In the article Network Your Way to Work: Personal Connections Are the Key to Finding a Job, C.J. Hayden provides us with examples and reasons why job board hunting alone will not land you a job. She discusses the human factor in job searching and suggests to the reader that they expand their job searches by building, rebuilding, and expanding their networks, or personal and professional connections.

For those of you who are looking for employment, and even for those of you who just want to add a little information to your mental catalogue, networking is a large and vital piece to any job search. According to Hayden, “80 – 85% of job seekers find work as the result of a referral from a friend or colleague.” While the majority of your network will be comprised of friends and colleagues, you should not limit yourself to interactions with only these people.

In order to sustain a productive job search, job seeker’s must take every opportunity to meet, interact, and gain information from not only already established connections but with as many new ones as possible. To do this I recommend attending organized events on a regular basis and as often as possible!

You may be asking, “Where can I network?” or “What networking groups can I join?” There are many really terrific groups and opportunities for you to join and explore out there!

User Groups typically focus around one topic and are made up of individuals with an interest in that particular area. They can have speakers who present on a chosen topic, can be an open forum for discussion, or can simply provide a time and place for people to interact on a consistent basis. There are numerous places to look for these groups, to network, and make connections.

  • Google “(Topic) Groups or (Topic) User Groups – example Computer Groups or IT Professionals User Groups
  • www.MeetUp.com
  • www.LinkedIn.com groups
  • Job Fairs
  • Conferences and workshops
  • Community meetings and mixers
  • Private social functions
  • Clubs

Engaging in new relationships will not only increase your address book and email list but will give you the opportunity to gather information, advice, ideas, and support from others with similar interests and experiences. And, you never know…possibly a job!

Have you been networking? Share your favorite networking groups with us!