Surviving the Next Depression: Network Network and network Some More

Nowadays, you can send a resume and follow up with a phone call only to discover you are lost in the shuffle. They have tons of applicants for positions and can not possibly sort through all of them. Honestly, you have to find a way to connect with the employers. Did you used to live next door to their secretary, have a friend who knows the boss? Utilize your community network to get you in the door. It won't get you the job but it might get you a face to face!

Here are few examples of how career networking can help:excerpted from About.com

Susan noticed a help-wanted ad for a job at a local veterinary clinic. She called a friend who happened to use that vet. Her friend called the vet and recommended Susan. Susan got an interview and got the job. The vet was glad to hire someone who came highly recommended by a good client.
John was interested in pursuing a career in medicine. He mentioned his interest to a family friend who happened to be a doctor. The doctor arranged for John to spend a day shadowing him at the hospital and provided an excellent recommendation for medical school.
Angela was interested in changing careers and moving from public relations to publishing. Even though she graduated more than a few years ago, she tapped her college career network and came up with a contact at a top New York publishing firm. In addition to being sent new job postings, her resume was hand-delivered to Human Resources when she found a position she wanted to apply for.
In casual conversation at the orthdontist's office, Jeannie, the assistant, just happened to mention to a patient's mom that she was interested in horses and in a part-time job working with them. The mom had horses and a bunch of contacts. Jeannie had a part-time job working on a local horse farm by the end of the week!.-About.com

Ways to Network?

Online: