How should I ask work contacts for a job?

“Hi, i’m looking to change employment, and was wondering if i could use as a contact to that end. Would that be OK?”

You might offer to buy them lunch in return for an informational interview. Often, people will offer to hand carry your resume, which makes a big difference these days.

Ask them to put the word out to their contacts as well.

Good luck.

Pretty much Just asking is the best way to go.

Especially if you have a job already… what I would do it go for the soft sell and frame the meeting or conversation as a way to ask for advice, tips, pointers and guidance to make yourself more marketable for whatever your goal position is…

Leave the conversation with reasons to follow up/to do’s in the next couple of days… and hopefully a more meaningful relationship might develop where you might even be able to help them with whatever agenda they might have… now or in the future…

In the best case scenario you get a feel for what challenges they may be facing in their organization… you might have ideas or experience on how they might address the situation…

… and a job gets created for you!

“Hi, Jan, how’ve you been? I was just thinking about you.”

—“Hey, Dindin, great to hear from you! What’s up?”

“Well, as you know, I’ve been with Soxnshoos for a couple of years now, and I’m starting to look around. Are you still happy over there at Shirtpants Inc.?”

—“Oh, yeah, things are great.” or “Well, you know, things have been a bit tough lately.”

’[Appropriate noises] Soo—I was just wondering if you were hearing anything about opportunities in our field. Ok, great. Thanks! If I hear of anything I’ll keep you in mind too. Say, would you like to get together for {lunch | coffee | a drink} sometime?”

@Jeruba and that is the way to go.
Good Job on Roleplaying lol Shirtpants Inc.
and now I say goodbye I’m gonna stop following because Jeruba put it in words I wouldn’t need to even try.

Strait up ask. Nothing too abrupt or in their face, but a nice, easy question. Be respectful yet prompt.