It is estimated that 65-90% of jobs are found through networking. An informal survey among your employed friends would reveal that many, if not most of them, found employment this way. You can't begin networking, however, until you do not define the type of work you want. Interviews that help you decide upon potential occupations are called information interviews and should not be confused with networking interviews. Getting the two straight in your mind may be difficult.

Networking can bring many benefits to the job seeker. Individuals who find employment in this manner tend to be more satisfied in their job and have higher incomes. Steering away from the advertised market has other advantages, since it often represents low -paid/unskilled or high -paid/high-skilled positions. Most people find work somewhere in between these two extremes. Secondly, the advertised market can be deceiving since many jobs are do not exist or already are already occupied before being published. Last but not least, the qualifications listed in such ads can be significantly higher than the actual requirements of the job being advertised.

Overcoming Reluctance to Liaise

Networking means making many contacts. It is nothing more complicated than that. Some of you may find the idea of networking, initiating contacts, and speaking with unknown people a daunting task. What you would like to accomplish is to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationship whereby you help others achieve their goals as they help you achieve yours. Be a good listener and reflect on the information you get. Have a genuine and substantial reason to speak with a person, do not conduct useless conversation, because they can only increase the discomfort. When chatting with strangers about their interests and yours, your enthusiasm will help you overcome the uncertainty and unease.

Knowing Someone on the Inside

Managers trust people they know more than people they don't. From the employer's viewpoint, it makes sense to hire someone who has been recommended by someone who enjoys the trust of the employer, or has influence over him. This method is also of use for the employers, because it reduces their recruiting costs. These managers like to obtain references from their own employees. An employee who is a part of your network can assist you and advise you on the timing and best way to approach the employer. Contacts within the organisation can also keep your name in people?s minds. With email it is easy to stay in touch.

Establishing a Network

The great thing about networking is that you already have already established a network base. Consider all of the people you know personally (e.g., uncle, neighbour, etc.), or get in contact with regularly (e.g., dentist, your children?s teachers, etc.), or briefly (e.g., person next to you in supermarket checkout line). The following list may help you to get started:

Friends

Relatives

Neighbours (current & past)

Other students

Acquaintances (sports, clubs, social activities, etc.)

UW alumni

Professors

Co-workers & former co-workers

Former employers

Business people (bank manager, insurance agent, etc.)

Professionals (doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc.)

Politicians (all levels)

Members of professional organization(s)

People at conferences, trade shows, etc.

In addition, remember to speak with people you meet everywhere (e.g., during theatre intermission, at a sport event, on the beach or ski hill, in the airplane). When you are at a gathering, try to talk to at least 2 new persons. Start with someone standing nearby. Perhaps they too wish they could meet and mingle with people more easily.