Need a New Job? 5 Ways to Power Up your Networking by David Brewster

There are hundreds - indeed thousands - of jobs advertised on the internet every day. Sites like Classifind.com.au and others make them easy to browse, search and filter. But searching online should not be your only strategy for job hunting. Don't discount the potential of networking.

It is often said that only 30% (or 20%, or even 10%, depending who you talk to) of jobs are advertised. All the rest are filled by word-of-mouth: networking. There is no definitive study to prove this statistic and it may be well wide of reality, but there is no doubt that networking does work for some people.

Many people fear networking because they see it as selling. Amway and other pyramid - or 'network' - selling schemes have created this misconception. In truth, networking is simply keeping in touch with a wide range of people, helping them out when you can, and getting help in return. It is, in essence, no more than being an active member of a community.

Here are five tips to get you started with effective use of networking as a job-seeking strategy:

Start today. The best way to create an effective network is to do so before you need it. Networking works best when you are able to do something for others without expectation of anything in return. Then, when your time comes to job hunt, people will fall over themselves to do what they can for you. Would you help a stranger as much as you would help a friend? The same logic applies.


Get online. There is no doubt that the internet provides us with some powerful new networking tools. The current 'big three' are Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. There isn't space to explain these here but if you haven't had a look at them, do so. They are all about connecting with others and sharing information: including job opportunities. The 'start today' rule applies as much here as it does anywhere.

Get offline. While new technologies are fun to play with and can be effective, don't forget the most powerful form of communication there has ever been: face-to-face. Buy a coffee for a recruiter who was good to you in the past. Catch up with former work colleagues. Touch base with your old boss. Join a regular networking group. Your list will be longer than you think.

Use your community. Job seekers often forget to use another powerful network: the community they live in. Drop the kids at school and chat with other parents. Help out at the next working bee. Talk work at the local pub or at the football: it's okay ... really. You'll never know who-knows-who unless you make this effort.

Look out for others first. Effective networking takes time. You can't go into it with the expectation that it will bring quick results. The trick is maintain what some networking groups call a 'givers gain' mentality. Always be looking out for opportunities to help others and eventually this 'positive energy' will come back to you. Sounds a bit corny, but it works.

Networking works best if you can make it a routine part of the way you live your life. Anyone who runs their own business understands this. Unfortunately, people with steady jobs tend not to do it so well. They therefore find that if they lose their job, they have no supporting network in place.

About the Author

David Brewster, is a writer for Classifind.com.au .