What is the Importance of Networking in the Job Search Process?
In addition to sending out resumes, completing job applications and responding to classified ads, networking is an invaluable tool when seeking a job. According to Education-Portal.com, networking is actually the most vital part of a job search. Networking is simply a matter of making contacts with people who could be beneficial to your job search, as well as people you already know.
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Significance
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Networking can have a ripple effect during your job search process. According to CareerSpots.com, for every relationship you develop, you'll make an additional 20 contacts. Each one of those 20 contacts will also add an additional 20 contacts. Because these additional contacts are not initiated by you, it saves you time and effort.
Types
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Networking is not limited to business associates or possible employers. Virtually everyone you know can be part of your job hunting network. A friend or family member may know someone who could be helpful. A former coach, teacher or even the pastor of church can also be valuable resources. A former boss with whom you had a good relationship may know many people within your industry that may be hiring.
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Benefits
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Networking can benefit you even if you're not actively seeking a position. By having your name "out there" at all times, you may come across an attractive position that hadn't even occurred to you. In a worst case scenario, if you happen to lose your job, you will have a ready source of people to begin contacting immediately.
Considerations
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Networking does not have to be done in person to be effective. With the use of social networking Internet sites such as Facebook.com, Twitter.com and MySpace.com, you can make helpful contacts with your computer from the comfort of your own home. You're not limited to a local area, as the Internet reaches all over the world.
Warning
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While it is important to be consistent and persistent in your networking efforts, you don't want to become a pest. According to CareerSpots.com, you should not contact people more than once every one to two weeks, unless you run into them more frequently in the normal course of your daily activities. Anything more may turn off potentially helpful networking sources.
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References
- Photo Credit Network circuit board image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
