Even though job search networking is believed to be one of the most victorious ways to seek a new job, it can sound intimidating and sometimes appears to be little bit scary. It does not have to be. My father ended up in a conversation on an airplane with someone who was searching for an aeronautical engineering job. My dad happened to be in the same field and ended up assisting the person in getting a new job.

Sometimes, that is all it takes.

I have been offered jobs on more than one occasion simply because a friend or acquaintance knew my background and skills.

Informal Job Search Networking

Try job search networking; it does work. Almost 60 percent – few report even higher statistics – of all jobs are discovered by networking. Establish contacts – friends, family, neighbors, college alumni, people in associations – anyone who might assist generates information and job leads.

You can take a straight approach and inquire for job leads or try a less formal approach and inquire for information and advice. Contact everyone you know. You might be surprised by the individuals they know. Make yourself pick up the phone and call. It assists to assign yourself a quota of calls to be made each day. The more phone calls you make, the simpler it will become.

Email is an ideally acceptable way to network as well. Keep your message brief and to the point and be sure to check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

If you’re attending a holiday gathering or any other kind of party, it is suitable to mention in casual conversation that you are seeking employment. Accept all the invitations you get – you never know where or when you might meet someone who can give job search assistance! My stepson was not merely offered a co-op position by one of my friends that he met at a birthday party at our house, but he was also remembered a year later when the company was employing.

Formal Job Search Networking

Formal job search networking works too – try going to a business social or an association meeting or event. You will find that many of the participants have the similar goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards. If you are shy, volunteer to work at the registration table where you can greet individuals as they come in or bring a friend to walk around the room with you – there’s security in numbers.

As well as networking the old fashioned way, use the internet to network. Visit discussion boards such as the Indeed.com Job Forums to network with career experts and other job seekers. Visit one of the sites, such as LinkedIn, which focus on online job search and career networking.

If you belong to a professional association, visit its website for career assistance. Are you a college alumnus? Contact the Career Services office at your alma mater – several universities have online career networks where you can find alumni who will be thrilled to help you with your job search.

Not certain what to say? Review our sample job search networking letters to get a notion of how to approach networking contacts:​

Job Search Networking Tips

• Conduct informational interviews with your contacts and inquire for referrals for additional meetings
• Follow through with referrals, and always thank contacts in writing (email is fine)
• Develop an inventory of your accomplishments, involving your educational background and work history, to keep at hand should a chance encounter become a contact
• Make a list of the assets you’ll bring as a prospective worker
• Bring business cards and a pen
• Write some notes so you will remember the details on who you’ve merely met on the business cards you collect, or in a notebook
• When networking online, keep track of who you have emailed and where you’ve posted so you can follow up