Land the Ideal Job Using Social Networks

With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking, it's no wonder that people are turning to their colleagues and acquaintances for advice and help in finding employment. The old adage, "It's not what you know, but who you know" rings true when it comes to sources of labor in today's economy.

The Traditionalists

In the recent past (and even today for some unbending traditionalists), if you were unemployed you would focus on perfecting your resume, scour through the classifieds, or spend $5K getting help from an employment firm only to end up with outdated job leads and generic career advice ? but still no job.

While these tactics are still important to employ as part of an overall job hunt, it seems like a lot of work and energy (never mind monetary resources we don't have) when you consider the 60% of people who are finding jobs via referrals and relationships they've built.

Dinosaurs can Change

But even old Traditionalists can learn new tricks. Take my close colleague, J.M., for example ? an experienced traditionalist and professional in the insurance agency who is just now 'succumbing' to e-mail technology and implementing it in his daily interactions with customers. Some people are slow to adopt new technology. J.M. is slower. So when I told him I was launching ViralCommerce.com (a social networking tool for professionals) and explained it helps people to create new contacts and build their network via their existing contacts, I fully expected him to turn and run. Instead, he replied (via e-mail) "Give me a demo sometime. You never know. Dinosaurs can change. "

And he's right. People change? but only when the old way isn't working anymore. After all, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. No one wants to be insane.

Enter the Social Network

Social networks provide a fresh avenue for professionals to make new contacts without the time expenditure incurred attending mixers or scheduling lunches. Based upon the six degrees of separation theory, whereby you and anyone you could want to meet are separated by a maximum of six people/connections, social networks have become an extremely helpful resource tool for job hunters and employers alike.

Unlike sites built on classified ads, social networks like ViralCommerce.com promote traditional networking, building relationships by e-mail and interviews. Instead of hunting for a specific job, members of the network look to reach out and expand their network ? in turn expanding their job opportunities. Often, building connections with other members results in accessing top jobs that aren't published in classifieds or traditional job postings.

The concept behind using social networks to find a job is easy: The more connections you make within the network, the more friends-of-a-friend you can meet, and the better your chances of finding an employer or key contact who can make an introduction resulting in employment for you.

Networking Online

Why do it all online? Why not take the concept and just apply it to your own existing inner circle? The answer: Diversity. Chances are, the people who are already in your network probably feel the same way you do about pretty much everything. You probably agree on most matters and likely have a large number of similar contacts. And those contacts that you don't already know, you probably weren't even aware your colleagues knew. They didn't think to introduce you because the obvious synergy between you wasn't obvious to them.

Using a social network like ViralCommerce.com gives you access to your colleague's contacts without them having to determine who you would or wouldn't benefit from knowing. You can search through contacts and request an introduction with ease. In addition, because most social networks aren't limited by demographics the diversity is incredible. Take ViralCommerce.com for instance, where you can request a connection with the Chaplain of the Oakland Raiders, a Norwegian Software Programmer, a Sales Professional representing Usana Health Sciences, or a Professional Recruiter from Illinois.

Mixing it Up

Of course, it's recommended that you use online tools to complement, not replace, traditional efforts. Networks aren't an instant fix. It takes time to build relationships, but once they've been established the pay off is great. Think of it as a whole new set of contacts and opportunities, or perhaps the tool that might just help you land your ideal job. After all, it's not what you know ? it's who you know.

About the Author:

Sherry Schuller is President of Viral Commerce, Inc. and Zabbo Communications. She is the founder of the Conference on Strategic Growth for Businesses and Entrepreneurs, co-author of 222 Ways to Entrepreneurial Success, and has assisted many organizations with strategic planning, branding, marketing, advertising design, training, and application development. She was previously an Internet Specialist for IBM's leading North American distributor, Business Partner Solutions (now Avnet), and an independent consultant for various firms, including PRIMEDIA, Inc., the leading provider of targeted content and integrated marketing solutions in consumer and business-to-business sectors.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


10 Steps to Successful Networking

"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 3: Time is (Not) On Your Side

You only have three seconds?Connect in under a minute?People decide... Read More

Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a... Read More

Increasing the ROI on Your Networking

Networking requires an investment of time, money and effort. Here... Read More

The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers

Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost... Read More

Hows Your Net Working?

In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to pass along... Read More

The A-B-Cs of Networking

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters... Read More

Follow-Up with Your Contacts

What happens when you meet a potential client at an... Read More

Who Are You and What The Heck Do You Do?

A few years ago, I was attending a family function... Read More

A New LinkedIn Discussion Forum for High Power Dealmakers

For those of you interested in international business transactions or... Read More

Marketing Essentials: The 15 Second Elevator Speech

You're at a conference. Someone steps in the elevator, notices... Read More

The Secrets to Networking Success

Recently I was interviewed for a book on networking. My... Read More

Communication Is A 2-Way Street (The Networking Factor)

The Personal Touch 1There is a simple art to networking... Read More

Alliances: More Than A One Way Relationship

What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?Everyone has... Read More

Mother Said - Wash Your Hands

Think health articles are boring? This one isn't, so read... Read More

Networking - Facts to Ponder

Right here in Europe, the very last continent to enter... Read More

Keys to Successful Networking While In Transition

Let's be real. With other pressures of life upon us,... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Volunteering for a Networking Group

When is it appropriate to volunteer to take a position... Read More

Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal?

Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for... Read More

Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals?

As a small business owner you may find yourself in... Read More

Strategic Networking: Take the Shortest Path to Success

Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web... Read More

Ask for What YOU Want and Gain More Business

Why ask others for help and what do you gain... Read More

Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips

If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend... Read More

Build Your Business through Strategic Networking

Networking ? it's the latest business trend. Or is it?Actually,... Read More

10 Effective Ways to Remember Names

Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More

Networking Skills: Arguing in Context

If you're fond of a good debate, you know how... Read More

How to Turn Water into Lemonade by Giving a Flavored Answer to a Fruitless Question

I remember the first time I opened the fridge to... Read More

62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability

If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up... Read More

Lesson 69 - When Networking Events Fail

The StoryIn a quest to create strategic alliances, coalitions, and... Read More

How to Generate More Business by Telling People What You Do

What do you tell people when asked what you do?... Read More

How to Keep from Sounding LIKE Totally Stupid

June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have... Read More