Of all the tools you use in your job search -- resume, cover letter, GPA, internships -- your personal contacts will be the most important. Face-to-face contact often separates the person who gets the job from other applicants.

Throughout your job search you will meet many people and accumulate a lot of names and addresses. The more you build, nurture and sustain these relationships, the more effective your job search will be.

The scenarios below are examples of social situations you may find yourself in. We show you steps that can help you use them as effective networking encounters.

Meeting the Ex-Coworker...
You run into an ex-coworker at the local deli. You discuss your jobs, what's happening in your field, you exchange business cards. What's your next step?

Your Old Boss calls you...
Your old boss calls you at your new job to have lunch. You are at a new job you like but realize your old company was better managed and there was more room for growth. You want to return. What do you do?

You Meet Someone At A Party Who Has The Job You Want...
You are introduced to someone at a party who works in a field you've always been interested in. You would like to hear all about his/her work and how s/he got his/her job. What do you do?

You attend a Conference...
You attend an industry conference and exchange business cards with a dozen people. These are all people you would like to work with at some point in the future. What do you do?