The majority of job hunters underestimate how useful their network of contacts can be, but as with anything in life whether you are an athlete in training or a student looking for your first job – the more you put in, the more you will get out, ‘no pain no gain’.

Therefore, you should allocate sufficient time each day to promote your personal network; it must be a planned and continuous effort and bear in mind that 65 to 80% of all jobs are found through networking.

Adopting the traditional approach.

Job fairs are a great place to interact with representatives of companies so it’s important to remember to ask for the contact details of each person you meet. Take into account that not every business will recognise your potential, but the contacts you make may be useful with your job search.

Digital expansion.

Present-day techniques of making contacts include networking online such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – this line of approach offers you an enormous audience to showcase your knowledge to and at the same time create new connections.

Operate your network.

By way of multiplying your network of links, the probability of you obtaining employment will substantially increase. It’s important to frequently keep in touch with your present network because you want to maximise your search to its full potential.

Continuing, it’s vital that you develop friendly relationships with people who can inform you of job opportunities – just by talking to people you get information, advice and referrals; thus discovering the hidden job market.

Have the right mindset.

Be patient and steadily build relationships with people rather than expect instant results. Make sure you have the right tools to hand such as business cards and up-to-date CVs.

You should also make an effort to meet new people, ask people in your network about others who can help you to get the information you need and get out of your comfort zone – push yourself to present yourself in a positive and professional manner.

“It’s not what you know it is who you know”.

In a nutshell, this highlights the importance of networking – many jobs are found through personal contacts and therefore networking is essential for career success.

As recruiters we understand completely that networking is a learned skill, some people are better than others but it’s simply a case of mastering it.

A company’s most important asset is its network; business life is all about connections and maintaining contact. Business contacts are valued relationships with genuine people and it is important to keep any network current.

It’s absolutely necessary to keep in touch with your network as this creates a level of trust which equals success and opportunities!