Is job networking at the top of your list of job search methods? Of the dozen or so ways to find a job, which ones do you think are the most successful?

You might be surprised to learn that the ways most people use to find their jobs are actually the least effective. The reason is because they are relying on the old standards: classified ads, job fairs and mailing resumes to employers. While those methods typically result in 8-10% of job candidates finding work, for the rest of the population, something else is going to be required.

In order to find a good job, you have to put forth effort. One of the most efficient ways to find meaningful work is to job networking - networking with people you know (friends, family, neighbors and former co-workers). The good news is that it isn’t all that difficult, too.

Networking involves sustaining positive relationships with a variety of people. It takes some time and a bit of effort, but often pays off when employment situations arise. 

Networking groups are common in many cities and offer a variety of resources and opportunities to meet others. Book clubs are also excellent for meeting people who enjoy reading the same type of material as you do.

The point, of course, is that you have to get out and meet people. Get to know them. Listen to them. Find out what their needs are and help them. When you listen to others and help them achieve their goals, you are more likely to find yourself being helped in achieving your own goals as well. 

Job networking is far more effective than classified ads, job fairs and mailing out resumes combined. "Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking" according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Department of Labor). That is a lot of jobs that are not made public. How are they filled? In many cases, they are filled by "people who know other people" who can do the job.