The Importance of Cultivating Your

Networking CirclesNational Association of Distinguished Professionals

One of the most efficient ways of connecting with future employers and companies is by reaching out to your existing connections and social circles. Your network circles can be divided into two categories : strong and

weak ties.

Strong circles are established people whom you have have worked with previously, such as family members or

friends, professors and school advisors, and even mentors. It is easier to connect with these inner circle

members, and they are usually eager to help you find a job and help you established a career path.

In many cases these people are already successful and established in their fields, which makes them capable to offer valid advice. Weak ties are usually people who are

less settled and secure in their careers, and in turn are not in a position to offer substantial help to job seekers. However, they are a great resource to learn about

opportunities and possible open positions.

Despite your degree of connection to your networking circles, many people do not realize that it takes time and

consistency in order to build and maintain strong relationships with these members while searching for a

job. Just like most things in life, networking is mostly about quality versus quantity.

It is important to remember that it is better to connect more frequently with a few people who are able to offer

valid advice, than meet as many people as possible who are probably struggling themselves in the job market.

After you have made a few reliable connections it is important to remain active in your communication activity. Reaching frequently can help keep you under their radar.

However, you have to make sure that you are not establishing a one way relationship and abusing their

guidance.

One of the ultimate goals while searching for a job is to create a mutually beneficial long lasting relationship that can continue growing along side your career. A few tricks

to achieving this is by taking a genuine interest in the other person and their lives.

Reach out to them without requiring something back- send a thank you card and periodically ask how their

family and children are doing. It is extremely important to nurture these relationships even after your job search is

over, in many cases these folks can become your mentor and continue to support your future career endeavors.