Is networking crucial to your career progression

Less than 25% of all vacancies are advertised, so for the vast majority of job seekers their success in finding a new role is determined by how well networked they are.

Based upon the latest vacancy figures from the Office of National Statistics, in February 2007 there were a whopping 465,000 job vacancies that were not advertised. (This is of course across all sectors in the UK).

People who are good at networking have a significant advantage when it comes to taking the next step up their career ladder, as they will be able to choose from a much greater selection of job opportunities.

Networking is a true investment, not a nuisance. Imagine if you could always find what you needed in just 1 or 2 phone calls. If you are well networked, you probably can. By putting in the time to build your network, you save time when you need things, including a new career.

I have really been trying to improve my own networking skills and these are some of the tips that I have learned. I am sure there are many of you out there who could give us even better ideas, especially ones that have worked for you.

• Participate in Blogs and Forums. If you are seen as an expert in your area, people will contact you for advice and information.
• Use the Internet. There are now numerous e-networking sites, but the one that really works for me is Linkedin. Headhunters and Recruitment companies will often look for people on these type of sites.
• Stay in contact with old Colleagues that you had something in common with. People constantly move on, they may be able to recommend you to their new employer.
• Find a solution that works for you in keeping a note of these useful/interesting people. I have a folder set up in my Outlook folder so that I can search and use the contacts as necessary.

Ask yourself this question.

If I want a change of career, do I have a contacts list full of well-connected people in my industry whom I could easily contact and would be willing and able to help me?

If the answer is no, then I urge you to take the first step on the networking ladder. It isn't easy and it takes a lot of hard work, but it truly does pay off.