by Claudia Baier

Created on: October 14, 2010

Networking tips for landing a job

Most jobseekers think of begging people they know and meet for a job when they hear the concept of networking in order to land a job. Now, 80% of the jobs available never get advertised because they are filled by people that wowed the hiring person before it ever arrived at an advertisement.

First of all, you must be clear about what you want, what kind of position you want, what kind of company you want to work for and what the environment and social relations must be like.

How to find and contact them the easy way

Social networking websites such as www.xing.com and www.linkedin.com can facilitate your search for qualified employers. You can research their backgrounds and connect them via groups and group discussions. Once you have identified the people that you believe can support you in your job search, prepare your first contact carefully. Relate your message to what they need. Do not mention your search for a job to ensure that they do not feel pressured. Never send a group email to the people you contact but personalize the message to each individual. Being concrete, concise and clear is crucial in your communication with them. Contacting them with a question asking about their experience or offering a free support can be a useful "in" with these powerful people. Keep you job search to yourself for now, which also includes your resume. Wait until you actually are invited to talk about that subject. If they ask you what you are doing, you can say "I am developing my career", "i am focusing on creating results for my clients" and other phrases that are true about you and give a hint that you are a problem solver and a person that can make them feel good about themselves and you.

Focus on their needs

It is important to focus on the employer's needs. They are the ones you must impress with you agility, flexibility, creativity and personality. Ask them questions about who they are, what is important in their life, how they got to where they are and what they love about the company they work for. The first time you actually meet them personally, bring them something original for them to remember you by.

All in all, networking is about give and take. Giving comes first. It is the law of reciprocity that gives you the power to make them want to support you and eventually turn to you before the ideal position for you is being advertised.

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