The Art of Networking

The old saying "It's not what you know, it's who you know" is a cardinal principle of effective job searching. In fact, 85 percent of jobs are never advertised.This does not mean that nobody knows about the jobs, it means only that you do not know about themÃ'until someone you know clues you in.

Your network encompasses anyone and everyone you know, meet, or actively seek out, and it is your most effective tool in finding a job. While some contacts will generate more job leads than other contacts, everyone is a possible source of job market information.

Effective networking takes organization, planning, and lots of patience. To succeed, you must do your homework first, researching companies, institutions, and other possible sources of employment. Next, list all your current contacts, including trusted coworkers, fellow students, friends, and family members. Take the time to give them a call or send a letter, letting them know you are looking for work in a particular area. Your initial contacts will then refer you to others, and your circle of contacts will begin to expand. As a recent graduate, for example, you might begin with your professors, who can often refer you to people working in your area of interest for informational interviews (see Chapter 2). While these people may not know of job openings themselves, they can provide invaluable insights into your field of interest and will often provide names of others whom you can contact, and these people in turn may provide still more information and contacts. The informational interview is a time-honored tool for developing a strong network of people who can provide job leads as you progress in your career. Professional organizations, unions, and other job-related groupsalso offer excellent networking opportunities. These organizations often have job banks for members and offer seminars and other training opportunities for those just breaking into the field. Your local yellow pages and national directories like the Encyclopedia of Associations provide listings of national professional, arts, and other organizations.

Once you have met your current career objective, be sure to contact those members of your network who have helped you along the way. You will want to bring them up to date on your search and thank them for their help; also, they will know that you are no longer actively job hunting.

It is always a good idea to keep in touch with members of your network as you progress in your career.