Even though job search networking is believed to be one of the most victorious ways to find a new job, it can sound intimidating and sometimes seems a 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 similar 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 actually does work. At at least 60 percent – some report even higher statistics – of all jobs are found by networking. Establish contacts – friends, family, neighbors, college alumni, people in associations – anyone who might help generate information and job leads.

You can take a straight approach and inquire for job leads or try a less formal approach and ask for information and advice. Contact everyone you know. You may be surprised by the people 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 easier it will become.

Email is an ideally acceptable way to network as well. Keep your message brief and to the point and be certain 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 receive – you never know where or when you might meet someone who can provide job search assistance! My stepson was not only 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 hiring.

Here are just few of the places where you can make links:

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 several of the participants have the same goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards. If you’re shy, volunteer to work at the registration table where you can greet people 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 like the Indeed.com Job Forums to network with career professionals and other job seekers. Visit one of the sites, like LinkedIn, that focus on online job search and career networking.

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

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 will bring as a prospective employee
• Bring business cards and a pen
• Write some notes so you will remember the details on who you have just met on the business cards you collect or in a notebook
• When networking online, keep track of who you have emailed and where you have posted so you can follow up

Ultimately, if you have not memorized all your strengths and strong points, write them down – you’ll need to articulate these in your resumes and cover letters as well as emphasize them during interviews.