Because job hunting is a full-time activity and because potential employers are not obligated to hire a particular person, individuals who are looking for work should understand How to Network in order that they will use their time more efficiently. As shown by the below pie chart, more than two-thirds of the jobs are found by networking, while 12% are from answering ads for posted jobs, 12% are found by using headhunters and employment services, 3% are found from mass mailings to human resources and other departments in companies, 2% are found by posting resumes on the Internet and 1% are found using other means such as standing on a street corner with a sign seeking employment.

Although the 70% number assigned to networking includes jobs found during on-campus interviews and career fairs, as well as by knocking on doors, these later methods account for approximately 5% of the total jobs found, while 65% of the total jobs found are based upon first tapping into one's base of contacts and using those individuals to generate additional connections that in turn lead to still more contacts. By having dozens of people with their eyes open on a job seeker's behalf the odds are much better than if only one set of eyes is looking. However, if one is to have a strong network there must be a willingness to help other persons, since good relationships require mutual commitments.

Commonly-used Approach vs. Optimal Job Seeking Strategy

Unfortunately, however, many (if not most) job seekers start with using the Internet and then move to answering ads and seeking the help of headhunters before they ever communicate with those who want to help. This commonly utilized strategy of job seekers is EXACTLY the opposite of what it should be.

The reasons are that (1) most employers (and headhunters) simply do not sift through the mounds of resumes that are posted on Internet sites, and (2) advertising often represents a last resort for filling jobs with four out of every five job openings being filled before they are ever advertised. In fact, because ads are normally placed only after a company did not find a candidate using its own internal and external networks, the "four jobs" in the "hidden market" are on average higher paying and lower risk than the "one job" that is advertised.

More specifically, the internal network that likely did not generate any interested candidates before a job was advertised consists of (1) individuals within the company who are looking for transfer or promotion possibilities, (2) contacts that the company's employees have in professional associations and (3) the company's human resources department which keeps resumes on file. Similarly, the external network that likely failed to generate any leads before a position was advertised consists of (1) professional groups and job service agencies that already posted the job, (2) job hotlines, (3) career boards and (4) placement agencies.

Therefore, individuals looking for work should force themselves to express their need to their bankers, barbers, coaches, family, friends, insurance agents, ministers, neighbors, professional service providers, realtors, school contacts, teachers and those worked with and patronized in past. Likewise, they should talk with any other business, civic, professional or social contacts that come to mind.

Lists of those in alumni associations, chambers of commerce, churches, corporate directories, political interest groups, social clubs, sports leagues, trade shows, vendors and veteran groups are often a good source of leads. While many people do not like contacting such people, since they feel that it is advertising their not having work, job seekers should remind themselves that they are not asking these people for a job, but rather asking them for information.

The odds are very high that these individuals will not have an appropriate job. However, they will be able to provide contacts who can likely lead to a "good job." Is this to say that job seekers should not contact headhunters, answer ads or visit some of the websites listed in the latest edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U. S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics? The answer is "no."

Those, who are looking for work, should explore many avenues, while putting most of their time into networking. Simply put, when compared with answering ads in local and out of town newspapers, networking generally results in persons (1) discovering better jobs and (2) finding them sooner. This is especially the case during economic downturns since the odds of a good job being advertised drastically decrease as the availability of well-qualified workers increases.

Ideas on How to Network for Job Contacts

To successfully network, a job seeker should:

• Initiate contacts by attending functions where there will be potential employers or useful contacts, rather than waiting to bump into people.

• Let others know about his or her need for work.

• Be able to succinctly tell what he or she has to offer in a "30-second commercial."

• Develop a networking list, contact each individual on the list and add names of people who are met or referred by others.

• Establish specific networking goals in terms of how many people will be contacted each week and regularly check progress. (Depending on the type of job one is seeking the appropriate number of contacts can range from five to more than one hundred per week.)

• Always ask if a person knows of anyone else that should be contacted and ask if he or she minds his or her name being used.

• Keep networking records with the outcomes of each contact and important information about the individual including where met and/or how name was obtained.

• Meet face to face with person whenever possible.

• Tell the individual that their information and professional opinion are valued.

• Verbally thank the person and then send a thank you letter or card.

• Have a purpose and goals for every meeting instead of just "getting together."

When networking the job seeker may, depending on his or her experience, ask some or all of the following questions:

• What is the best way to get started in this profession?

• How did you become interested in this line of work?

• What do you feel is the best educational preparation for a career in this field?

• What aspects of this work are most challenging and why?

• Do you feel that opportunities in this line of work will increase?

• What types of changes do you foresee for this field?

• What traits help someone to succeed in this line of work and do you have any recommendations on how to develop them?

• Are there any experiences for succeeding in this career that are helpful?

• What are the best sources for information on this industry?

• Do you have any recommendations regarding journals or organizations that can be helpful for this line of work?

• Can you arrange a tour of your facility?

• How can a person make himself, or herself, more marketable?

• Can you recommend other people to talk to and is it alright to mention your name?

Is Dr. Clark Practicing What He Is Preaching?

Although most users of this website are seeking conventional full-time jobs, Dr. Clark's business requires a steady stream of customers to be viable and with the Internet these clients often come from distant lands. However, A. B. Clark Marketing as the sponsor of this website (just like many churches and others providing thousands of dollars worth of free advice) first focused on others' needs by providing useful job search information. It is only now at the bottom of this page that Dr. Clark mentions that www.ABClarkMarketing.com has needs that others can help meet, and he did this to show job seekers that their focus needs to first and foremost be on serving potential employers rather than on their own desires.

Note: Links to this Copyrighted website are permitted and individuals can print one copy for their own personal use. Any other uses of information without first receiving Dr. Clark's permission are prohibited, especially since A. B. Clark Marketing offers website and report services.

Sponsored by www.ABClarkMarketing.com   Copyright © 2004   ALL RIGHTS RESERVED