Networking means using all of your contacts (friends, family, personal contacts) to find the information you need to approach an employer professionally. Networking is one of the best ways of finding a job - 35% of all job vacancies are filled by people networking.
Opportunities for networking include employer websites, recruitment agencies, work experience, paid employment and social occasions.
Building a network
- Make a list of everyone you know. It doesn't matter how well or little you know them. Try to list 100 names.
- Let them know you are looking for a job. You might telephone family and friends at once and send a letter to others such as ex-colleagues or acquaintances before calling them.
- Think about what you will say when you make contact - you will be asking for help with information and/or names.
- Call or see each person. Make a note to contact them again after a suitable time.
- Follow up your contacts and try to expand your network by getting the names of more people you could talk to.