You know the old saying - "Birds of a feather flock together." Well, when you're out hunting for that perfect job it certainly helps to know a lot of people in the same field that you're searching. And the time to start networking is before you need a job.

Networking is developing connections with friends, relatives, neighbours, fellow employees, members of professional assiociations, etc. Networking can be a powerful means to help you gain access to the "hidden job market".

When changing careers, or searching for your first position, plan on using all of your available resources. One of the most effective ways to obtain a new position is through networking. You've probably heard of the "hidden job market" and "it's not what you know but who you know". These phrases simply refer to finding a job through a network of friends, associates, teachers, instructors and dedicated networking organizations.

It has been estimated that 80-85% of job opportunities are never advertised through newspaper advertisements or online job posting facilities. If you're relying on these to obtain a job you're limiting yourself to only about 15-20% of the jobs available. It's vital to your career success to tap into the unadvertised job market!

Why do many employers not post job opportunities? The answer is straightforward; they have their own networks of friends, associates and partners who can supply them with names of interested job seekers. Employers consider these networks to be a less expensive means of finding the right person. In addition, the network also provides an informal pre-qualification of a candidate's abilities.