We tend to think that career progress is linear; a mix of performance, timing, and luck. But the truth is, one of the strongest predictors of opportunity is who still remembers you.

In today’s job market, applying online often feels like shouting into the void. ATS systems filter, recruiters skim, and hundreds of resumes blur together. Yet a single message from a former colleague or mentor can cut through all of that instantly. That’s not coincidence because that’s trust at work.

People hire people they know, or at least those who come recommended by someone they trust. Data from LinkedIn consistently shows that referrals increase your chances of getting hired by four times, and nearly half of referred candidates make it past the first interview. It’s not about favoritism but more about reducing risk.

Reconnection as a Career Skill

Reaching out doesn’t have to feel transactional. Sometimes it’s as simple as checking in, sharing what you’ve been up to, or congratulating someone on a new role. The key is authenticity. A past coworker you respected. A manager who once mentored you. A teammate who left before you did. These are not “contacts.” They’re professional witnesses to your growth.

Over time, those reconnections compound. The person you helped on a project three years ago might now be hiring for your dream job. The recruiter you spoke to in passing could resurface at a new company with an opening that fits you perfectly.

The most effective networkers aren’t the loudest btut also the most consistent.

How to Build Momentum from Past Relationships

Think of your network as an ecosystem, not a list.

• Start small: Reconnect with two people each week, even just to say hi.
• Add value: Share a useful insight, offer feedback, or connect them to someone else.
• Keep notes: Remember birthdays, milestones, or key career changes.
• Follow through: Don’t let a good conversation be a one-off.

Consistency builds familiarity and familiarity builds opportunity.

The Invisible Resume

Referrals don’t just get you in the door but they change how you’re seen. A recommendation from someone inside the company reframes you from “stranger” to “known quantity.” It gives your application a story, one that algorithms can’t replicate.

You might have outgrown your old role, your old company, or even your old industry. But the people you crossed paths with along the way? They’re still part of your professional narrative.

Sometimes, the next chapter starts with someone from the last one.