Bad luck! One thing I'm sure I've read about networking that really rings true is this [1]: You don't ask the people you network with to employ you. It's taboo

Bad luck! One thing I'm sure I've read about networking that really rings true is this [1]: You don't ask the people you network with to employ you. It's taboo and cheapens the relationship. Instead, you expect to refer people to them and them to refer you to people. This worked here for your friend — you referred him to this company very effectively! But although they referred you to their marketing guy, it didn't work out. Please don't burn any bridges with the CEO. If he really thinks you are a strong candidate, then a short e-mail expressing your regret things didn't work out with marketing and wondering if he knows anyone who's hiring in the area will get you an interview somewhere. [1] I'd be interested in a source if anyone has it.