How Networking Can Help in Job Search

"No man is an island." We are social beings that need to interact. We already have a built in network from birth - at least one person in our inner circle - our mother or father. Afterwards, we just build from there. Networking usually relates to people skills, and using these skills to our advantage. It involves building relationships and friendships. It is not a one way street where we just take what we want and give nothing in return.

How exactly does networking work, and how can it help in the seemingly lifelong search for a better job? Well to put it in perspective and going back to the first sentence of this article - NO MAN IS AN ISLAND - simply means each of us has his or her own personal network. Depending on our circle of friends, family, and acquaintances, we all have our own personal network, our own list of contacts. The more friends we have, the larger our network becomes, and the more opportunities we can have for possible job success. But the problem is how to make use of our existing networks to help us have access to jobs.

First, remember that it should never be a one way street. As with anything life is and should be a give and take relationship. If you come off as a user and just show up when you need help it creates a very bad impression. Don't just call a friend and tell him or her directly that you need a job. Lay it down slowly, be more personal. You usually should talk to a friend and ask him or her how they are doing. Ask about their family, their life, ask if they would want to meet up for coffee and just talk. Build your rapport first, and gauge how this friend of yours reacts to you. You should warm up first, just like you warm up your car everyday before taking it for a spin. Once you establish the necessary rapport it should be a good time to bring up your desire to find a job. Ask for some tips advice, show that you value this advice. Then ask if they might know somebody who can help you, or if they can personally help you. If they can do it personally well and good, if they refer you to someone else also build rapport with their contacts.

Always remember that these favors are usually not free. This does not necessarily mean that you have to pay for it in monetary terms, but you should be prepared to do a favor for them in the future. Of course, if they are indeed able to help you in the first place, it is good and only right for you to show and express your gratitude. Maybe take them out for coffee, or give them a token of appreciation. But remember that the buck shouldn't stop there. Also remember that good deeds mean good karma. If others in the future ask for your help, and if they are deserve it, do not be stingy with your time. Try to help them too in whatever way you can. Remember these people have their own networks too, and you may be able to tap in to their networks in one way or another.

In the end networking means taking advantage of existing friendships, building new ones, and never forgetting to say thank you, and giving back. It's a beautiful process that can lead to not just a better job, but better and greater friendships as well.