To "ping" means to reach out to people during your job search, letting them know, in a subtle way, that you're still here. It doesn't mean to ask them if your recipients know of any jobs available in your area of expertise. To do this would be putting them on the spot.

The people you ping might already know you're job searching and, ideally, what you're looking for. In other words, you've already told them you've lost your job, what you excel at, and the kind of work you're looking for.

On the other hand, they might not know you're looking. In which case, you'll need to let them know positively; no doom and gloom allowed. Telling them your spirits are high—even if you're struggling with emotions—as people like to help those who are positive.

Here is the list of 20 people whom you should ping with personalized emails, blank cards on which you'll write your notes, or even in person.

1. Recruiters are excellent people to ping, especially those who've attempted or succeeded in placing you in roles. If you're already engaged with a recruiter, they might need the occasional reminder of you. A plus would be telling them of other job seekers who would fit their roles.

2. Hiring managers with whom you've interviewed but didn't receive an offer are ideal people to ping. You never know if the person they hired didn't work out. I've seen instances when people didn't work out. If you happened to be the runner-up, it's a no-brainer for the hiring manager to call you in.

3. #Networking contacts with whom you're building relationships are essential to keep your network robust and active. Ask them if they'd like to get together in the near future. Do this with as many networking contacts as possible. Keep the momentum going.

4. Mentors and career coaches in your industry or even outside it would like to know you're still looking, so a little statement about how you're still in the hunt, but your spirits are high, would be a great touch. Mentors appreciate knowing you're still in the search and staying positive.

5. Former coworkers who are busy putting out brush fires at work need a reminder that you're still there. Be sure to thank them for your ongoing job search. A short reminder helps keep you on their radar. Don't be afraid to ping former colleagues you've worked with 10 to 15 years ago.

6. Former supervisors or managers are like your coworkers but probably busier, so pinging them serves as a reminder that their outstanding employee has not disappeared. A quick note can spark unexpected opportunities.

7. Past clients or customers should not be discounted. They were your employer, too. You made them happy, so they appreciated your customer service. By now, you should have asked them if they would keep their eyes open for positions that fit you.

8. Vendors you worked with are similar to your customers/clients in that they know how you provide excellent customer service and, therefore, can speak to your quality work. They'd love to hear from you.

9. People you’ve helped professionally are those whom you mentored or trained while working. Perhaps they moved on to bigger and better things. Reminding them of you could entice them to keep their eyes open in their companies.

10. Colleagues from professional associations that you attended while working or are attending now in a job search capacity might know of openings in your industry. Similarly, they are busy, so a little nudge goes a long way.

11. Classmates from college/grad school whom you've lost touch with are an excellent way to broaden your network of weak ties. We might break the rule and let them know in a positive way that you're looking.

12. Alumni career services contacts are a great source, especially if you used your university's career services. Their job is to help people find jobs, so let them know you're looking if you haven't already.

13. Family friends in your field are gold. They’re far more likely to vouch for you because there’s a personal and professional connection. Ask them to keep an ear out and introduce you when appropriate.

14. Your mechanic talks to everyone, including business owners, contractors, executives, parents, delivery drivers, and anyone who walks through their garage doors. Dropping by the shop and leaving a business card with them would be your best bet.

15. Your fitness trainer are like your mechanic; they spend their entire day talking to people. Further, they know your discipline and are part of your extended network. Let them know what roles you’re targeting.

16. Neighbors are classic weak ties; they may not know what you do daily, but they know people who know people. A simple conversation during a walk or at the mailbox can plant the seed.

17. Parents of your kids’ friends span industries you’d never expect. And they already feel a sense of trust because your kids have grown up together. Don’t hesitate to casually mention that you’re in a job search and what you’re looking for.

18. Volunteers you know at a food pantry, charity event, youth sports program, etc. , often have full-time jobs and deep community connections. They’ve seen your work ethic firsthand, which gives you instant credibility when you ask them to keep you in mind.

19. People from your religious/community group already value service, connection, and helping others. Many of them are also well-connected professionally. Mention your search during appropriate moments, perhaps during coffee and donuts hour.

20. LinkedIn connections You’ve built a network for a reason. Don’t let it sit dormant. Re-engage people you’ve interacted with in the past: comment on their posts, send a short catch-up message, or share something relevant.

A ping, whether it's a reminder of you or to let your weak ties know that you're searching for a job, is simple and painless. You don't need to repeat it every week or even every month. But don't lose hope if you don't hear back from everyone. As my pop used to say, "You aren't going to get a hit if you don't go to bat. "