•  Don't hesitate to tell everyone you know you are looking for a job! Think about all the people you know. Neighbors, former teachers, relatives, friends, parents of friends, work associates, past employers - all of these contacts might yield that perfect job! Let them know what you are looking for and then follow up.

Job networking contacts are not job interviews, but it is important to conduct yourself professionally. Dress appropriately to make an excellent first impression, write clear, concise letters, know your field and the company or organization, and ask astute, targeted questions. Nothing will knock you out of the running quicker than a sloppy, unprofessional manner.

Start networking today using the resources you have available. Talking to the right people and presenting your skills, background and professionalism appropriately is one of the best tools you have for finding the perfect job.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.