| Dear Steve and Jon, I have been told that more jobs are found by networking than any other way, yet in my own networking sessions with other unemployed supply chain professionals, the method most used by others seems to be answering ads on the internet, and particularly listings on the job boards. I am good at working the job boards but poor at networking. Why all the hype about networking? Signed: Un-Networked. |
Dear Un-Networked, Why the hype? More than 60% of job seekers will find their new job through some form of job networking vs. less then 10% through the Internet job boards. That is reason enough, but some individuals, especially introverts, find networking to be too difficult. Planning in advance what you will say and do at meetings is a good start. Use the internet to identify an officer of the association or networking group, call him/her and ask if they will meet you at the door and introduce you to some of the group. After you have done this a few times, you will be more relaxed and comfortable. |
Dear Un-Networked, Networking with other unemployed professionals is better than not networking at all, but it is not likely to be the most productive group you will choose for your networking efforts, especially if they limit themselves primarily to using the internet. Networking takes many forms: talking to individuals at professional association meetings: making telephone calls to experts in your field who may give you the opportunity for an informational interview or refer you to someone else who can use your talent. In my opinion, networking with one live person will advance your job search more than one hundred internet submissions. |