Eighty-five percent of all jobs are filled through some form of networking.

Source: LinkedIn

Career networking remains the most effective and strategic job search method. The process is no different than trying to find out about a movie or a good place to go for dinner. You ask around, and sooner or later you find someone who knows somebody who can provide the information you seek.

Start With Who You Know

Everyone knows someone who can help in the job search process. Begin with who you know. Get personal referrals from alumni, faculty, family, and peers. Put the word out that you are searching in a particular field and follow up promptly on any leads you receive.

Develop New Relationships

Networking is more than just asking those you already know. It is meeting new people and building relationships in the companies and industries where you want to get hired. The most effective way to get an interview is through people who are willing to refer you for a position —a job opening you may not even know exists. This is sometimes called the "hidden" job market. A recent study reported that only about half of all available job openings are ever advertised publicly. Companies prefer to use employee referral programs. A good way to get to know people in the areas where you want to be hired is through doing informational interviews —talking to people to get their personal stories of how they got where they are.

Nurture Your Network

There are many ways you can build and maintain your network, both in-person and online. In-person, you can do informational interviews, attend career fairs, and join professional organizations or Meetup groups. Online, you can use social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) to interact with people and groups related to your field of interest. Remember to maintain your relationships and give back when possible.

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