Ideally, cultivating a network of career-related contacts is something that should be done throughout your career, rather than started at the onset of a job search. However, don't disregard networking if you haven't started early, include it along with other job search strategies. The emphasis here is on mailing, e-mailing, or faxing large quantities of personalized letters and resumes to decision makers. This is different from the less effective traditional strategy of mass mailing letters and resumes to generic recipients like the Human Resources Department. The approach to the decision maker you would take is straightforward, i.e., you are in fact looking for a job.
Large quantities sent can cover a lot of ground.
This method is somewhat inefficient since a great deal of correspondence is screened out, and this approach does not effectively tap into the decision maker's personal network. As a result this approach needs larger quantities of mailings. Targeted Networking is a straightforward strategy for contacting key decision makers in targeted industries and organizations, and obtaining referrals within the decision maker's network, thus exposing you to potential opportunities during any stage of a job's life cycle. The approach to the decision maker is straightforward with regard to the fact that you are looking for a career position. Targeted Networking is a more efficient and effective strategy than other forms of networking to access the hidden job market.