Ask around and you’ll find that most people have landed a job through networking. Networking is about building connections and learning from the insight and experience of others.
Making connections, especially in combination with other search strategies, is significantly more successful than merely applying to positions. For one thing, it’s easier and more appealing for organizations to interview candidates that current employees know. Secondly, many positions are filled before they ever get posted to the public. Smart networking will ensure that you know about the “hidden job market” of un-posted positions that may open up or are being created. Networking can make the difference between being selected for an interview and being left out.
Read more about networking and informational interviewing in this handout(PDF). Have questions or need more advice? Stop by the Career Center or make an appointment for one-on-one coaching.