Highly Effective Networking

Take control of your career and learn how to find a job using the contacts you already have.

“Networking for a job is the most underappreciated career management skill, and this book teaches the only way to do it successfully and productively.” —Bernadette Kenny, chief career officer, Adecco Group North America

Virtually all job-hunting experts agree that networking is the best way to find a great job. But most people don't have connections to the decision-makers who do the hiring.

And networking books, which are mostly written by and for salespeople, suggest aggressive tactics, often confusing these with real networking. They focus on building a powerful network over the course of a lifetime. But when you need a new job, you don't have time to build a huge, powerful network. You’ve got to use the network you already have.

Orville Pierson, a top expert in job hunting, tells you how to succeed by effectively using your current circle of contacts. He cuts through the myths and misunderstandings to show you how millions of job hunters have networked their way to great new jobs.

Highly Effective Networking empowers you to:

• Use a small network to reach dozens of insiders and decision-makers.
• Get the right message to the right people, even if you have never met them.
• Create a project plan to organize your networking efforts.
• Speak effectively and comfortably with your networking contacts.
• Talk to decision-makers before the job opening is announced.

To network for a job, you don’t have to hobnob with the rich and famous, or use aggressive sales tactics. You just need to understand how real networking fits into your job search, and then be systematic about doing it.

“Pierson dispels the myths of networking, helping anyone looking for a job or changing careers maximize and grow their existing network, however small. Highly recommended for experienced managers and professionals as well as recent graduates looking for their first jobs.” —Gillian Steele, managing editor, DePaul University Career Center