NETWORKING: Finding the Often Hidden Job Market

Let's face it, sitting behind your computer screen at home applying for jobs is quite comfortable. But, what if you have to get "uncomfortable" in order to find the job you're looking for?

Networking sounds so hard to some of us! But, maybe it's not as hard as we think. Really, it's all about connecting with as many people as we can and, in the process, letting them know we are looking for a job. So, decide to be social!

• Have lunch with friends - reconnect with old friends
• Get in touch with former classmates, coworkers, instructors, externship site supervisors
• Attend extra courses or seminars. Continuing education, certification classes, or seminars in your field are perfect places to network and meet other professionals.

Increase your social connections and sphere of contact and let them know you are searching for a position. You never know when a friend of a friend may know of a position and may make you aware of that job opportunity. Also, let Facebook, Twitter and Instagram work for you! Get the word out that you are a graduate in search of an opportunity and be specific about the type of position you're looking for. You'd be surprised how quickly you can connect with people by utilizing your social network. Once they connect you to employers, it's important that you take the initiative to arrange a face to face introduction.

It may seem unfair, but many managers don't post their jobs even when they are clearly hiring. So, how do you find out about those positions? You find out through your network – who you know and who knows you!

What if, rather than applying to EVERYTHING, you start by asking yourself exactly what would be your ideal job? What kind of position are you looking for? What type of office or clinic would you like to be part of? Develop a plan and maybe even create a list of places you'd like to work. Is there a friend, a neighbor, a former classmate that is currently working somewhere on that list? There is your ideal contact and it's worth the extra effort. It might even be worthwhile to share your list of targeted companies with family members, friends, and classmates to ask if they know anyone working at any of these companies. If they do, ask for an introduction?

Bottom line - get out there! Get out from behind your computer screen applying for jobs and meet people. After all, it's who you know!

RESUME WRITING: Should I include references in my resume?

Resume writing rules seem to change as often as rules for caring for a baby. Just ask your mother and grandmother if they were taught to lay their newborn infant on their stomach or their back. You'll find changing rules with each generation. I feel like the same is true with resume writing. The rules are constantly changing.

So here are the questions:

• Should I include a list of my references and their contact information in my resume?
• Should I state in my resume "references available upon request"?
• Or, should I not even mention my references in my resume?

Your mother may have included references in her resume, but along with an objective statement, it's a thing of the past. Today's hiring managers prefer you leave out both the offer to provide references, as well as the actual list. Save your references and their contact information in a separate document until it's specifically requested. Hiring managers don't have time, nor are they interested, in researching references during the initial phase of their search for an employee. Typically, upon reaching the next stage of the hiring process a manager will request references and will contact your references and previous employers.