One of the most effective ways to get ahead in the job market is through strategic networking within your industry. Whether at a formal event or through casual links, the practice of networking can really enhance your chances of securing the kind of job that may not even reach advertisement.

Within the commercial sector, networking events have been established for some time, and, of course, provide great opportunities to develop new business relationships. However, it is often the impromptu meetings and conversations that reveal hidden but potentially beneficial links that could get you where you want to be. In fact, networking is something we do naturally almost every day of our lives, and, as such, we suggest following these ten ‘rules of engagement’:

Ten top tips

• Keep your networking web wide - this may include past and present colleagues, family, friends, friends of friends - you never know who might be able to help you.
• The first step is often simply asking for advice about a particular company, role or sector - most people are happy to talk about their career paths.
• Put your CV online - most internet service providers offer a web page for personal use, or you can host a web page on one of the many free web hosting services available - then simply add your personal URL to your business card. Print up your own business cards if you are between jobs to exchange with potential leads; dress sharply and be confident but not obnoxious.
• Be persistent but not pushy - if someone cannot personally help you ask if they know of anyone else looking to recruit, or if they have any further advice on your next steps. This will show true interest on your part and may help the person you’re networking with come up with ideas they might otherwise overlook.
• Listen carefully to others - and remember that you might be able to offer something in return; you could meet someone who could be a great asset to your company or team.
• For entrepreneurs, public speaking and publishing are critical to building expertise in the public eye. For job seekers, doing the same can attract attention to your expertise; you are your own brand!
• You can practise a short ‘elevator speech’ that naturally sums up who you are and what you are looking to achieve.
• However, be authentic. Be yourself and be real. Above all else, remember your manners and thank those who help you, your paths may cross again in the future.
• Consider networking as a process you do for the life of your career, not just something to do between jobs. Continue to grow your career by building and maintaining relationships.

Face-to-face networking

It is easy to see why networking could be useful, but how do you actually make those connections? Part of this is simply being prepared to go and talk to people, however daunting it may seem, so make the most of conferences, meetings and networking events and keep a plentiful supply of business cards at the ready to fortify any positive connections. Try noting down on the back of each card the topic of your conversation to jog your memory after the event.

Electronic networking

Networking online overcomes the limitations of distance and time, and is becoming more and more commonly used, clearly evident in the rise in popularity of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Being a member of one of these sites, an online distribution list, chat room or a contributor to a blog might well lead to the development of fruitful connections and new directions both in your career and social life. In today’s global employment market, online networking certainly makes for a unique and effective way to secure that dream job wherever in the world it may be.

A few networking sites to try:

www.linkedin.com ^[1] - career/business networking
www.doostang.com ^[2] - career/business networking
www.ryze.com ^[3] - career/business networking
www.xing.com ^[4] - career/business networking
www.bizmeed.com ^[5] - career/business networking
www.facebook.com ^[6] - social networking
www.myspace.com ^[7] - social networking
http://360.yahoo.com ^[8] - personal web page hosting
http://spaces.live.com ^[9] - personal web page hosting