An excellent method of finding work is through networking, a strategy that focuses primarily on developing a network of "insider" contacts. Networking is the most effective of all job-hunting tools. In fact, experts indicate that as many as 86 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Many people think that networking is used by only highly connected executives; however, it can work for anyone-even people with few or no contacts in the business world.
If you feel hesitant about networking, you're not alone. Many job seekers mistakenly think that networking is somehow degrading or manipulative. They suspect that networking really means pestering strangers for a job and begging for scraps of help and sympathy. They opt not to use this important tool and end up needlessly limiting their opportunities.
The problem is that these people don't understand what networking really is. Networking means letting people you know--personally and professionally--that you're looking for a job. You simply ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of any appropriate openings or know anyone who might need someone with your skills.
At first you might not think you have many contacts at your disposal- but if you think carefully, you'll realize you do. Let's say there are fifteen people you can initially contact. Each of these fifteen contacts may introduce you to three more people, giving you a total of forty-five additional contacts. Then each of these people may introduce you to three additional people, which brings you one hundred thirty-five additional contacts. And that's a lot of people!
Of course, developing your network of contacts doesn't usually work as smoothly as the theory suggests, because some people won't be able to introduce you to anyone. The further you stray from your initial contact base, the weaker your references may be. So it's important to begin building your contact base with as many people you know personally as you can. Dig into your personal address book and your holiday greeting-card list and locate old classmates from school. If you know a lawyer, accountant, banker, doctor, stockbroker, or insurance agent, give each of them a call. These people will help you develop a very broad contact base due to the nature of their jobs.
Your network can be a rich source of both hidden and publicized opportunities. From your network of contacts you can often glean referrals to professionals in your field of interest, or get an "insider's view" of a company's growth prospects. Ask people in your network about any potential openings they anticipate over the next few months. Are any groups growing at a particularly fast rate? Are there any areas where a company could use someone like you or where the hiring managers have had difficulty attracting the kind of skills you offer?
As always with any leads, follow up directly, as well as with the person who gave you the lead. Try to secure a meeting to discuss how your qualifications might be a potential benefit to an organization. If a networking con-tact has been particularly helpful to you, by all means send a thank-you note. Not only is this courteous, it keeps your contacts current.
