With literally thousands of career web sites available to job seekers, the “high touch” aspect of the job hunt might be overlooked. Despite technological advances including Internet resume posting and reviewing jobs online, networking still remains the number one job search technique.

Networking is a skill and a planned process by which one becomes known through professional, business and social meetings, to people who can provide information about job leads and employers that are hiring. It is talking and listening to people you know to find out about the job market and to get referrals so that every contact is a “warm call.” Here are some tips for effective networking:

1. Get Focused
What are your goals and what do you want to accomplish through networking? This is why successful completion of the self-assessment stage of the career development process is so critical to your future plans. Identify your top 3 field so you are clear about what you are seeking professionally. Perhaps you want to learn more about the career field, the types of employers or a specific job. You may also want feedback from people in the field on other related career ideas, your resume, training required, growth, strategies and resources.

2. Identify Your Network
Stay organized and set up a log, address book or system that works for you to track your contacts. You have three circles of contacts of varying quality: An inner circle of your closest contacts, a middle circle of individuals with whom you associate, and finally an outer circle of lesser known contacts. Generate these contact lists from everyone you know including family, friends, religious groups, alumni/ae, faculty/mentors, former bosses, colleagues, professional associations, civic and social clubs.

3. Prepare For Networking
Start by contacting one person and then build your list from there. Seek a meeting to learn more about the field. Have your questions ready to ask and practice, but don’t ask for a job – even if you are desperate.

4. Contact Your Network
Networking by phone is okay, but I suggest you respectfully request a 20-30 minute meeting. Considering most people enjoy talking about their work, they may give you at least that much time. Since no one likes to be used, cultivate your network and be relationship oriented. Be professional and present yourself as an information seeker rather than a job applicant. Inviting them to lunch often works.

5. Set Up Informational Interviews
Dress appropriately and be sure to bring several copies of your resume just in case. Meeting people at their work site is convenient for them, allows you to explore diverse work environments and should prove a useful exchange of ideas and “inside information.”

6. Obtain Additional Referrals
The “Rule of 200” implies that everyone knows at least 200 people. Your job is to tap into other peoples’ networks adding new individuals to your list and requesting permission to use their name when contacting the new names. Try saying, “Thanks so much for your help, do you know of a few other people I might contact?” Collect business cards if possible. Be prepared to return the favor and become a resource for others.

7. Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
Keep yourself fresh in people’s minds. Take the initiative and show your interest by following up. Send thank you notes to those that help you along the way and keep them abreast of your progress. You may want to add new contacts to your electronic address book such as Linkedin or Plaxo.

8. Evaluate Regularly
Reassess periodically the information acquired through this process. What have I learned? Is my ideal career feasible? Do I need to develop a back-up plan? What job targets can be confirmed or rejected? What sacrifices will I undertake to get the job I want?

9. Be Patient
Immediate payoffs rarely happen overnight. Set a reasonable time frame for achieving your short and long term career objectives. Establish a goal for how many people you will add to your network each month. Persistence is the key to success – never give up.

10. Network For Life
Continue to network well before you actually need your next job so your contacts will stay “fresh.” This is a life long process of building professional connections. Networking is not a dirty word and once aware of its benefits, it truly becomes a natural part of our strategic career development. It is a skill that anyone can learn and grow to appreciate.

Surprisingly, at least 50% of all jobs are secured by networking. At any time, more than 80% of jobs go unadvertised in the “hidden job market.” In addition, fewer than 10% of American employing organizations actually have Human Resource offices. Get motivated to implement your natural schmoozing abilities and choose networking over “notworking.”

© Careers In Transition LLC