Who you know is just as important as what you know in today's job market. Networking really does help you land that perfect job, a job that is just right for you.

Networking is a skill you must learn and practice! There are many local networks. Ask around! Use Google Homepages to search for networks.

Networking Benefits

Thru Networking you discover and use connections between people. It requires expanding your current community and tapping into other communities (colleagues, professors, former employers, etc.). You make a point of talking to new people, such as at a professional conference, presentation, club or group meeting, and social gatherings. Networking helps you explore fields of interest and can lead to job opportunities. Discussions with professionals can help you make career decisions. You want to build a personal network to receive information about job openings, build contacts, obtain referrals, and improve their interviewing skills. Toronto is full of networking opportunities. Toronto is home to numerous trade events, associations and business meetings.

Keep in mind, 60-80% of Toronto's jobs are estimated to be found through networking. Remember our point: most Toronto and area jobs are never posted on job boards.

Networking: Informational Interview

Meeting with your network acquaintances in person for an informational session is an important aspect of your job search or career development. Before meeting have basic knowledge of their background and career history. If you are specifically seeking a job in his or her company, you should research the company. Know it's major products or services, financial status, number of employees, profitability, financial strength, and status in the industry.

Be brief, 20 minutes or so. These are not job interviews. Ask questions and learn about their experience and their company. These visits help you decide which companies you would like to return to for formal job interviews. Informational visits are easier to arrange than job interviews. With each informational meeting you lay the groundwork for your job-hunting success. It is good form (and expected) you follow up with thank-you notes.

Questions you might ask: Networking and Informational Interviews

How did you get into the field?
What are the big problems and issues your organization faces?
Where do you see someone like me fitting into this ( field, industry, company)?
What trends are affecting your business?
What associations should I join?
What publications should I read?
What are the most important skills you look for in these types of jobs?
How is hiring done?
What compensation could I expect?
Is there formal or on-the-job training?
How should I prepare for job interviews?
What's a typical career path for someone coming in at my level?
What are the biggest obstacles I would face in this job?
Whom would you suggest I talk to next?
May I keep in touch with you and let you know my progress?


Tips: Job Networking

Practice - start with contacts you are most comfortable with. Assess: What information helped? Which questions were most effective? What interested you? Keep notes: Who you spoke with, information received, your impressions, follow up strategy, and referrals. Follow up: Keep people you've contacted informed of your progress.

Job Networking is: Any place, at any time!