties or other social gatherings. Don’t brush off people you don’t know well; they could be a path to the next step in your career.

Want to learn more about leveraging loose connections? Reach out.