Stay Ahead of the Competition Via Networking

As many as 80 percent of job openings are filled by networking, according to the Women For Hire website, which means solid networking skills are essential, especially in today’s increasingly competitive economy.

With last week’s news that U.S. payrolls declined in March by 80,000, networking is critical. In the past month alone I’ve received e-mails from two acquaintances interested in job openings and freelance work. My last job was a direct result of networking. I was an active member of a local professional organization and a fellow member was leaving her job as editor of the company employee magazine. She contacted me directly about interviewing for her position and I landed the job.

Here are some of my tips for successful networking:

Join a professional organization. Nearly every profession, from HR to accounting to nursing, has a national professional organization and local chapters that hold monthly meetings, mixers, and sponsor events. Many employers will pay for your membership, so be sure to ask your supervisor.

Embrace the phrase, "Let’s do lunch." Try to schedule lunch at least once a month with a colleague in your profession who works outside your company. It’s a great way to stay in touch with others in the field and hear the buzz about the industry.

Stay active with your alumni association. Keep in touch with other graduates from your college or university through your local alumni association. Not only is it a great way to reminisce about who had the best parties back in the day, but it’s another way to build your networking ties in your city.

Don't burn any career bridges. I still stay in touch, and exchange Christmas cards with, my first boss right after college graduation, way back in December 1991.

Here are some more great online articles about networking:

5 tips on finding a new job, via U.S. News

Tuning in to the network: Tips for successful networking, via JobDig

Networking 101: Tips of the Goddesses, via Women for Hire

So, have you had success networking and landing a job? Share your tips here.

Comments

[Audrey]

What a great post. I found you through the Disney contest site. I'm huge on networking. There is a super book called Love Is The Killer App. Odd title but super book all about networking.