by Kevin Donlin - Guaranteed Resumes - Click for Info

By one count, there are more than 60,000 job sites on the Internet. And while this gives you a lot of ways to look for jobs, don't let the
technology fool you.

Because, while the Internet can be a valuable job search tool, no computer or Web site ever hired anyone. It's people who power the job market.

A recent survey in The Wall Street Journal bears this out. It showed that referrals are still the most widely used hiring method in America, filling more jobs than Internet postings or classified ads. So, don't overlook your network of personal and professional contacts. It's still the best way to find out about available positions.

Here are three ways to help you get the most out of your network.

1. Write it down
Don't keep track of your network in your head -- get it on paper or on computer.

For each person you know, jot down their name and the company they work for. Include names of family, friends, neighbors, vendors and clients. You'll quickly build an extensive list this way!

2. Start with the right attitude
Networking can be daunting for those don't want to look "desperate" by asking friends and relatives for a job. So don't ask for one!

Instead, see yourself as a valuable resource, a walking solution to some company's problems. This mind-flip can give you the confidence needed to approach people for information about possible openings.

3. Keep expanding
You can build your network to gigantic proportions by asking each person this magic question: "Do you know anyone else I should be talking to?" Get names and phone numbers, then follow up religiously with these new contacts. And so on, and so on.

Don't overlook your school's placement office as a referral source. One client of mine made the leap from customer service rep to business analyst by talking to people in his university's employment office and asking to meet employees of his target companies.

The Internet can be a great employment resource. But remember that a successful job search is about making personal connections.

You can make more and better connections -- and connect with your next job -- if you manage your names efficiently, have the right attitude and ask for referrals to new contacts.

Best of luck to you!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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