Network Your Way to a New Job

Think of all the things you're doing to find a new job.

Did the word "networking" pop into your head? If not, you are missing out on one of the single most important job search activities you can undertake.

Why? Because the majority of jobs are never advertised. They are filled through networking.

If the thought of "networking" makes you cringe, then think of it as something else. How about "staying in touch," "building relationships," or "widening your circle of friends?"

Regardless of what you call it, reaching out to people is essential to any job search today. Don't forget to include family and friends along with business associates, former co-workers and other existing or new contacts. Even people like your doctor, hairdresser, or auto mechanic should be included in your network. The more people you talk to, the more people you'll have helping you.

But effective career networking does not mean asking everybody for a job. Tell them about your situation and ask for advice and information, not a job. And if there's anything you can do for them, do it. Do it first. Do it without asking for or expecting anything in return.

Truly effective networking is about helping others first. When you do that, people will naturally want to help you in return--and they'll help you more fervently in response to your generosity than in response to a solicitation for a job.

Here are two networking success stories:

From Rachel Goldthwaite ("RGold" on Monster.com):

"For the first part of my career, I worked as in the insurance industry as an auto claims adjuster. Each job in the industry I held lasted less than two years, and I knew that insurance was not the field for me. Unfortunately, I had no focus on my career or where I wanted to be in five years.

"A close friend of mine knew that I was looking to transition to a new field and that I was at a complete loss with direction. She mentioned that her father was looking for a candidate to fill an opening in the logistics department. The only thing she knew about the position was that the potential new hire needed a background in insurance. She told her father about me, and I was offered an interview.

"Within a week interviewing for this opening, which had not been advertised, I gave my notice and began a completely different career.

"Every one of the jobs I have held were as a result of networking experiences. This particular one is the most memorable to me because it has not only been the most fulfilling position I have had, but it was also a much-needed career change.

"Unfortunately, I see so many individuals who for one reason or another do not see the need to remain in contact with people. It is imperative to remember that someday they can help you, you can help them, or even better -- a combination of the two."

From Peggy Gubbins ("PeggyBBall" on Monster.com):

"I was looking for an entry-level position in television advertising sales. I knew absolutely no one in the industry and was having a hard time finding job postings for positions (they were very few & far between).

"While in the process of my job hunt, I figured I would do a member directory search on AOL for members who listed that they are in media sales on their member profiles, to see if I could learn more about the field and if there were any other ways to find job openings.

"I came across a guy named Jimmy who lived in my area and worked in TV sales, so one night I sent him an Instant Message. We got to talking about the industry and all things related to it. We became fast friends and talked all the time via the net. We would talk about any interviews I had upcoming or had been on recently. He knew all the struggles I was going through and how hard I was trying. We even met for lunch before one of my interviews so he could prep me.

"One day about a month ago, he went out for lunch with his former boss, and during casual conversation she mentioned that she would be looking for a new assistant soon. He told her he knew someone who was looking for an assistant position and that he thought she would like me. She told him to have me e-mail her my resume.

"Later the same day, he told me about the lunch and gave me the woman's contact information. I e-mailed her my resume, and followed up with a phone call later that week to set up an interview.

"After acing two interviews, I was offered the position!

"Networking can prove to be a very valuable tool of finding positions, but I believe it is up to the job seeker to clinch the job after being given an opportunity.

"Networking can be tricky though, because if you are offered the position, not only do your work actions reflect yourself, they now reflect the person who recommended you."

I'd like to thank Rachel and Peggy for their words of wisdom.

One more note: Even if you are not currently looking for a job, you should be networking. As the old saying goes, "Don't wait 'til you're dying of thirst to start digging a well."