Job searchers usually find that ‘who you know’ is as important as ‘what you know.’ The majority of successful jobs searches are the result of networking. For those unfamiliar with the term networking, it basically means getting to know the right people who can help you get the right job.

Most employers find looking for the right employee to be hard work. It is in job seekers’ best interest to make that task easier. It is difficult for potential employers to check on your suitability for a job if your references are difficult to contact. For recent immigrants, local networking is imperative as the people and places on your resumes may be in another country. Start immediately to make local networking contacts which you can list on your resume or job application.

Fortunately, networking can be an enjoyable learning experience. When you have made good networking contacts, it is acceptable to ask the contact for a letter of recommendation. Keep the letters on file for use in your job search.

Just about any activity can lead to making networking contacts. The following list includes four networking ideas and activities which have worked for other job searchers. Following the article, you will find links to resources about networking and much more.

• Volunteer Volunteering, particularly within your professional area, impresses potential employers. They will see you as someone who wants to contribute to the community. You will be able to add your activities and contacts to your resume which will make useful contacts. These contacts will be able to say that you arrived on time, were helpful, and had a good attitude.
• Join Professional Organizations Almost every profession has at least one organization of people with an interest in the profession. A simple online search of organizations for your desired profession will lead you to possibilities. Most of the professional organization websites list activities or conferences. By becoming a member, you will gain job networking contacts. You will also stay informed about changes in your profession. Add the membership listing to your resume.
• Take Advantage of Internet Job Search Resources Linkedin, Upwardly Global, Illinois workNet, and CareerBuilder are all trustworthy internet job search tools. These internet tools will also help you learn what licenses or other requirements are needed for the job you want. Use caution with any internet networking site to be certain it is trustworthy and beneficial.
• Take a Class Take a class even if you meet all the educational requirements for the job you want. Many adult education or personal interest classes are available through Illinois Community Colleges at reasonable prices. You will be able to use the classes to network. For recent immigrants, adding the class information to your resume will also demonstrate your English language ability. Many colleges have job placement databases which are available to their students.

It is worth making a second mention of Upwardly Global.
The Upwardly Global site says, “At Upwardly Global, we tailor our services specifically in order to meet the needs of immigrant professionals who are looking to find jobs back in their field here in the United States.” In Illinois, they provide a wide variety of networking services to professional immigrants within the Chicago metropolitan area.

RESOURCES

Volunteering

• A volunteering article on Illinois workNet has more ideas to help you explore volunteer opportunities and benefits.
• Community Volunteer Center connects volunteers with service opportunities in central Illinois.
• Use VolunteerMatch.org to learn about volunteer benefits and opportunities.

Professional Organizations

• About.com explains the career benefits of joining professional organizations.
• Job-Hunt.org can help you locate associations, societies, and professional organizations of particular interest to you. Their site also has many other topics of interest to job seekers.

Networking

• HowStuffWorks.com walks you through the process of using LinkedIn for job networking.
• After you read the above article, you may wish to access the LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/ homepage to learn more about its services and complete the membership forms.
• ChicagoJobTalk.org provides a list of networking and support groups. You may find its link for immigrants particularly helpful.
• A U.S. News and World Report article discusses proper online social networking for job seekers.

Taking Classes

• The University of Illinois Cook County Extension provides programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of recent immigrants.
• Learning in Illinois provides links to all of the community colleges in Illinois. Click on the community college in your location to learn what classes they offer. Most offer classes in Continuing Education, Personal Interest, and English as a Second Language.

Other Resources

• Use the Better Business Bureau to find out if a business has a good reputation.
• The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights provides links to organizations providing assistance to immigrants.
• The Immigration Project with an office in Bloomington, IL can be contacted by email or toll-free phone to provide assistance or referral services to immigrants.

The first step of effective networking is telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Talk to your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, minister/rabbi/priest, sports coaches, volunteer leaders, neighbors, fellow alumni, friends etc. about the kind of job that you’re looking for. Ask your contacts for names of people who might be able to help you find a job. And be sure to ask your contacts for feedback on what would make you a more attractive candidate.

Review the professional networking resources on Illinois workNet to learn how to be effective at professional networking and find the job you are looking for. Use Internet professional networking sites to expand your network of contacts.

Learn more about networking to find job leads.