Often a misunderstood technique, networking can help you obtain three things:

· information about each contact's industry and the kinds of jobs that are needed;
· ideas for brainstorming that help you develop effective job search strategies; and
· introductions to other people who will provide even more information, ideas, and, introductions.

Networking is a critical activity but is often done so poorly that it has somewhat of a bad reputation. If you think of your job search as a marketing exercise (i.e., selling yourself as a potential employee), then your network becomes the heart of your market development. It is important to understand the concept of networking, how to build one, and why you need to maintain a network, even after you have found a job, because maintaining your network is the key to successful lifelong career development.

What Is A Network?
Networking is not about asking people to offer you a job but using your connections to find the person who will offer you a job. Everyone has a network, but not everyone knows how to use it. The foundation of your network consists of everyone you know, plus everyone those people know. Your network includes colleagues you see every day, and people you might see only occasionally. Any one of these individuals may have information or ideas you can use in your job search.

Building and Expanding Your Network
One method of building your network is to become active in a professional association that represents your field of interest. Register and submit a presentation or poster for a regional or national meeting, or volunteer to serve on a committee. Anything you can do to make yourself and your abilities visible is effective in building your network. At meetings, talk to speakers after their presentations. Express interest in their work and ask whether they can offer you any suggestions in your job search.

It is a good idea to have business cards to hand out as you meet and talk to people. In conversations, you must be prepared to tell people about your job search, your background, and your desired position. If you don't advertise yourself, no one else will.

A Work in Progress
To maintain your network, keep track of your contacts in a card file or a computer database. It is to your advantage to keep this file updated. Make sure that you follow up on any leads suggested by members of your network.

Networking is based on reciprocity. Take every opportunity to assist others by referring people who have the skills that a specific employer might find useful. Remember that someday, you may need to call on them to return the favor.

Keep your contacts informed about your job search progress. Send thank-you or follow-up notes to your contacts for their time and willingness to help. If a job lead does not pan out, put a positive spin on it by asking your contact for the names of other people who might be able to help you. In this way, you can broaden your network and better target your market at the same time. Share job search techniques that have worked for you with other people in your network.

Networking is not an occasional phone call; it is a way of life, whether or not you are searching for a job. It is so critical because, to do your job search well, you need to be in more than one place with your eyes and ears wide open—and networking is the way to do it. By staying in touch with your network and letting its members know that you are interested in job leads, you can get a jump on the job market. Anecdotal evidence shows that people who have successfully rebounded from a job loss and who have made the best career transitions almost always had an established network to help them.