Of the dozen or so ways to find a job, which ones do you think are the most successful?

Would you be surprised to learn that the ways most people use to find their jobs are actually the least effective? The reason is because they are relying on the old standards: classified ads, job fairs and mailing resumes to employers. While those methods typically result in 5-7% of job candidates finding work, for the rest of the population, something else is going to be required.

In order to find a good job, you have to put forth effort. One of the most efficient ways to find meaningful work is to network with people you know (friends, family, neighbors and former co-workers). Networking involves sustaining positive relationships with a variety of people. It takes time and effort, but often pays off when employment situations arise. Sometimes, you have to go outside your sphere of influence and meet other people in order to find the job you are looking for.

To meet other people, you have to make an effort to get to know other people in your chosen industry/field. Networking groups are common in many cities and offer a variety of resources and opportunities to meet others. Book clubs are also excellent for meeting people who enjoy reading the same type of material as you do.

The point is that you have to network. Get out and meet people. Get to know them. Listen to them. Find out what their needs are and help them. When the time comes for you to find a job or if something comes up with someone you know you will be far more likely to get a phone call for an interview than others in your field. When you listen to others and help them achieve their goals, you are more likely to find yourself being helped into achieving your own goals. It is a two-way street.

Networking is far more effective than classified ads, job fairs and mailing out resumes.

"Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking" according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Department of Labor). That is a lot of jobs that are not made public. How are they filled? In many cases, they are filled by "people who know other people" who can do the job.

Shouldn't that be you?

Regardless of which opportunities you pursue and how you pursue them, you must ensure your credentials are the best. If your resume needs attention, review and revise it until it is a professional work of art.

Your next job is just around the corner. Do you know the right people? Networking works.

To read more about networking, follow this link: Networking and the Job