Wednesday, January 16, 2013

We've all heard that the best way to find a good job is to network.

Miriam Salpeter of U.S. News and World Report says there are some keys to create your own career insurance.

1. Target Your Connections.
Be selective. Get to know and become trusted by people who can either hire you or recommend you to a hiring authority.

2. Be Visible, Available And Accessible.
You need to be where your contacts spend time. If LinkedIn is the place to be in your industry then make sure your profile is updated and complete.

3. Look For Opportunities To Be Helpful.
Don't wait to be asked to contribute your knowledge or expertise. Networking is a two-way street.

4. Keep In Touch.
Once you connect with the right contacts, enhance your relationship with one-on-one correspondence. Use that contact to try and meet in person.

Remember: keep networking even after you've found a job. It will help you in the long run.