An important phase of the job search, networking consists essentially in establishing relationships based on trust with people and organizations, which facilitate the exchange of information and resources. Nowadays, success comes not only from the expertise demonstrated by the worker but also from its contact network, its visibility and the bonds he as created in past years.

It's not very difficult to start a professional contact network. First, make a list of all the people you know well or just a little (relatives, old and present neighbours, friends, members of associations or professional clubs, old and present coworkers, school friends, etc.). In a notepad, a revolving file, a professional identification wallet or a specialized software, note their complete coordinates, their past and present occupations, the name of the company they are working for, the cities where they have lived and worked, etc.

You have to grab every occasion: keep the business cards, become a member of an organization or a committee with the purpose to get people to know you, inform your acquaintances of the changes in your life, and share your resources and experiences with your friends and colleagues. Be aware that it is essential to keep your list of professional contacts up to date and to inform your network of any important change affecting your life.

You think you don't know a lot of people susceptible to help you: don't you believe it. It's by talking with friends, colleagues or neighbours that you will improve your chances to learn more about a job, an area or a precise field of work. Moreover, these people may have their own contact network that could help to you.

You can also let your contact network know that you are looking for a job. From that moment on, you are increasing your chances of obtaining information on a position, an institution or a person you may reach to obtain an information interview. A stitch in time, you might find the job you are looking for. Don't forget that the vast majority of the positions are filled without being advertised.