Networking

• In essence, the importance of networking as a job-hunting tool rests in the fact that networking is the key vehicle by which the job hunter can gain access to the
  “hidden job market.”
   

• Getting to these jobs before they are released to the general public places you at a distinct competitive advantage over the masses of qualified candidates with whom you would otherwise need to compete.  In fact, if you can create interest in your employment candidacy before the company takes action to make the job opening known to others, you can literally reduce the competition to zero and end up with a viable employment offer.
   

• Networking, then, becomes the key to conducting an effective job-hunting campaign.  Without it you can render your job search impotent.
   

• Employment networking simply means using both your personal and professional contacts to identify employment opportunities.  The objective is to access these contacts and to solicit their assistance in helping you find employment, for these contacts can provide you with job leads directly or indirectly (through others whom they know).
   

• The key to a successful networking plan and being a great networker is preparation.  In his book, Power Networking, Marc Kramer offers the following:

Ten Keys To Being A Great Networker:

To this list, I would add:

Although surveys indicate that networking is the predominate source by which jobs are found, you should use several approaches to market yourself.  The best approach for finding a job is to use all the avenues open to you – at the same time.  You should network, broadcast to companies, use the classifieds and Internet, and of course you should visit the Career Services Department.