What the test reveals: does this individual who wishes to work for us really take responsibility? Think about it: what would you do?

That story really hit me hard. It is so subtle, yet that kind of unconscious response says a lot about how we view ourselves and the limits of our responsibilities to those around us.

Now, I can't see a piece of litter on the sidewalk without picking it up.

Either way, adopting those kinds of habits and attitudes can help you make a good first impression. This is probably just as important as knowing how to dress, speak and conduct yourself.

Learn about the individual and what they do.

It often helps to know a little bit about the individual's organization or business before you go to the meeting. Of course, one of my biggest questions was, although rarely asked directly, do they use or have a need for the type of service I offer?

It is important to get a good awareness of what your new contact does, and not only because it will help you become more rounded. It can help you stay in touch with that person, and even better, build a relationship with them.

Suppose you meet someone who is involved in insurance consulting and estate planning. That person may not have a direct need for you at this time, and you may not really be concerned with planning your estate (You need to create it first!).

However, you may meet other people in the process who may need this person's services. Putting them in touch with one another sure would be a good way of establishing a relationship with not just one, but two people!

Also, if you come across an article that might pertain to them, you can cut it out and send it (notice how virtually all online publications allow you to email their articles to friends?). Some people would be more interested in reading that than your holiday greeting card.

Gather as much useful information as possible.

At the risk of sounding too vague, you want to gather any information that can prove useful to helping you jump-start or build your career. It can be information about what is happening in that individual's company, the general industry, or your community.

You may meet with someone who may privately reveal that while there are no opportunities at his or her company today, certain changes are going to take place over the next several months that may create some new opportunities.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need, which is available for sale for $17 in our bookstore or for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. In this tough economy, people who find jobs usually do so by networking. Written by Keith F. Luscher specifically for the job hunting students and recent graduates with zero to three years of experience who use CollegeRecruiter.com. Are you networking at least two hours a day? Those who are finding jobs are. Don't be left behind. Read this book and you will quickly find a new job. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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