[troutskey]

I don't use any networking sites such as LinkedIn etc. but I've kept in touch with a couple of people from each of the places where I've worked. The biggest challenge with getting them to recommend me is that most of them have moved to a different country (mainly Canada and Germany). I'm not really keen on moving to another country, hence my apprenhension at having to apply cold.

[ravagat]

Reconsider it, the network effects are undeniable. And if your former coworkers are international, believe it or not your network is even better (in the sense of blind opportunities coming your way). Don't discount LinkedIn just having a basic profile, albeit scarce, will be good enough. The value is reconnecting and gaining information of value to your goals (opportunities, recommendations, and getting a job in this case)

[alex-mohr]

> I don't use any networking sites such as LinkedIn etc

Reconsider that. You can try to add everyone you remember from previous companies or school, and you'll be more available to recruiters. "Luck surface area."