Networking, an important part of your job search, is simply a way of developing contacts with those people in your life who might be able to help you with your job or career search.

Who should be in your network? Everyone you know – friends, family, co-workers – anyone you live with, work with, or socialize with, and everyone they know. Depending on your field, there may also be professional associations or organizations you could include.

Why network? It is a great way to keep on top of what is happening in your field. And, more jobs are filled through networking than any other medium – newspaper ads, job posting sites, etc.

Now that you know what networking is, why you should do it, and who should be in your network, it’s time to begin. Networking may be easier for some than others. But if you begin your networking gradually, and do it more and more, you’ll find that you will gain confidence!

The general “rules” of networking are: be prepared to talk about the kind of work you are looking for and what you can offer an employer. When you are talking to others keep in mind that networking is a two way street. You need to be able to give something in return. For example if you find an interesting article, or hear about an upcoming networking event, share it with others in your network.

If you would like more information on networking, check out these two articles – “The Art of Career and Job Search Networking” from Quintessential Careers and “Networking and Your Job Search” from The Riley Guide. The Library’s website is an excellent source of information about networking and networking groups -- check out the links on Finding a Job: Networking. In addition, there are some excellent books in the Library’s collection on this subject:

A Foot In the Door

Networking for Job Search and Career Success

The Networking Survival Guide: get the success you want by tapping into the people you know