Networking 2.0

Job searching has changed remarkably over the past 10 years. The Internet has transformed the entire job-search landscape. However, the most important thing hasn’t changed at all. Ask yourself these two questions:
What was the best job search strategy/action 10 years ago? Networking.
What is today’s best job search strategy/action? Networking.
The fundamental process of networking has not changed and is still the best way to find a job. What has changed are the tools that expedite the networking process – namely, LinkedIn and Facebook, along with other online resources where you can identify people you know and people you want to know because they work in the industry and/or profession you are targeting.
NETWORKING TIERS The best professional networks are multi-tiered. Your tier-1 contacts are the people you know (co-workers and colleagues, past supervisors and managers, alumni organizations, neighbors, friends, people you know from professional and/or community associations, realtors, financial advisers). Email your résumé and a short networking letter to them with the goal of getting two to three referrals to people they know. Those individuals will comprise your tier-2 network.
When you email your tier-2 contacts, include the name of the person who referred you, communicate your professional expertise, inquire about opportunities and ask for referrals to two to three others: your tier-3 contacts. The bigger your network, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.
TOTAL JOB SEARCH Your search plan will most likely include other activities: emailing your résumé and letter in response to print and online job postings, uploading your résumé to other employment websites, sending your résumé to recruiters who specialize in your profession, or writing a blog or posting online articles. All these activities and others will allow for a totally integrated campaign, but always remember that networking will score the most and best opportunities 99 percent of the time.

Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Modernize Your Résumé: Get Noticed ... Get Hired” and “Expert Résumés for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.”