Networking

One of the most important skills you can learn is how to network effectively. Networking can open doors to a multitude of opportunities.You can learn all sorts of information about an organization or individual, without prying, once you develop a little skill and a good deal of tact. It can become one of your most important avenues to find new employment or to learn more about an industry, company, or key players within an organization.

There is effective and ineffective, poor networking. The worst I have seen is the loud, obnoxious, insincere individual who butts into a conversation, then doesn't listen and is constantly looking over to the next group for someone more important to meet. Or there is the person who only calls or emails when she needs something and conversations are all about her.  Networking is also not just contacting someone on a social networking site and assuming because you know someone they know, they will recommend you for a job.  I rate the most significant networking attribute to be sincerity; whether it is an online introduction or just sticking out your hand and saying, "hello my name is…” Genuinely show interest and good interpersonal communication is established. Ask for advice and offer advice. Only then will someone offer to make an introduction or job offer.