Today’s job market is tough. Okay, make that real tough, and too many job seekers are not equipped with the core networking skills that are required to succeed in such a difficult endeavor.

As a sales trainer I view getting a job as very akin to winning a new piece of business and with that being said here are some networking tips and techniques that will pave the way for a more successful job hunt:

• Networking is the most important thing that you can do in your quest for a new job. Let’s face it, human resources and hiring managers are inundated with resumes and can get overwhelmed with solicited and unsolicited job queries that come their way. Their inboxes are overfilled and incoming calls from “unknown” callers are simply not taken. What’s a job seeker to do? The answer is to network.

• Use Linkedin to find connections to companies and people that you would like to meet. Reach out to people even if they do not have an opening at their company. Ask them for their advice. (People LOVE to feel important and help by giving advice.)

• Go to networking events that are both general and in your specific line of interest. Can’t find one? Explore Meetup and see what you can find. There’s bound to be one that’s just right for your needs.

• Follow-up and follow-through. Staying on the grid of your prospects and job search referral sources is a key part of success. Maintain a database and deploy a “touch point” management plan to generate ongoing awareness.

• While email provides you with a time-efficient and easy way to communicate with your database, it is also overused and ineffective in helping you to stand apart from the competition. The old-fashioned telephone and the USPS will get you more recognition and consideration.

• Don’t be afraid to tell EVERYONE that you are looking for a job. You never know who has a contact (or two or three) that can be helpful in your job hunt.

Yes, it’s hard work and it can certainly sap your stamina and morale. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Use these tips, maintain your visibility, figure out your key points of differentiation and exactly why YOU are better than your competition and you will start to see some success.

And I’m happy to help. Reach out and I am happy to provide some advice.