What is a network? People you know! They include current or former co-workers, family, friends, acquaintances, and neighbors. They could also be people who consider you a customer, such as doctors, insurance dealers, or financial advisors. You can also find other people to network with in professional or trade organizations, alumni or faculty member associations, and church or volunteer groups. Be on the lookout for new networking opportunities with people you meet in new settings.

Remember the cliché, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." In the context of job hunting, let your contacts know of your career interest and that you will be looking for a job soon. If someone says, "get me a copy of your resume and I'll pass it around," you've got a start. However, if that contact is someone you work out with in the gym, make a point of giving them your resume when you look ready to interview. Remember, you want them to recommend you for a high paying job.

Networking requires a lot of effort. It involves initiative, communication skills, resourcefulness, time management, perseverance, and research skills. You want to be careful to put out the right image and ask for people you know to help you without coming across in an unfavorable manner. There is a networking etiquette; it is both a skill and a social grace. There is also a practical aspect - creating and maintaining a list of contacts. Much of networking boils down to reaching out to people you encounter, exercising common courtesy in asking a few questions, and saying thank you for any assistance they can offer.

You know your networking has been successful when one of your contacts tells you about a job opening or passes your resume on to a manager. As you plan your job hunt, don't overlook the value of asking for assistance. Once someone has helped you out, make a point of sending them a thankyou note. After all, you may be looking for a job again in the future. Also, once you have a job you may find yourself in someone else's job hunting network. Remember how others helped you out.