Turbo Charge Your Job Search with 12 Easy Networking Tips

Not only are jobs scarce these days, but those that do exist are highly competitive. Whether you are just entering the workforce and trying to land your first job, or whether you want to continue to successfully climb the ladder, successful job search networking can give you a leg up on your competitors.

This article explores 12 tips designed to help you become a more effective networker.

Think of all the people who can assist you in your job search or career move -- now and in the future -- and write down their names, contact information, and what your connection is.

Develop the list in a way that makes it easy to update when you meet new people, and make sure it's easily accessible.

Don't just reach out when you've recently been fired, or when you're seeking a promotion. Instead, touch base regularly to ask for and share advice, to share information others might be interested in, or to just say hello.

Try contacting two people on your list a week.

The most effective networking is a two-way street. Show interest in others, and go out of your way to give them help when they need it.

You can network with people you don't know by setting up accounts on networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Stick to groups of people you have something in common with, like those who attended the same college you did, or alumni of past workplaces.

It's fine to have tons of networking contacts, as long as they are meaningful. However, take care to concentrate on the quality of your relationships, instead of focusing on how many you have.

Instead of spending valuable time gathering more people to be in your network, spend time on strengthening the relationships to people who could really make a difference to your career.

Seek out people who have accomplished exactly what you want to accomplish, and develop relationships with them.

Not only can they help you land a job or a promotion, they'll have great advice on what it will take to get to where you want to go.

When you've identified someone who can help you in a particular situation, instead of being vague, tell them what you need and how they can help you.

For example, "I would like land the marketing manager job at XYZ company. Would you please introduce me to the VP of marketing, and then follow up with a phone call to tell him why I'm qualified for the job?"

Volunteering for an organization in need is a great way to add people you might not otherwise meet to your networking list.

Do a great job, and those people will see you at your best.

Attend their meetings, roundtables, and classes.

While online networking is certainly growing in popularity, face-to-face networking with people who can help you is invaluable.

If you are in a situation that requires immediate help, it's okay to focus on who can help you now.

But don't forget about those who may be able to help you in the future. Reach out, and keep in touch.

When someone helps you, don't forget to show your appreciation. Email is fine, as long as the content is unabbreviated and appropriate. Don't save your thanks for when you land the job or promotion; be sure to express thanks even when someone helps you in a small way.

For example, if someone helps you land a job interview, follow up to let him or her know how it went, and say thanks.

You've spent lots of time building your network. Continue to build it, but don't forget to maintain it.

Bring out your list on a regular basis and make sure that you've recently reconnected -- or have plans to reconnect -- with everyone on your list.

Successful networking can mean the difference between a successful job search and one that goes nowhere.

Make a point to be an effective networker, and the sky's the limit!