“You can learn anything you want by reading; you can get anything you want by networking.”
–A human resources manager
Networking is staying in touch with people you know to exchange information; but more broadly to create a pool of contact from which you can receive leads, referrals, ideas, and information to help you in your job search. Why should you network?
Most people get their job by networking.
Surveys show that 80-85% of job-seekers find work as a result of a referral from a friend or colleague, and only 2-4% land jobs from Internet job boards such as Monster.com and CareerBuilders.com or want ads.
Who should make up your network?
- Former co-workers
- Alumni from school
- Relatives
- Personal friends
- Professional service providers (dentist, doctor, pharmacist, etc.)
- Hairdressers
- Waiters
- People you meet at organized events such as:
- Trade or professional meetings in your industry
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Fundraisers
- Receptions
- Sporting events
- Job centers
- Everyone you speak to (most of them have been out of work at one time)
If you are comfortable doing so, try social networking. Sign up and create a profile. The most popular are Facebook.com, MySpace.com, Twitter.com, and Linkedin.com
Tip:
Don’t forget to follow up every time you ask your network (or contact) for their help. Thank them for their input and give them as much credit as possible.
Want to learn more about this career tip?
http://www.networkforgood.org/
Visitors to this site will find links to charities in need of donations as well as opportunities to do volunteer work.
http://www.jobsearch.com/
On this site, scroll down and click on “Job Search Networking” and learn how to develop contacts and how job search networking can help you find a job.
