Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search

In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their experience, education and specific industry and job-related skills, in order to find and secure a position. Regardless if you are looking for an opportunity as CEO, Vice President, IT Manager or Customer Service Representative, you need effective tools to compete within a market that is job-poor and candidate rich.

Hundreds of articles and seminars have been offered describing the value of networking as being the most effective tool for finding your next position. Networking isn't new, we all network to some extent to find a new doctor, meet new people socially, to expand business contacts and many other aspects of our everyday life. The question is ? can networking really help you find a job?

As a young man just out of the Navy, my experience networking began without really understanding that I had begun to use networking as a tool. In those days, the information technology field was more commonly referred to as data processing, and that was exactly the field I intended to pursue. Based upon a recommendation from my father, I introduced myself to a neighbor who worked for Allstate Insurance Company. I described the type of position I was looking for and my goal of working in data processing. To make a long story short, Mr. Anderson brought home an application the next day. He helped me complete it and made sure that all the t's were crossed and I's were dotted. He personally handed my application to the department manager who was in charge of the hiring and ? he provided a letter of recommendation.

Several days later I received a call from Allstate to interview for an entry-level data processing position. I interviewed with the HR manager and department manager I would be working for. I was offered the job on the spot and accepted with little discussion about the details.

That night I called Mr. Anderson and thanked him for helping me. I asked him if I could do anything ? anything at all to show my appreciation. He told me something that to this day I have remembered and have valued throughout my career. He said ? "Use your business contacts wisely and treat them with respect. "Offer them advice, referrals, articles of interest and information that might be helpful to them personally or to their business." By doing so you will build and retain life-long viable business contacts." He also stressed how important it was to give something back and develop a relationship that complemented both yourself and your contact.

I didn't fully understand how important this lesson was at the time, but I later learned how valuable business contacts are and began building my own network.

Networking is building contacts that are well connected in the business world, who understand the power of personal referral and who are willing to help and provide additional contacts. Your contacts may be friends, neighbors, local business owners and people you meet everyday. The challenge is to reach people that understand networking and how it works. One of the most common comments you might hear from someone who does not understand networking is ? "I don't know anyone who has job openings."

Frequently you will need to educate your contacts about the types of people you want to reach and how these people can help you uncover potential opportunities. Networking is all about meeting people, who know people, and finding that person or persons who has an interest in your skills, background and what you can bring to a company. Many jobs are not publicized or even formally developed. Your background and skills can prompt companies to think harder about filling a hidden job or create a position that requires your expertise. Seeking out individuals who are well connected in the business world, open to talking about themselves, their companies, giving advice and directing you to other business people, are the primary targets for your network.

Even though every person you talk to may not be able to help you right away, they may be an excellent contact later on, or they may refer you to well connected business people. Because the hidden job market is where most of the jobs are today, networking will uncover people who have the inside track on either job openings or who know about potential opportunities. If you are networking effectively, you will find opportunities that you otherwise may never have found.

Networking will not only help in your job search, but it will add significant value and tools you will use in your everyday life. Do yourself a favor ? start learning about networking and how you can apply it to your job search, business initiative or unique requirements

About the Author:
Russ Kovar is also the Moderator for Chicagoland Ecademy Regional Club, an organization of us.ecademy and a member of Linkedin. Additionally, Russ provides Job Search and Network coaching.

