The most effective way to get a new job is of course NETWORKING. Think about your recent experience with your current or former employer, what other businesses are affiliated with it? What companies or clients did you serve? What services did your company purchase? What companies did you work with in ALL areas of the business? Make a list of the companies and your contacts. These companies may be able to employ you -- because you know their customers. Also, you'd have a great chance of knowing someone who knows someone at the company. Firsthand knowledge is always a great tool for research.

Think outside the box of whom you know. Don’t limit yourself to your own industry. Art Frank of Resumes R Us said, “Strong networking means letting everyone know your interest or availability. This means accountants, lawyers, bankers, stockbrokers, insurance brokers, realtors, former bosses, professors, and even relatives. Not that these people are going to find a job for the executive, but these are people who know people!” I’ll add hairdressers, dentists, physicians, landscapers, and house painters to the list. Make a list of each of the people you know in all of the above areas (more if you can think of some).

At a recent conference of career professionals, we conducted our own “who do you know” networking exercise. People shouted out outrageous (or so we thought) names of people they wanted to meet. For example, Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of England. It turned out that one of the participants had been a police guard (bobby) in his former life, and knew Thatcher. Another participant wanted to meet the Dalai Lama. Someone’s sister had been on a trip to Tibet and had met the Dalai Lama. She still kept in contact and was happy to refer this participant.

When getting additional referrals from people you know, ask if you can mention their name. Most will be happy to do so and some may even make the first introductory call.

Where can you get additional contacts? I recommend the Business Journal. They provide lists of top companies (The Business Journal’s Book of Lists) as well as Movers & Shakers and of course stories on up and coming businesses. Kathy Condon, Career Facilitator with KC Solutions recommends, “Above all have them read the newspapers - including the ones in their suburbs. Recently a client wanted to figure out whom they could talk to in the Law Department of a large corporation. Reading the business section they discovered there was quote from a lawyer at that corporation. A name. She called him up and said, "I need some advice.” (Would you turn anyone down who called you and said I need some advice?) She got a one-half hour informational interview and the next month she was hired into that company. My view is that you cannot network unless you are reading the newspaper. Also on Sundays of major papers there are lists of events that serve as great places to learn something and meet new contacts.”

When talking with these contacts, Betty H. Williams of BW Custom Resumes states, “Know what information you want from each contact. Prepare focused questions so that no time is wasted. Save the more powerful contacts for last. Pay for lunch or dinner if it's that kind of meeting. Never initiate a discussion about specific job openings. Make your phone calls when your energy is the highest.”

Frank adds, “Never end a networking conversation with a mere "thank you." Mine deep by asking, "Whom else in the organization should I be talking to?" Or, "Who else in the industry, etc?" Parlay one lead into another at all times. Come away with another name ...that's the object.”

Get business cards from everyone you meet with (if they have them) and send each person a thank you note. If they don’t have a business card, get their address so you can still send a thank you note. The note should be handwritten and mention one or two things you learned from your “informational interview.” Additionally, continue to update your new contacts with your progress.