Networking is the most effective method to use in a job search campaign.

You're actually conducting a sales campaign, in which you're the product.

You need a marketing strategy. And you've got to keep yourself in front of the customer/the potential employer.

The following is a very simplified guide to getting started.

The Steps

Develop a contact list.

• Associates from college

• Business associates

• Friends

• Professional associations

• Community organizations

• Personal religious affiliations

• Target companies you're interested (ask other contact if they know anybody there).

Prepare list of questions and/or script.

Create contact records on companies and individuals.

Sit down at your phone and dial!

I.E., "Hello, my name is Jane/Joe Smith. I'm an alumnus of the Colorado School of Mines, with a degree in Metallurgy, like yourself. I'm researching the current job market for opportunities and would like to ask you a couple of questions and your advice."

(If the person is local, you try to set up a personal meeting with them. Rapport can be generated much easier during a face to face meeting).

Proceed with a succinct, focused description of your career. Then transition into something like " knowing a little about my background, you can understand why I'd like your feedback and opinion."

Ask their opinion about the general state of the industry, in which you're looking for a job. Ask about what they do and their career and how they got there. Ask about opportunities in their company.

Ask for additional names of people you might contact.

Thank them for their time.

Follow-up with a thank you letter and resume (for in-person contacts).

Update company/individual record and plan for future calls.

Other Networking Opportunities

Have business cards made up to give to contacts.

Subscribe to industry bulletins and magazines.

Read the business sections of the newspaper.

Read business newspapers. I.E. The Denver Business Journal.

Take seminars and courses.

Become active in professional associations. Be discerning. Attend a few meetings to determine the size and activity level of the chapter.

Set a realistic, but aggressive goal of making a certain number of calls a day/week.

Revisit your resume. Are you generating interest? Are you being asked to come in for interviews?

Books on Job Searching and Networking

Job Search Networking, by Richard Beatty.
What Color is Your Parachute, by Richard Bowles
Secrets of an Executive Outplacement Counselor, by Charles H. Logue, Ph.D.
Mid-Career Job Hunting, by Patricia Birsner