How to handle networking when finding a job?

Before I left my job, I gave a number of my coworkers who I liked and enjoyed working with my contact information. I asked some of them (not all) to let me know of any jobs they might hear of that I might be qualified for in or outside of the company. I have told other friends and acquaintances that I'm looking for work and to keep an eye out for me. I feel this networking that I've done so far is on track.





Is there something else I can do with the people I've tapped, other than wait for one of them to pop up with a lead?





What more can I do as far as networking? Who else can I tap on the shoulder? Note: I don't like networking events. They're just about forced conversations (or even fake ones) with strangers about business. True contacts are people you really do know and even like as friends or business friends.





Also, how much networking can I do when I don't want everyone in the world to know I'm unemployed? I know it's no shame. Lots of people are in the same boat, but still...

How to handle networking when finding a job?
Networking is really about telling the truth about what you need and want. So being available is a big thing that people should know when wanting them to put out their radars for jobs for you. I don't think you need to bluntly let people know you are unemployed. If you simply tell people that you are looking for a new job and willing to act on an opportunity promptly, I think that should be sufficient enough.
Reply:Have you tried informational interviewing? Who do you know? Some of my students have reported much success with this lately, and it's an excellent way of networking. In an informational interview, you are interviewing someone who has a job that you would like to have. Find out how you can get where s/he is. Taking the initiative to request an interview shows that you have ingenuity and ambition, and will make you memorable to people in your field. These interviews may occur over the phone or in person depending on the preference, geographic location, and time availability of those involved. This can be the perfect way to introduce yourself without being phony (like at networking events), and shows that you are sincere about getting information to help you move on and up.





Where can you find people? If you graduated from a college or university, contact their career services center. It doesn't matter if it was 6 months or 30 years ago, they offer services to alumni (and sometimes community members). They (and/or the school's alumni association) can help you connect with other alumni, which is a great networking resource.





Professional organizations in your field. Consider using the National Trade and Professional Association Handbook to get started. If you're an engineer, for example, you'd contact the National Society of Professional Engineers and see who you can speak to about your job search.





Use the yellow pages! I know it might seem uncomfortable to cold call people, but let's face it, most people like talking about themselves, and would be flattered if you wanted to talk to them about their jobs.





Some questions you might ask:





Can you tell me about why you decided to work for XYZ organization?


Who are your major clients/services? Major competitors?


In your opinion, what are some of the strengths of your organization? Where do you see room for improvement?


What kinds of training and professional development are available?


How did you learn about and apply for your position?


When XYZ organization is looking to hire new employees, what do they look for in candidates?





You can find info on informational interviewing online with some more tips, but the more you get your name out there, the better. And the poster above is right, you needn't say you're unemployed, just that you're looking for a new job. If someone asks you what you're doing currently, you tell them that you were with such-and-such organization, but that you're looking for something new. No other detail is necessary.





Good luck!
Reply:First off your right on target with the people your networking with but have you tried your own family that way you get a much bigger circle of friends to help you out. You can also put a resume together and put it up on Monster.com or Yahoo jobs it's all good I know that works... my nephew Got a job with in a week of Graduating from college......Good Luck