When people think about job searching, they often focus on the obvious steps—polishing their resumes, fine-tuning their LinkedIn profiles, and applying to as many jobs as possible. But career growth isn’t just about what’s on paper. Some of the best opportunities don’t come from job boards or carefully crafted cover letters—they come from conversations.

A former colleague who remembers your work ethic might recommend you for an open role before it’s even posted. A casual coffee chat could lead to a surprising opportunity. A mentor might introduce you to someone who opens a door you didn’t even know existed. Yet, many professionals only start networking when they need a job, rather than treating relationships as a key part of their long-term career strategy.

The truth is, the best career moves often happen outside the traditional job search process. Staying in touch with your network, engaging in meaningful conversations, and being open to unexpected connections can put you in a position where opportunities find you—not the other way around.

So rather than focusing only on applications, take time to nurture the relationships you’ve built. Reach out to old colleagues. Engage in industry discussions. Offer help or insight without expecting anything in return. Because your next career move may not come from an application—it might come from a conversation that hasn’t happened yet.