Networking for a Job

Somewhere between 60% and 85% of job seekers find jobs through networking (depending on which 'expert' you believe). From my experience a more accurate range is 45% to 75%. Either way if you're serious about finding a job you can't afford to overlook this job lead source.

There are literally hundreds of sources for networking advice. Most advocate spending the majority of your job seeking time on this function. Human nature being what it is I take a more pragmatic approach.

Word of Mouth Hiring

This form of sourcing new employees has been around since 'work' was invented. Why? Because the success rate job seekers enjoy with networking is mirrored by the employers' hiring success rate.

It also doesn't hurt that hiring through referrals is extremely cost effective. The bottom line is this (literally)...

Companies embrace word of mouth hiring because of it's positive impact on the bottom line!

Networking Defined

I've also read, "It's not who you know but what they know about you." That's true too.

So as in the tradition of the "less filling" / "tastes great" debate I say...

These thoughts are not mutually exclusive. I'll even throw one more entry into the fray. "It's not who you know but who they know!"

The fact is that all three statements hold the seeds of truth when it comes to effectively networking for a job.

Networking is letting the people who are connected to you (your contacts) know what you're striving for and how they can help.

It can also be about meeting new people (growing your network); establishing a connection (growing a relationship); sharing what you're each striving for and discovering how each of you can be helped by the other.

Your Next Steps

If you agree that networking is a valuable activity build your list of networking contacts and gain networking for job searches know how so you can begin.

If you're still not comfortable with this idea start with something less intimidating like casual networking.

Once you stretch your comfort zone and start networking for a job you just might find yourself in front of the hiring manager. When that happens you'll have developed a valuable skill that will serve you well throughout your career.