Do cold calls really work?

Don't be so judgmental on yourself.... you should look into certain web chains associated with your kind of degree/line of work. Linked in I think is one of thee best Networking Chains that expand throughout the entire world and list what job positions are available and hiring. Heck you might just be contacted by a company wanting to offer you a position like I was.

It can also be helpful to establish relationships with reputable recruiters in your location, that specializes in your career area.

Everyone has given great advice regarding Resumes, Relationships.but Mentorship is a very important part of networking. My career development I owe to my mentors.( I have a workplace mentor and at home my husband is my mentor) I just picked the smartest person on the job and go to them when I need help, or resume review or interview prep. I am very critical of myself and ask others to give me feedback from my mentors to my subordinates. I am never scared of criticism because, if something is told to me enough, I must need to work on it. Finding someone who is successful in your field is important, you want to know how they did it, the struggles they encountered, and having their help support and feedback is priceless. And don't be afraid do actually say those words..."Will you be my mentor? "

Samantha, Networking is more than talking to friends and family. It is very possible to network via social media. Respond to posts on Linked In, Facebook Twitter and such. Go to small business meetings and even Chamber events. You need to get in touch with people who can actually hire you. This can be done. Networking is just one aspect yes it can be beneficial but it does not guarantee a job. The more people you get in touch with and the more people you help is what gets you recognized. Hope this helps you. Good Luck.

I think it's great that you admit that you have no idea what you are doing, SW. Networking is a value transaction...you demonstrate your interest and skill in your target industry to the people who populate it. If you are an outsider, don't expect it to work right away. Get a retail job in the evenings and weekends if you have to, so that you have some money coming in. Outsiders are usually not welcome right away, but everyone has to start somewhere. Understand the difference usages of the words "to" and "too" Poor language is a turn-off in most businesses.

Samantha, I too am clueless about how these Networking sites work. I do have my resume out there and it is only based on my physical job attributes and experience. Needing a career change due to my disability, I have been working on office skills on my own. Since these are not reflected on my resume, I get passed over. No one seems to want to hire a person my age for an internship or on-the-job training . When you find out how out how it works, let me know...frustrated job seeker here.

"Networking" is most effective with people you have come to know through past work-related situations. While it, theoretically, could include family and friends, those are less-likely to produce results unless those people are somehow linked to the jobs market you are "fishing" in. Based on your own description, it would seem that you are, instead, "pestering" those friends and relatives. If you contacted them and they said they didn't know of anything, or told you they would call you if they came across some information, then you continuing to call them is a good explanation why they "stopped answering or returning (your) calls" And, NO, networking is NOT making cold calls. If you are just starting out in the real world of work, then you need to try techniques other than Networking" because you simply don't have the contacts you need to use that technique. If you have a college degree, you should still be able to use the school's Placement office.

Just breathe! It is not as hard as you think. I also was terrified to speak to people, who I felt was completely beyond my reach. What I learn is networking is kind of like sharing your story, but through your skill set and work experiences. Next time your going to a networking event, prepare three key topics you can talk about and get an idea of what type of environment you will be in.

Samantha, first of all breathe...calm down. Networking is done in many different ways. Yes, you can use family and friends but they are not your end game. You need to first make sure your resume is up to speed and has all the "bells and whistle" that not only the job description is asking for but is showcasing who you want to be on paper. Next make sure your cover letter is reflective of how you want the hiring manager/company to view you and makes them want to reach for your resume and call you in for an interview. Do not go to family/friends to review these items. Go to someone who is knowledgeable with doing resume/cover letters. Once that is done, post your resume on various job boards...Indeed, CareerBuilder, ZipRecruiter, Monster, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, just to name a few. Then next go to LinkedIn and update your information and make sure you have basically the same information from your resume on there. And yes, include a picture that is professional! Start networking by joining the "Job Seeker Premium Group" very resourceful and helpful group of people. Join other groups on LinkedIn that are within your profession. Look at the 10 top companies in your area and see if there are any job openings. Do a cold call and see if you can meet with someone within those companies for coffee and discuss some career ideas. Volunteer, that is a great way to get within a company you maybe looking at. See what local networking groups are within your area that are hosting an event. Again, there are many ways to network...happy to help in any way