There's a popular saying that the best jobs are never advertised. Is it true? Well there will certainly be some truth in it, but how do you find these jobs if they don't get advertised?

The answer is Networking - word of mouth, putting feelers out, the jungle drums, call it what you will but it is one of the key methods for finding a new job.

Network is so important for a job search and deserves your attention.

• I spoke to one of my colleagues and I said, I'm really an introvert and I don't find networking easy.
• He asked me if I spoke to people.
• Sure.
• If you need someone to work on your house what's the best way to find them?
• I guess it's to ask around for someone who found a tradesman that they were happy with.
• Then you network!!
• Oh right!

Networking means sharing advice and ideas with your contacts.

Such a cold word contacts, but it's really people you meet naturally.Maybe people you know well or people you meet say travelling or walking the dog or just say hello to.

Hubpages Forum is a great example of networking. People are constantly giving and receiving information, ideas, advice and guidance.

People love to be asked for advice and ideas, it's flattering.

I shouldn't need to say this but always,always,always thank anyone who you ask for help.

Research by a major business school about getting jobs through networking showed that the first contact accounted for only 13% of jobs found, whereas the first referral(a person referred to you from your first contact) accounting for a staggering 70% of the jobs found through networking. The other 17% came from people through any further contacts of contacts.

So you're not asking the person you speak to if they know of any jobs. You should be asking if they know of anyone who can help with your job search.

...because the help is more likely to come from someone they know rather than themselves!

Remember, people love to be asked for help and ideas.

There's a certain type of person who's a natural networker, people person and knows everyone and everyone knows them.

They have heaps of contacts and in networking terms they are called nodes.

Ask them if they know of anyone who could help you get a job in your field and they probably do!