I always tell my career coaching clients and job coaching tip blog readers:
Caution: Don't network too soon. If your goals are vague, the contacts you make can't help you much and your contacts may even be put off by your lack of direction.
But once you've tapped out your personal and business networks and have run out of recruiters to contact, where do you go to get help finding a job these days?
For a growing group of job hunters, total strangers have become the answer. "Adversity often brings out a generosity and compassion," says Tim Irwin, an organizational psychologist in Atlanta.
Career experts agree that the majority of the best jobs are found on the basis of networking or a relationship. "The power of a referral is tremendous," says Mr. Irwin, author of "Run With the Bulls Without Getting Trampled." "When I lend my name to a person's resume, they benefit from the influence that I have with that individual. Their resume is going to get different attention. That's just a reality."
Of course, those seeking help should do their own due diligence. A referral from someone who isn't in good standing in the field or who has a less than stellar reputation can harm your job search.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2009
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