Surveys have revealed that the hiring source employers go to most often is referrals from current employees. Recommendations from current employees help to insure more of a "known" vs. "unknown" quantity that could reap savings for the employer with regards to time, quality in recruiting, cost of recruiting and training expenses.

With this in mind, any job seeker would certainly want to work on developing and building their professional network in order to increase their employment opportunities. However, one should not wait until they need a job to start their network building efforts. Instead, it should be a part of your daily routine, on (if employed) and off the job.

There's nothing complicated about networking, although many are confused by it, misuse it, or even fear it. Networking is simply the development of mutually beneficial relationships. The keyword here is "mutually." Both you and your contacts will benefit from your networking efforts. I'll address that aspect later in this article.

Why Network?

The purpose of networking is the exchange of information, advice and referrals. Personal meetings are the most effective in building one's network. It's the result of this face-to-face contact that enhances the probability of actually adding someone to your network.

Informational interviewing is a major aspect of building one's network. Where you are in your career planning process will dictate the nature of your questions.

If you're exploring new career ideas you will probably focus on the nature of the work, education and training requirements, work settings, and related facts. If you're actually job searching then your questions might focus on organizations to get involved with, people to contact, job search strategies, and even a chance to get feedback on your resume.

However, since you're seeking information, make it clear you're not expecting a job offer or a referral to a job. The potential interviewee will be more inclined to meet with you if they don't feel they'll be "hit up" for a job. You can make your goals clear in an approach letter requesting the informational meeting.

Building Your Network

When it comes to building one's network, it's best to start with the network you already have in place -- family and friends, members of social, religious and recreation groups, current/past employers and co-workers, current/past instructors/classmates, and especially service providers to you and your family whose business it is to know lots of people (lawyers, doctors, life insurance and real estate agents, bankers, accountants, clergy and even your hair stylist to name a few).

When you're ready to meet professionals in your field of interest, consult with members of your current network to see if they know of anyone in career field X or working for company Y. If they do, find out if it's okay for you to contact them. If they say yes, send off an approach letter to them describing your purpose (seeking information) and request 20 minutes of their time. Follow that up with a call in 7-10 days.

Ideas for continuing to build your network with professionals in your field of interest should include getting involved in related professional organizations. At the very least, attend meetings, introduce yourself to others, and talk with speakers.

Membership directories can be a good source for contacts. Getting more involved, however, will increase your networking opportunities. Consider joining a committee such as membership, programming or helping out with their newsletter.

In addition, don't forget the alumni office at your alma mater. They may already have something in place to connect alumni job seekers with alumni in their fields of interest.

It is Mutually Beneficial

As mentioned earlier, both you and your contacts will benefit from your networking efforts.

We already know that employers like to network (when they can) - remember, that's where they go most often to hire new employees.

We also know that if someone likes their job and has some time to chat, they will be inclined to meet with you (assuming you present yourself in a professional manner). They enjoy the opportunity of "giving back" and are often flattered that their opinions and feedback are valued.

In addition, you can always let them know that you appreciate their time and effort and would be glad to recommend their business or products to others. Don't forget the all important thank you note afterwards.

Good luck in developing your professional network and enhancing your overall job search approach.

David P. Helfand is the Coordinator of Career Counseling in the Counseling Office at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. He is the author of Career Change: Everything You Need to Know to Meet New Challenges and Take Control of Your Career, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 1999.