Traditional business networking is a great way to enhance your job search. Whether it is reaching out to your current network of friends and colleagues or expanding your network through a professional organisation, having a strong professional network is essential.

It is important to maintain relationships with people you have worked with or have met throughout your career because those contacts may lead you to job opportunities or new business prospects in the future. Generally, employees of an organisation are informed of open positions before they are posted, and they have the power to suggest candidates for those positions. Your network can help you secure a position within their respective organisations or may be able to refer you to another colleague in their network.

Networking can also help you stay current in your field. By joining a professional trade association or networking organisation, you can expand your network while discussing current trends or topics in your field. You will be indispensible to your company with all of the knowledge you gain from simply talking to others in your field.

It doesn’t take a lot to sustain your relationships. However, it is important to make an effort to with new and existing connections. A hand-written thank you note is a great way to let people know that you value them and the information they can give you. Meeting with people face-to-face is also valuable because this allows the relationship to grow.

Another important part of networking is to be a good resource for your contacts when they are seeking job opportunities, or even if you have knowledge of a position they may be interested in. In short, a fundamental part of networking is returning the favor.

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