Job Search Networking: Merging Formal Networking with Informal Networking

If you've been working the same job for the past 10 years or more then you may not be familiar with the term "job networking". Job networking is involving friends, family, former employers, and other people in your field of work in your job search by letting them know you are looking for employment. The object of networking is to ask everyone you know if they know of any job openings or know of anyone in the position to hire.

There are two types of job networking: formal and informal. We will discuss both options in this article.

Formal job networking

One example of formal job networking involves industry events that are set up to offer job seekers a central information platform. These events bring employers together with prospective employees to exchange information. These events makes it easy for both parties to meet, because only employers who are in need of employees and only job-seekers who need employment show up at these events.

Even though a business social or an association event is not set up as a job networking event per se, these events are excellent for getting the word out to people in your industry that you are seeking a job. Have at least a business card with your contact information ready to hand out to other attendees. Always make sure that you exchange cards. Do not assume that the other attendees will remember that you need a job. Use the back of the cards you collect to jot down any information you need to remember.

The Internet is an excellent way to put formal job networking to good use. Use the email lists and discussion groups where you're a member and get the word out about your job search. Become active on job search forums to interact with other professionals and job seekers who may point you to a job that's not right for them but perfect for you. If you are a college graduate, go to your university's website and check to see if there is help for job seekers that attended the university.

Try helping someone else find a job. When you find yourself helping someone else get what they want, you almost always get what you want.

Informal job networking

Don't hesitate to let everyone you know help you find a job. Every person you know knows at least 250 people that you don't know. Sit down and make a list of family, friends and others with whom you go to church, school events, sporting events, etc. Tell your dry cleaner, mail carrier, pastor, doctor, your child's principal, and anyone else you can think of about your job search. The more people you tell, the more likely they will know someone who knows someone who can help.

Send everyone on your email list a note specifying what kind of job you're looking for. You've sent and received all kinds of cute email over the years. Now send them a note that you need a job. Reciprocate by letting everyone on your list know of job openings that you've heard about in your search.

Accept every social invitation you receive. It is okay to casually mention that you are looking for a job. Don't forget to mention the person you are helping to find a job at these social gatherings.

Both formal and informal job search networking is an excellent way to get others involved in your job search. You can multiple your efforts many times over by just getting the word out that you are seeking employment.