Networking is all very well, you say, but what if I don't know the right people or I'm not really sure yet what I want to do?

It might be the most effective way of finding a new job but without some contacts you really are going to struggle. Naturally there are rules to follow when you start networking but before you get tied up with the rules, think about this:

The job you want will be determined by the skill analysis exercises you should have already done and by your heart-felt interests.

So start by thinking about your interest areas - what jobs might include both your interests and your skills. Lets say you're passionate about horses, but your skill-set is in financial management. Why not see if you could combine these two into a fulfilling occupation.

To find out if it's possible you need to speak to people who may know. These will be people who are already involved in the general area of activity that interests you.

But I already said I don't know anyone!!

In that case you must approach it as a different kind of project. What if you thought of yourself as a journalist writing a story about the workings of horse breeders or stud farms. You would need to identify people who are involved: feed suppliers, farm managers, the owners and breeders, financial advisors; even people who just ride for pleasure.

AS A JOURNALIST WRITING A PIECE YOU WOULD NOT THINK TWICE ABOUT CONTACTING THEM.

So act like a journalist and when you make contact you are not looking for a job or even going to be talking about yourself - ONLY your interest.

If the journalistic angle is difficult, why not consider yourself as an academic writing a thesis?

1. Formulate your questions;
2. Gather the information;
3. Sort and re-order what you know;
4. Draw your conclusions;
5. Take action

Armed with your information, you can decide who then to approach to discuss your proposals which are drawn from your information gathering. Don't forget you've already met these people so now you do know who to contact; you also know how things work from several perspectives, so you can put forward a case to use your skill in the area that most interests you.

Networking has rules that are no more than the strongest possible guidelines for your effective use of this most important of all job searching skills.