networking groups you should join

Everyone should know by now that networking is the best way to find a job. Where job boards have a 3-10% effectiveness rate, and probably less now that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software that will rank your resume) are becoming prevalent, networking has a 30-60% effectiveness rate. Referred people are less risk and have a higher retention rate – that’s why companies offer referral bonuses to employees who recommend someone who has been hired. Related:10 Common Networking Mistakes To Avoid Unfortunately, people do not know how to network (one day I will probably write a short book on how to do it). Most people think that telling their friends and acquaintances that they are looking for a job, and arming them with your resume is the right thing to do. Wrong – when you do that, you just lost control of the process. So, if that was what you were planning to do, don’t. One of the first things you should do (after you have a great resume and LinkedIn Profile) is to join networking groups where people like you help each other. There are literally dozens of networking groups to join and here is a list of some of them. You can find more by just doing a Google search for the type you are seeking. For example, search on accounting networking groups and see that the AICPA and IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) have local networking events. And yes, there are networking groups and associations for administrative professionals (AEAP – Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals and IAAP – International Association of Administrative Professionals). You can see a full list of associations here.