If You’re Not Networking, You’re Not Job Hunting

Some people hate networking. I should know, I’m one of them.

But if you’re not getting out there in the world and meeting people in your profession, then you are doing direct harm to your career. There are reasons that professionals in your field attend conventions and conferences, join organizations, take classes and exchange information online. They are keeping their skill set updated, learning about trends in their own field, and meeting their next employer.

If you are “between opportunities” right now, and diligently sending out resumes every day, then those resumes are competing against the resumes of people who have actually met the employer, who handed their resume over in person, who have made an indelible impression on the person doing the hiring. Whereas you are nothing but a list of qualifications on a piece of paper.

If you’re unemployed right now, the best thing you can do to find a new job is to network. However, you may not have the financial resources to take classes, attend conventions, or go to school reunions. That’s why it’s vital to do your networking when you’re gainfully employed.

Even if you don’t enjoy it, networking may get you your next job, or help you avoid unemployment in the first place!