---

Google News Updated : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:11:53 GMT Rubin resigns from Citigroup following criticism - MarketWatch ABC News Rubin resigns from Citigroup following criticism MarketWatch - 29 minutes ago By Alistair Barr, MarketWatch SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Robert Rubin, former Treasury secretary who has come under fire for his role in the financial crisis, has decided to leave Citigroup Inc., the banking giant announced Friday. Citigroup Statement on Rubin's Departure; Rubin's Letter Wall Street Journal Citigroup's Rubin steps down CNNMoney.com New York Times - Forbes - Houston Chronicle - USA Today all 294 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:42:14 GMT Costa Rica earthquake death toll rises to 15 - CNN International Globe and Mail Costa Rica earthquake death toll rises to 15 CNN International - 4 hours ago SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (CNN) -- The official count of confirmed deaths grew to 15 Friday afternoon, one day after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake shook north central Costa Rica, a government emergency official said. Tourists evacuated after fatal Costa Rica quake Reuters UK Costa Rica Earthquake Rescuers Try to Help Thousands Bloomberg The Associated Press - Reuters India - Inquirer.net - Los Angeles Times all 845 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 17:37:39 GMT Payment to Pirates Ends Tanker Hijacking - Wall Street Journal WELT ONLINE Payment to Pirates Ends Tanker Hijacking Wall Street Journal - 36 minutes ago By CHIP CUMMINS DUBAI -- The US Navy said Friday it expected a Saudi Arabian oil tanker hijacked in November to be freed and underway in the next 24 hours, potentially ending the most dramatic of several, recent pirate attacks in the waters offshore ... Somali Pirates Release Saudi Tanker Voice of America Saudi oil tanker said to be released by pirates for ransom International Herald Tribune CNN International - guardian.co.uk - Bloomberg - PRESS TV all 520 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:35:44 GMT RPT-Obama tries to allay concerns over stimulus package - Reuters Times Online RPT-Obama tries to allay concerns over stimulus package Reuters - 1 hour ago By Caren Bohan and Jeremy Pelofsky WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama said on Friday that the latest grim unemployment report added urgency to the need to pass his $800 billion stimulus proposal, even as his efforts ran into ... Video: Obama: New Layoffs Show Need for Urgent Action AssociatedPress Borger: Do congressional Dems need intervention? CNN International Bizjournals.com - FOXNews - Los Angeles Times - Washington Post all 7,442 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:08:22 GMT A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment - MSNBC USA Today A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment MSNBC - 37 minutes ago By Tom Curry Here is a guide to the process by which Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois might be removed from office Impeachment is the formal accusation of wrongdoing, lobbed by a legislative body against an executive branch official, such as a governor ... CQ Transcripts Wire Washington Post Blagojevich impeached over alleged Senate-for-sale scandal Salt Lake Tribune New York Times - ABC News - CNN - NECN all 4,092 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:34:17 GMT U.S. Supreme Court to hear two appeals on 'race politics' - Los Angeles Times Reuters U.S. Supreme Court to hear two appeals on 'race politics' Los Angeles Times - 43 minutes ago Justices will decide whether to strike down laws that provide special protections to minorities in the workplace and in the voting booth. Supreme Court to Rule on Voting Rights Act Washington Post Supreme Court to hear challenge to voting rights act USA Today New York Times - Reuters - CNN - The Associated Press all 250 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:28:02 GMT Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak - Washington Post ABC News Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak Washington Post - 1 hour ago By Steven Reinberg FRIDAY, Jan. 9 (HealthDay News) -- The source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened almost 400 Americans in 42 states remains unknown, US health officials said Friday, adding that more cases are expected. New Salmonella Outbreak: Here's How to Reduce Your Risk U.S. News & World Report North Carolina resident tests positive for Salmonella Asheville Citizen-Times PRWeek - The Chattanoogan - abc11tv.com - News & Observer all 1,018 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:46:09 GMT Make Money With Blogs Add RSS Feeds To My Web Pages

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Federal Job Search Strategies: 7 Tips to Help You Succeed

Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunity and Employee Retention

This article relates to the Career Opportunities competency and explores... Read More

Do You Work to Live or Live to Work?

Let's be realistic here - hands up all of you... Read More

Overcoming the 7 Roadblocks Women with Families Face Making Career Changes

Family is the driving force of our lives. You need... Read More

Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?

Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking... Read More

Four Job Interview Mistakes That Can Torpedo Your Chances of Success

What are the worst mistakes job hunters make? It turns... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

Last Year Physician Resident Checklist

Here is a last year resident checklist not to forget:LICENSING:Licensing... Read More

Is Pursuing a Career in Patent Law the Right Move for You?

What's It All About? The field of patent law is... Read More

Why Employers Want an Employee with a Degree

You wake up in the morning, head to work, and... Read More

Out Recruit The Competition

We hear from our clients that they "hope the candidate... Read More

Have You Given Up On Yourself?

Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More

What is Mystery Shopping, and Can You Really Get Paid to Shop?

Mystery shoppers visit businesses "disguised as normal customers," and do... Read More

Skills Make Labor More Valuable

As you know by now, if you have been a... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

Make A Lasting Impression With Interview Etiquette

(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during... Read More

In a Rut? Ready for a Career Change?

Are you unhappy at work? Tired and lacking energy and... Read More

Prepare for Your Performance Review Before You Start the Job

When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More

How to Track Your Right Career

Are you lost in the wilderness when it comes to... Read More

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out From The Crowd

Today's job market is competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of... Read More

Avoid Potential Job Interview Disasters

There are definitely things that you can do to avoid... Read More

Nonverbal Interview Behavior

Non-verbal interview behavior can drown out your verbal self-presentation.Practice interviewing... Read More

Get a Job! Tips for Organizing Your Resume

Whether you're a Vice President of Marketing or a recent... Read More

How To Get That Promotion

If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then... Read More

Resurgence of the Time Sheet: Why You Should Write Down Your Workday Activities

One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More