Networking - The Key to Finding a New Job

Featured Article & Career Coach: Joyce Fortier

Networking entails establishing a network of contacts who could conceivably help you in the development of your career - or put another way - it is the exchanging of information and resources and ideas in such a way that builds relationships. Talk to everyone you know. Tell them you are looking for a job. Let them know what kind of work you have done in the past and what you would like to do in the future. This information gives them a clear picture of what you are looking for, and they just might know of someone who could help.

Networking seems like a lot of work, so you might wonder if it's worth the effort. In a word, yes. Networking is the single most powerful tool in the career changer's toolbox. It is the opportunity for you and the other person to establish and maintain a connection and open up new possibilities for your future.

The more you network, the more you create a community of professionals who will serve as referrals for you. Some studies show that as many as 60% of individuals find a job through an informal network of family, friends or colleagues. The bottom line is that who you know may be more important than what you know. [Read more...]

Take advantage of the many resources available. Read career articles and note what certified career coaches are saying about achieving career success. Certified career coaches provide expert advice, guidance, and take time to learn about you, what you want to gain from your career, and will stay with you every step of the way to ensure desired outcomes and goals are achieved.