Best way to network for a job?

Question

I dont necessarily want to work at the places my friends are at...

Answer 1

Here are some general networking tips that have worked for me over the year.

1. Let all your friends, family, professors, pastor/priest, neighbors, etc. know what type work/career you are looking for and ask them to refer you for work in their circles of influence and especially at their companies as internal referrals have an advantage when it comes to hiring. Be a pleasant nag on this point. People usually don't take you seriously the first 5 times you ask.
2. Join and participate in associations related to the industries you specialize in.
3. Join www.linkedin.com and other professional social networking site and use it for all its worth.
4. Know what you have to offer, in the way of network, expertise, etc., and offer it generously to others who need it. People help those who help them.
5. Volunteer, in your spare time, with organizations working on the problems for the customers and in the industries that you are interested in career-wise. This will create natural networking and resume building opportunities.

Paraclete Performance

Answer 2

Networking is a very interesting phenomenon. If you just tell everyone you know what you are looking for and ask who they know who might be hiring someone like that, you will be surprised what you find.

A few years ago, my husband was laid off and unemployed. I happened to mention it to another mom at my daughter's school. He was mortified, but that is exactly what led to a fantastic new job. They were hiring someone just like him at her company.

So, tell your friends, family friends, fellow church and club members, parents of your kids friends...etc.