Networking: The Number 1 Way to Find Jobs

Why network?  Over 63% of people find their jobs through networking with friends, relatives and other personal contacts according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor. Networking involves developing contacts and connecting with people who will put you in contact with employers and help you locate unadvertised jobs.

For employers, hiring through networks is less risky and less costly. Employers prefer to hire interns whose work they have seen; candidates referred to them by trusted employees; or job hunters they have met recently who have presented themselves and their qualifications effectively. Their least preferred way to hire is to advertise and receive a deluge of resumes they must screen. Therefore, successful job seekers use a variety of job hunting strategies but put networking at the top of the list.

What is networking?  Building relationships to create an expanding web of contacts in a particular career field or industry. Networking benefits both you and the person whom you contact; it is not about using people strictly for you own gain.

With whom do you network?  Friends and neighbors; relatives; Mason alumni; faculty; classmates, members of organizations to which you belong (both professional and social); work contacts, including supervisors, colleagues, customers; and people who know other people, such as dentists, lawyers, financial planners; contacts from e-networks.

How do you network effectively?

• Develop a list of persons to contact.
• Plan activities to connect with and expand your network (such as setting up meetings, attending job fairs).
• Prepare for the event/meeting: research who is coming; develop and practice your brief 30 second "personal pitch"; have questions ready; prepare resume and consider creating networking cards.
• At structured events such a job fairs: dress professionally; introduce yourself confidently, using your personal pitch; actively listen; ask for business cards and make notes on how to follow up.
• After the event/meeting: send a thank you letter via email or U.S. Mail; follow through on any other steps you agreed to take (such as applying online).