Networking to a new job.

"It's all about who you know."  We've all heard that saying.  The hubs is particularly fond of saying this in regards to, well, everything: finding a job, getting an oil change, going to the dentist, getting a hair cut, taking a cab, and other relatively mundane daily activities.  I stubbornly ignored this advice.  I was so sure that I would find my dream job solely through the spectacularity of my resume floating through the cloud to land in the lap of my dream employer, who would then be so in awe of my paper representation he/she would hire me on the spot.  I also believed any dentist's office I walked into would care enough about me as a person to use every pain relieving measure at their disposal before attacking my mouth with those horrible torture tools for a "cleaning".  I was such a fool.

I have been networking A LOT lately, partly because I hate sitting at home, but mostly because I love hearing about what people do and how they got there. It turns out that who you know is really important, especially when looking for a job.  9 out of 10 people I talk to got their job through someone they know, not through an online application.  It is so much easier to stand out and make an impression in person than it is to stand out as a random resume online.  So make it a point to get out at least once a week and meet new people.  Here are some great ways to get out there:

• Volunteer.  There are non-profits for every professional organization out there: PR, Marketing, Education, Arts, etc.  There are even non-profits for non-profits.  Contact the local chapter of a non-profit that deals with an industry you are interested in working in and offer to volunteer for an event.  This is a great way to meet contacts at large and small organizations within your industry.
• Play Sports.  Every city has some kind of amateur, just-for-fun sports league.  These are a great way to meet new professionals, have some fun, and get some exercise!  Two of my favorite leagues in the Denver area are KIFAC and SportsMonster.
• Join a Networking group.  There are hundreds of networking groups dedicated to everything from shared hobbies to business sharing.  Check out Young Professional Networks or the Denver Chamber of Commerce.

I've been meeting a lot of great people through networking that are so genuinely caring and are happy to help.  I've even made some great new friends through the process.  While there haven't been any job offers yet, I've been learning a lot about some great companies that are hiring and have been getting some invaluable advice on my resume and application process, and am feeling clearer about what direction I want my career to take.  I even got a great referral for a new dentist.