Networking is essential for an effective job search. What does that mean exactly? Networking equals talking to people and building relationships over time. It is as simple as that. Yet deciding who to talk to, when and how to contact them, what to say, and how to come away from your discussion with helpful information – that is the hard part.

To make this critical task more productive and less intimidating, here are some top Networking Rules:

1. Decide who to talk to. Make a list of everyone you know whom you might possibly contact –friends, family, relatives, neighbours, acquaintances, former coworkers, old college mates, the list goes on and on. Your primary target in your networking activities is to talk to a Human Resource Manager- someone with the authority to hire for the position you want. So categorize your list into three groups: “A” contacts- recruiting managers and people directly involved in the industries you are interested in; approach them first. “B” contacts- people who could refer you to a personnel manager; approach them next. “C” contacts – everyone else- people you aren’t sure will be useful, but people who you can call if/when your first two networks dry up.

2. Decide how to approach your network. In general, a brief phone call, followed by a curriculum vitae (preferably e-mailed) , followed by a more in-depth call or personal meeting will be more productive.

3. Know what to say. Prepare a 30 second to one-minute introduction that you can use in “formal” networking situations (such as professional association meeting or when asked “tell me about yourself” question during an interview). Also a brief introduction you can use in “informal” situations, such as when you are talking to a neighbour or calling an old college friend.

4. Always ask for something your contact can give you. In most cases, what your contacts can give are suggestions, advice, leads and referrals. They cannot give you a job. If you ask for general “help” or “assistance,” your networking contacts may not know what to say. Ask them to help you, but be very specific as to what you want tem to do. For instance, “Who do you know at ABC Corp?’’ “Who do you know who is involved in multimedia advertising in MDC?” “Tell me about the business culture in Petaling Jaya.” “Which agencies should I approach next?”

5. Follow up on all referrals and leads. Once you have contacted all the organizations report back to your contact. You may be able to ask for more help, as long as you are specific. “James, your referral to Ismail Mohammed was so helpful. She gave me some great insights into advertising trends in our country, and as a result I have identified two companies, XYZ and Beacon, that are good fit for my background. Who do you know at those companies?”

6. Be courteous and professional at all times. Don’t expect your contacts to help you and don’t assume that your job search is their number- one priority. But don’t let them off the hook if they have offered to help… be sure to follow up; call when you have promised to, and use all the assistance your contacts can provide.