Anyone can be a gatekeeper between you and a job opportunity.

Someone came to me asking for referrals for a creative position. I had four names. Two people I knew personally. I've never met the other two. And if it weren't for LinkedIn, I'd never know what they looked like.

Why would I refer someone I've never met?

Well Candidate #3 came from a trusted source and that was good enough for me.

Candidate #4 is the anomaly. I kinda stumbled across him. He started following me on Twitter. In turn, I always check out the people who are willing to listen to me, because I want to know if you have anything to say, too. He did. A nice book. We've had an few conversations and debates on LinkedIn groups and through email. This job happened to be in New Jersey. If he got the job, it wouldn't be the best commute (3 hours), but it was in the same state, at least.

It may not feel as proactive as submitting a resume, but networking is an active job search. The difference is that you are trying to get people to notice and pursue you. Those connections are no longer barriers between you and a possible interview. They are now key to helping you get a call to that first meeting.

This is not a call to start stalking people on social networks. I don't think the Glenn Close/Fatal Attraction technique ever worked for job seekers. When it comes to networking, be someone others want to know. Put yourself out there and see who wants to connect. They may end up being someone who wants to work with you — or refer you.



Photo courtesy of stock.xchng. Photo by Eva Schuster.