Finding A Job - Networking

The old adage about who you know being more important than what you know is probably not true in every area of life, but it can be true when it comes to finding a job. Sure, you'll never get any position if you don't have the education and/or skills and training necessary for it, but knowing someone who can hire you or knowing someone who knows a place that would want to hire you can be the difference between being gainfully employed and sitting around the house reading help-wanted ads.

One of the great things about the society we now live in is that the Internet makes networking easier than ever. Make sure you take advantage of it by first maximizing your social networks. Try to get as many influential friends on Facebook as you can. Don't just "friend" them and forget about them, either. Communicate with as many of your Facebook friends as often as you can; compliment the family photos they display; even invite them to lunch to catch up if it's feasible. That way, when you're desperate for a job, you can ask them if they know of any positions available.

Even better, if some of your friends are themselves employers, you can mention to them that you are currently seeking a new job. On the other hand, if you simply contact someone only when you want a job, that person is likely to feel used and not give your request much thought.

Similarly, Twitter and other social media sites can be useful for finding employment; you never know when someone might tweet that he or she is hiring. And even if your friends aren't bosses, they will often be the first to know when the company they work for is hiring, and they can email you so you can be one of the first to apply.

Keep responding to online job offers; keep updating that resume and those cover letters and keep sending them out-every day if you can. At the same time, don't neglect old-school means of finding a job. Comb through newspapers and magazines that list jobs openings. And if you see an ad in the local newspaper or a job fair in town, by all means attend it. If you are a younger person, you might be one of the few people there in your age bracket, and thus you will stand out and perhaps have a competitive edge.

Call up everyone you know who might be able to help you as well: old bosses, old friends, teachers, your high school guidance counselor or football coach. Everyone has their own circle of friends, and you never know who might be able to help you find that job you've always wanted to have.

One last note: if anyone gives you a job lead, arranges an interview for you, or helps you in any other way in your job search, always send them a handwritten thank-you note. They deserve it, for one thing, and for another thing they'll be much likelier to help you out in the future if you give them that kind of recognition.