Stop wasting time on unproductive job search activities. Put down the classifieds, quit mailing resumes and letters, and fire anyone who is charging money to find you a job. Start using communication approaches that will generate useful information, advice, and referrals that lead to job interviews and offers. In so doing, you will learn a great deal about yourself and others as well as find better quality jobs in half the time.

That's the central message of this ground-breaking book on interpersonal and electronic networking in today's challenging job market. Featured in the National Business Employment Weekly of the Wall Street Journal, here's the definitive guide to networking for jobs and careers. Two leading employment experts provide practical guidance on how to organize effective job networks; prospect for job leads; write networking letters; make cold calls; join electronic networks; conduct informational interviews; follow up referrals; and get job interviews and offers. Exploring the hidden job market of advice, referrals, and word-of-mouth job leads, they reveal the secrets to getting jobs without ever having to apply for a position. Special chapters examine job search myths, present employment predictions, include same dialogues, look at the use of telephones and faxes, explore the new world of electronic networking, and outline useful job search resources. This book is jam-packed with practical strategies and tips that can quickly put you into the offices of potential employers.