I found this article an interesting read and was able to get a decent insight to job networking.
Are you hesitant to network out of fear of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving? Don’t be. Networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships and connecting with others: people you know, people you don’t really know, and new people you’ve never met before. And while it may sound intimidating, it can be rewarding and fun, even if you’re shy.
Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already networking every day and everywhere you go. You’re networking when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your child’s school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with your neighbor. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.
Networking is also about helping others. As human beings, we are wired to connect with others. Without these connections, you can become isolated and experience loneliness and even depression. So the real goal of networking should be to re-invigorate your existing relationships and develop new ones.
Tapping the hidden job market through networking may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it’s much more effective. Being open to connecting and helping others—in good times and bad—can help you find the right job, make valuable connections in your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search.
