To some, it seems like shameless self-promotion. But networking–the art of creating and maintaining personal connections to get from point A to point B in your career–is essential to finding a job in tenuous economic times, experts say.
“I think it goes so much further than responding to ads,” said Ann Hartley, associate director of University Career and Employment Services at the University of Kansas. “People are more likely to remember you if they’ve met you.”
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It can be tough to make the first move toward networking and all it entails: mingling at open houses and career fairs, following up on connections made there, setting up informational interviews. The practice requires job seekers to open themselves up to scrutiny, criticism and rejection. But eventually, it should lead to success, Hartley said.
One of the best ways to make connections is through a mentor, said Janice Benjamin, the University of Kansas Medical Center’s director of development for the school’s endowment association. For others, informational interviews give job seekers an idea of whether they want to pursue that particular career. Sometimes those visits can lead to employment later on, Benjamin said.
Just as important to those looking for employment is joining a professional organization. Such groups often offer events that are prime networking venues and get job seekers in front of many potential employers, Benjamin said.