Using this word of mouth approach is very effective. If you think about it, either you or someone you know has had good luck finding work through a personal contact. We call this networking. More people get jobs through networking than through all the other methods combined.

This chapter will help you see what the hidden job market and the advertised market may offer. On the next pages you'll find a lot of networking ideas, suggestions for finding advertised jobs and tips to get you started.

Talking to Everyone You Know and More - Networking is something you do naturally. It simply means talking to people you know to get the information you need and referrals to other people who can help you. You've already done this many times in your life. Through networking you find out what doctors are taking new patients, who's the most reliable plumber, and who delivers the best pizza in town.

You may be surprised at how helpful people can be. The key is to let as many people as possible know what you can do and what you want to do. Ask them if they have any advice for you, know of any companies that are hiring or know anyone you should talk to for more information. Here are some things that people might know that can be helpful to you:

•  jobs that are available but have not yet reached the newspapers
•  jobs that are unadvertised because the organization is extremely busy
•  job openings where someone has left or is planning to leave
•  transfers, retirements, or leaves of absence that create openings
•  bosses who are always on the lookout for good workers
•  short or long-term contract work for peak periods
•  companies that are starting up, moving or expanding
•  current business trends, needs or problems that may lead to jobs
•  new projects and new products that will create work

When someone gives you a lead, follow up as soon as you possibly can. If they refer you to someone, make sure you use the name of your reference right up-front when you introduce yourself. It makes a big difference. The Networking Tracking Sheet on page 6 can help organize your efforts.

Networking is a Mutual Exchange - You'll also want to offer the people in your network the benefit of anything you can do for them. Return the favour by looking for the chance to share information you have that might be useful (e.g. "I saw a sign in the local ice cream shop. Is your son still looking for a summer job?"). Make a list of people you'd like to contact by using the Networking Worksheet on page 4. It will help you decide who to talk to first and who to contact when you have more confidence.

Expand the List - Have you thought of everyone? Expand your networking list by thinking about people you know from community groups and community events.

Community Groups - People in these groups will be well aware of what's happening in your area. Getting to know them and making them aware of your skills may lead to information and referrals that may provide valuable leads for you.

Community Events - Get more involved as a way of introducing yourself to new people. In the course of a conversation it's natural for people to ask, "What do you do?" This will give you a great opportunity to mention your background, the kind of work you want and an opportunity to follow up with, "If you hear of anyone that might be hiring, I'd sure appreciate a call." Look for ways to stay in touch, so that they keep you in mind.

Fund Raising Campaigns - charity runs, walkathons, raffle ticket sales, door-to-door canvassing

Seasonal Events - summer barbecues, church picnics, fall fairs, neighbourhood parties, Octoberfest, street sales, fishing derbies, block parties, local elections

Volunteer Organizations: local hospitals, babysitting co-ops, public schools, support groups, special interest groups, charities

Build Your Network - Look at the chart on page 5 and see if it helps you add more names to your list. Remember that networking is the best way to find work. Let everyone know exactly what you can do and what kind of work you hope to get. Ask for leads and referrals. Bounce ideas off people. Thank them for their support and follow up on any information they may offer. Check back with your contacts periodically.