Career Development Center Networking Networking is the single most effective job search strategy . The purpose of networking is to gather information, advice, and referrals that may ultimately lead to interviews and employment offers. Networking is the best way to uncover this hidden market.
Most employers prefer informal and personal methods of identifying employees.
Develop a list of potential contacts in your field of interest who can cover a range of experiences and viewpoints. Now that you have a list of potential contacts you want to arrange an informational interview or meeting with those individuals. You may either write or call to arrange the informational interview. Make it clear that you are not asking for a job, you are asking for information. If you setup a meeting by telephone, prepare a brief script saying who you are, who referred you, why you are calling and when you would like to meet.