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Networking offers graduates a portal to the ‘hidden job market’

Economic conditions suggest that today’s graduates venture out and proactively engage the market through networking, or informational interviewing. Not exactly what graduates would want to hear, but arguably what they need to hear.

Networking represents a critical job-hunting tool for today’s graduate for several reasons:

When networking, students embark on a job-hunting path different from the competition, thus increasing their odds for success.

Students will find positions not normally discovered through traditional means. Statistically, upwards of 60 percent of people get jobs through networking.

Informational interviewing offers valuable insight into career fields and industries. College students spend several years and thousands of dollars preparing for a professional life but have limited understanding of the occupations they are targeting.

Meeting with people already employed can identify career options that will expand the person’s market outreach. Students may pursue career paths they never knew existed.

Consulting with careerists in the field not only helps find opportunity but also assures the position is the right career fit.

Rather than wait for the market to come to them, students can make the connection themselves in several ways. It begins on campus. Faculty members are likely familiar with the sector of the market their students are exploring and ostensibly may direct them to appropriate contacts.

Certainly don’t overlook contacting alumni members. People can have an incestuous allegiance toward their alma mater and are usually open to helping graduates gain a foothold in the market.

Students should also plan to attend professional association events where they can meet and dialogue with practitioners in their targeted field.

Incumbents know what’s happening in their career area and represent connectivity to employers.

Networking adds a dimension to the job search, and graduating students in today’s sagging economy can’t afford to write off 60 percent of the market and expect results.

Phone calls are fine and e-mails have merit, but neither offers face time with people who can create a pathway to that first opportunity.