Tagging All the Networking Bases

All the experts preach the importance of networking

Most job search advice – and this holds true for all age groups – will stress the importance of networking. According to LinkedIn, 85 percent of all jobs are filled as a result of – in one sense or another – networking. Likewise, similarly high percentages of recruiters use LinkedIn on a regular basis to engage with job seekers.

It would appear that it is pretty important.

This is good news for the 50+ job seeker. The older you are, the more you’ve been around, the more people you’ve been around, the wider your network is to begin with… all of which translates into a major advantage for you.

Several paths to follow

In today’s job search world, networking can take several forms.

First, there is the conventional networking event. Masses of business people gather at some venue (usually a watering hole of some sort) for a cash bar and complimentary (or very inexpensive) snacks. “Bring plenty of business cards,” many advise. At this point, it should go without saying that, even though you’re out of work, you can still have a professional-looking business card at a very inexpensive cost with all your particulars on it: name, position (past or seeking), phone, email and LinkedIn URL.

A subset of that experience is the job search group. This is a gathering of job seekers who meet regularly to share advice, opportunities, etc. Some groups even have speakers. As for refreshments, you’ll be lucky to get a cup of coffee.

Second, there is much more personal one-on-one networking. This will include your informational interviews as well as your meet ups for breakfast, coffee, or lunch with those you know who may know, or people who know people who know…

Third, there is the 21st Century networking – online. This can take several forms. The popular is working LinkedIn for people, companies, people at companies, people in your select line of work, people you know professionally, casually, or personally, etc. Not only may you not make personal contact with them, it’s very possible that you may never actually speak to them either.

This is all good news for the older job seeker. The importance of networking and the many faces it assumes is one of the few constants in the job-search world.

More tips.