Discovering the Power of Career Network

In an age of economic slowdown and corporate downsizing today, there is absolutely no job security. If you think you’ll stay in the same line of work and be able to get away with little or no career network of industry contacts, think again. A lot of professionals are face career challenges – layoffs, switching jobs, changing industry, relocation, etc. Either you are looking for new jobs, protecting the current one, or planning to move up in the same organization, you can use your career network as a powerful tool to help you reach the goal.

How powerful is the career network and what can it do for you?

Successful job seekers tells us that between 60 and 80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Networking has such a great power in career advancement that you cannot ignore it.

In looking for permanent positions, career networking is 12 times more effective than answering advertisements. Advertising is becoming ineffective except on a large scale.

Career networking is essential for both new jobs and promotions from current positions. Networking is the same effective for permanent jobs, temp positions, contracting, and independent consultants.

Your network contacts can give you insider information on an organization, such as who is in charge, what the culture is like, what kinds of people have held the job you’re looking at, what it takes to succeed in that position, what new directions or changes might be happening soon, how to customize your cover letter and resume to get noticed, how to market yourself effectively and tips for interviewing. A cover letter and resume that demonstrate that you are just the kind of person an organization is looking for can really give you an advantage.

If you are planning career change or switching field, you can check with your contacts to find out what it’s really like to work in a given field or industry now. Your contacts can also tell you how the field has changed and what they see for the future. They can help you understand the aptitudes and training needed to get into and be successful in a particular field. They can give you the inside scoop on schools and training programs.

The old saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” is still true in the business today. Successful professionals always put networking in their career management plan. Maintaining as many relationships as possible can certainly empower yourself in career growth.

If you haven’t done much in career networking, it’s time to start now. Make it a habit to connect to people through out your career by making an effort to meet as many individuals as possible. Day by day you’ll build an effective career network through developing professional and personal relationships. When you increase channels to professional opportunities, you have better control on your career.