Like millions of other people, I watched the Super Bowl last night.  And, I couldn’t help but notice that three of the major online job boards ran commercials.  The TV commercials for Monster, Careerbuilder, and The Ladders were very entertaining.  But, the likelihood of getting your next job by submitting your resume in response to a posting on one of these giant job boards is pretty remote.  Go ahead and see what is out there on Monster and the rest, but do not spend a lot of time and energy there.  Instead, get out there and network!  And, make it live and in person because as much as I like social networking online, there is no substitute for the personal touch.

In-person networking opportunities abound.  For example:

• Many churches and other places of worship offer career services, including workshops and networking events. Check out the Crossroads Career Network and Jewish Family Services.
• Many newspapers publish upcoming networking events for people in career transition.
• In Atlanta, there is an organization called Re:Focus on Careers that sponsors events for job seekers.  Your community may have similar organizations.
• If you aren’t already a member of your professional organization, consider joining or simply attend a few membership meetings to network with people who work in your profession or industry.
• Contact the alumni association of your alma mater or of the colleges located in your city about available career resources and upcoming networking events.
• Your local unemployment office may also have an event calendar or resource list.

I’ve seen statistics that somewhere between 70 and 80 percent of people found their last job through networking.  So, where are you networking?