Consider . . .

How do you define networking?

Is your list of people to network with sufficient to carry you through your job search?

Have you been building and maintaining a network throughout your career?

How can you effectively engage your network?

Reflect . . .

When considering and/or conducting a job search, everyone talks of networking. And, as is the case with many other words, we use this term so often that we fail to grasp the concept of networking.

A network is a system that links or connects, thus allowing for flow. It is commonly used to describe a transportation system or a telephone system, or it is freely used to describe a loose association of people possessing some common bond.

Reflecting on your life and career, you will quickly recognize that you already have and continue to build a network in your daily associations with others. Bonds are formed, perhaps ever so weak at first, perhaps so weak that they quickly dissolve. Other bonds are strengthened due to common interest, a symbiotic relationship, or frequent contact. And if these bonds are to endure, a level of respect and trust must develop.

So, when preparing for your job search, reflect on the network that you have developed over the years. Yes, everyone has a network. However, if you have not made an effort to maintain it, the bonds may be weak, and you may feel shy and hesitant to draw on these contacts. Nonetheless, if approached properly, even these weak relationships in your network might be strengthened and become valuable links for you. For instance, if you have always admired someone's analytical ability, insights or creativity, then you might