OT: Networking fills 85% of jobs

I'm helping my boss get some stuff together for some job fairs and all and was curious about networking so I did some research. I knew it was a huge part of gaining employment, but didn't realize it made up so much of the market.

I've always felt it was never a bad thing to know as many people as possible, and when looking for a job to talk to people and send resume's to everyone who may be able to help. I got an internship position through networking, had some interviews through networking with fraternity brothers and professional organizations, and ultimately got a job through one of my dad's good friends. My wife is still looking for a full-time position but has had a few interviews through networking as well, which just goes to show that especially with specialized fields like hers (employment/wage law and discrimination) it can really make all the difference.

Since 85% of critical jobs are filled via networking of some sort, being highly networked is essential for both the job seekers and for those seeking them. It starts by recognizing no one is average, using the backdoor to find jobs in the hidden market and being different. It ends with hiring better people and getting better jobs.

Networking Article