Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job

by Orville Pierson

Virtually all job hunting experts agree that networking is the best way to find a great job. But most people don't have connections to the decision makers who do the hiring. And "networking" books, which are mostly written by and for salespeople, suggest aggressive tactics, often confusing these with real networking. They focus on building a powerful network over the course of a lifetime. But when you need a new job, you don't have time to build a huge, powerful network. You've got to use the network you already have. Orville Pierson, a top expert in job hunting, tells you how to succeed by effectively using your current circle of contacts. He cuts through the myths and misunderstandings to show you how millions of job hunters have networked their way to great new jobs. Highly Effective Networking empowers you
Networking in job hunting is different than other networking. You don't have to hobnob with the rich and famous. There's no need for aggressive sales tactics. You just need to understand how real networking fits into your job search, and then be systematic about doing it.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth only two stars or less in terms of organization, formatting, and conciseness (or lack thereof). However, in terms of content, this book changed or at least amplified my way of thinking about using your personal network to increase your likelihood of getting a job with your target employer.

One of the points Pierson makes is that people most often get a job because of somebody in their extended network (somebody who knows somebody you know--two or three degrees of separation). That doesn't mean you leap straight to these loose associates and ask them for a job.

It's a lengthy process of talking to your immediate family and friends first. Not just working on your resume, but working on your target list of employers. Never making your colleagues feel uncomfortable when you meet them for coffee. Ask them for help with your target list. If there's somebody else who would helpful to meet, ask your closer-degree associates for an introduction.

Gradually work your way toward meeting with Mr. or Mrs. Decision Maker with your target employer. Rushing it could ruin how that meeting goes, because you may not yet have learned about the names and players, the industry lingo, etc., and you come across as a know-nothing with nobody to vouch for you.

Sometimes we complain about the axiom that "It's not what you know it's who you know." The nice thing about this book is that it basically acknowledges that that's the truth, and it actually gives concrete tips and tools to make that work to your advantage.

[Kathryn Salek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, however I don't think Orville's journal entries added a lot to the book.

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by a career counselor because I find the concept of networking pretty strange. The book was helpful because it focuses on having conversations that exchange information instead of the pushy sales-oriented stuff I've heard in the past. He presents it in the formulaic business concept method but the core of the book was useful.

[Kagiso Mothibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly pragmatic book that contains many valuable tips and tricks on how to leverage your networks to land your desired job.

[Paula Kirman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a career coach. I found the networking tips effective, but the journal entries were distracting.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reach Out, Make Contact, Land a Job

Orville Pierson is the senior vice president of an international career services company, so he clearly knows about job hunting. He lucidly illustrates how job seekers can maximize the relationships within their circle of contacts to reach all-important “decision makers.” He also directs readers to unlikely networking sources they might not normally consider. Pierson explains that, when it comes to job hunting, the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. Although the Web may expose a job hunter to more opportunities, odds are that any given résumé – along with thousands of others – can get swallowed up in a bottomless pit. The prospects are nearly as grim with print or online classified ads – particularly when job competition is fierce. Networking, Pierson says, may offer the best opportunity to find work or career advancement. Many people have landed good jobs by initiating conversations with friends, casual acquaintances or former colleagues. getAbstract praises Pierson’s systematic, strategic approach to networking. As he says, it doesn’t guarantee results – and it does require time and perseverance – but today’s job seekers need every available weapon.

[Lady Magic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get through, but I think it offered some useful tips and strategies for networking, specifically in those of us looking for a new job. I do like how Mr. Pierson broke down his advice and recommended a highly planned approach. However, by the end of the book, all of the steps seemed a bit overwhelming (at least for me). Also, the examples throughout the book were kind of hokey and could be improved. And honestly, I completely skipped over the “Orville’s Journal” vignettes at the end of each chapter, so I’m not sure if they are useful or not. Still, if you are looking for a job and looking to improve your networking skills, this book may be worth reading.

[Barrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone in a networking group (of all places) recommended this to everyone, so here I am reading it. So far, meh, but I'm holding out for the lightbulb moment in this one.

Edit since I finished this: There is simply just way too much to remember in this book to do anything, let alone network, effectively. And could he have just tried a little to make those side stories a bit more believable? I did get the gist of it and he made some good points, but if say, I was a total novice at networking I would not recommend this book.

[Jahi "Providence" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been interested in 'networking' and a previous book I read mentioned this one.
I was hoping for more information about networking as a general life skill and not so much focus on networking to find employment.
I suppose those out there who are looking for strategies to help in the job hunt might find this a useful book.
Outside of that arena...not much use.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of practical, helpful advice for a job hunter - how to network *properly*, in a productive manner. I will say that the first person narrative, and the style it's written in, got on my nerves. I would have appreciated some tougher editing to buff his style and cut down on the repetitiveness.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Networking helped me get this job so I decided to learn more about how to communicate its effectiveness to others by reading this book.

I liked the book and I think the author clearly communicates excellent tips on networking and how to structure a networking-based job search effort.

[Joseph Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Book!!!!

[Trent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for those of us that are looking for employment. It teaches how to utilize networking in a job hunt.

[Ginny]

To be honest, I did not read all of this one. I found it hard to get past the author's voice. It really put me off by feeling condescending.

[Hakan Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better networking books I've read.

[Ravi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although sometimes the book gets repetitive, I felt that was the way to go when it comes to people networking, especially when it comes to introverted people.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's tone is often condescending, and the "journal" sections are eyeroll-worthy, but the advice is solid. I look forward to putting his techniques into practice!