Network  

Why is networking such an important part of a job search?
The job openings, which are advertised in public, are generally on the verge of being finalized. Even if they are not filled, its public announcement ensures that it reaches to a wider audience, thereby increasing the number of applicants. This decreases the probability of everyone applying. Here, networking becomes vitally important.

Early bird catches the worm, as the saying goes. This cannot be farther than hitting the truth in case of networking. The advantage that networking provides you is that you learn of the opportunity before others. This means that the number of people you have to compete for the post will be much lower (these will be there due to there networking only, and therefore, interview is crucial). Also, if these people are employed elsewhere, or if by any other reason are unable to prepare for the interview, it works to your advantage. This places you at the right position at the right time - that you can meet the concerned person and still define the job description if it's not finalized, and of course, the salary.

Another advantage of networking is that people won't take you lightly if someone has put in a word for you. On the other hand, if you go directly along with your resume, there are high chances that you will not be taken seriously. Since you are recommended by a credible source, you are taken sincerely and seriously. Networking also provides you access to people who might not be responsive to a direct approach-letter. It radically increases your chances of meeting with the key decision-maker. Whereas you might have met the outside coterie only if you would have gone on your own.

Best referrals are the company employees. Candidates through these referrals are taken with a favorable disposition because it is implied that these candidates are familiar with the company, and company personnel have vouched for their capabilities.

Who Would Benefit From Networking?
Everyone benefits. Networking may be the only way to locate good opportunities for job seekers whose skills are not much in demand. Even those whose skills are in high demand can benefit from networking, as multiple opportunities and personal referrals will enhance a candidate's bargaining position.

In short, you never know where lady luck will smile.

Using Personal Contacts to Land Job Leads
Networking should start with people you already know - friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. These people might not be the best source for jobs, but they can advise you on your résumé, comment on how you present yourself, and help you identify your skills. Discussing helps to identify the weak points you might have missed/ not given sufficient thought. . What's more, these people are bound to have friends and relatives of their own who could turn out to be valuable resources for you.

Develop A Network
The A group. includes all the people you already know and their connections. During this initial round of meetings, you will ask about and get referrals to people your contacts think will be relevant resources for you, such as professionals working in your field of interest, or people who work for organizations that interest you.

The B group. These people, may or may not know of any specific job opportunities, but they can provide valuable information about current needs in your field, where your skills might fit, what you should emphasize in your presentations, what you need to learn, and resources that you can access. The B contacts, if duly impressed, can also introduce you to other B contacts and possibly to people in the C group. The C group. It consists of people who could hire you if a need existed in their company and you seemed to be qualified. While there may not be an immediate opening for you, a well-conducted information and referral meeting with a C person might lead to an interview a month or two later, as well as to introductions to other B and C contacts.

While a telephone call will usually suffice to set up a meeting with an A group person, an approach letter, followed by a phone call to set up an appointment, is usually a more effective and appropriate means of contacting a B or C group person. An approach-letter normally should not be accompanied by a résumé - a résumé labels you as a job applicant and may limit your chances of obtaining a meeting.

So, go ahead and do networking. You will realize its benefits sooner than later. Besides, it will increase your circle of acquaintance.

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