Networking

From start to finish, networking is key to any job search. Many, many job opportunities are never advertised in publications or on web sites. How do people learn about those job vacancies? From friends, relatives, and acquaintances, that's how.

Like it or not, social networking in person and online has become an integral part of a job search. Because of its importance, we’re touching on it first.

Here are 10 important things that will help you develop your networking skills and use them more effectively.

Always Be Prepared:  Have business cards and copies of your resume with you at all times. Opportunities can arise anywhere and everywhere.

Stay in Touch:  Keep your contacts informed about your efforts in the job search. Short phone calls or brief handwritten notes work well. Be sure to send a thank you letter within 24 hours of an interview. Be consistent.

Talk First with People You Know: Talk to your friends, family, teachers, professors, former supervisors or managers, etc. Practice selling yourself first to those who know you.

Contact People You Don't Know:  Begin contacting people to whom your friends and acquaintances have referred you. Initiate each conversation with information on how you received their name. Show an interest in what they have to say, not just what they can offer.

Ask for Information, Not a Job:  This is called an information interview.

Keep Conversations Focused:  Use each conversation to get good information. Give your contact a brief summary of your job search objective, major highlights and accomplishments. Ask specific questions that will provide you with helpful insights.

Look for Opportunities to Give Something Back:  Be prepared to offer something of value to those who are taking time to help you.

Keep Your Promises:  When you tell someone that you will call back, be sure to follow-up. If they're difficult to reach, keep trying. It's your responsibility to connect.

Join Professional Organizations: Visit or join a professional organization in the industry you wish to pursue. Many members are eager to help job seekers and often know employers with open positions.

Find a Mentor:  Find people who have experience in the areas you're pursuing and build a relationship with them. Get their advice and use them as a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. Ask for an opportunity to shadow them for a day in order to get a better picture of what they do. This may also expose you to new contacts.