It's All About Who You Know: It Takes More Than a Degree to Get the Job You Want

In today's competitive job market, finding a decent job has become more difficult than ever before. Many people spend anywhere from two to ten years in college, working and studying hard to earn good grades, in hopes of finding their dream job, only to find that it takes more than college degrees in order to be able to get the best job. Many of you have probably heard the old saying "It's all in whom you know" in terms of finding the best job. This is called networking. Networking is a method that people can use to become acquainted with people whom are already employed in the field that another person may be preparing for.

In many cities, there are many opportunities for networking. The most common opportunities for networking include college attendance, apprenticeships, and internships.

How to successfully network Tip #1-College Attendance
When a company is about to hire new employees, the human resource manager of the company may begin searching at the local community college or university. If you have a good working relationship with your college instructors, as well as good grades in most of your occupationally related coursework, you will have a better chance of being recommended for the job.

How to successfully network Tip #2-Take advantage of internship or apprenticeship programs

One of the most common forms of networking is through participating in an internship or apprenticeship program. These forms of occupational-based training not only provide the potential employee with the specific experience that many employers often seek in new employees, Apprenticeships and Internships give the intern or apprentice an increased potential to advance to a full time position within the company in the future.

How to successfully network Tip #3 Use your Social Contacts

One of the most widely used forms of networking is to use your social contacts. Social contacts include your friends, family, people you attend church, college, or with whom you engage in any other social activity. Maintaining good social contacts will help to improve and promote your reputation in the community.