Why is networking so important in a job search?

Networking. The word gives people the shivers.

My clients tell me, “Do I have to?” “I will try” and on occasion I have heard, “Katherine, I believe you, but I must tell you I cannot do that.”

Networking can be hard for some people. Quiet people like me. I often say I would rather pick up dog poop from the front yard than make a cold call to someone I do not know well. At a large party, I will be the one in the corner nursing a drink and watching the action.

Nevertheless, it is a fact that you are more likely to find a job through networking than through the job posting process. The statistics are staggering. You have about a 4% to 9% chance of getting a job through a job posting. Someone is getting the job, but it is likely NOT you. You have a 60% to 80% chance of getting a job through networking with someone you already know or someone you meet through a networking process.

Those odds make it imperative that every job seeker network with people they know and possibly with people they do not know…yet.

Everything can be a networking experience. A professional association meeting? A religious or social event? Communicating on social media? Yup, all networking experiences if you reach out to talk to someone. It could be someone you know or someone you are meeting for the first time.

Here are some reasons why you should network as a job seeker and in general:

• Target people you know. They probably already like you and are likely to help you find a new gig or open doors to opportunities you did not know existed.
• Networking separates yourself from the crowd of resumes – your competition. Although most people get jobs from networking, most people are reluctant networkers. If you can get out there and talk to people, you will find more opportunities.
• You can learn a lot about the company and, in general, from talking to current and former employees.
• Talk pro to pro with colleagues about topics important in your profession and industry these days. This changes your job search relationship from begging for attention to colleagues.
• If you build relationships, people will trust you more and start to imagine you in the next office.
• Gives you a forum for curiosity. Ask questions. If you ask good questions, then the other guy gets to talk, taking the burden off you. Networking will be easier when you ask good questions that get the other person talking.

It is easy to intellectually understand you should network in a job search. It is much harder to put the idea into action. But the benefits far outweigh the pain. We have plenty of tricks to make networking more palatable.

Does Networking to find a Job terrify you?

Networking is your single best job search weapon. But “networking” is a misunderstood concept. Most people incorrectly think having a bunch of LinkedIn connections is sufficient. Networking can be so much more, if you know the correct techniques.

This course includes Six (6) Videos are included with the workbook and shares tips on effective networking, turning vague concepts into a reality that anyone can successfully implement to find their next job.

Get the workbook and video lessons now for $37.