Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Networking has come to our attention quite a lot recently.  Networking during the job search is an absolutely critical element to finding the right job.  Today, the Wall Street Journal ran a very good article detailing some steps you can take to increase the effectiveness of your networking during the job search.

Some of the advice:

1) Develop a stronger online identity by revamping your résumé.

2) Make better use of LinkedIn, a professional networking Web site.

3) Create a more visible personal brand.

4) Get a bigger payoff from industry events.

As for some additional steps you can take, we recommend taking industry specific training classes to boost your resume, working temporary jobs to fill in work experience and joining professional or trade groups for networking.

Of course, the key to any job search is persistence and just getting yourself out there!

Related articles that may be of interest:

• Revamping your job-search strategy (msnbc.msn.com)
• Keep Your Resume Out of the Recycling Bin (halliecrawford.typepad.com)
• Be Equipped (jobsearchingblog.com)
• Polishing Your Résumé Part I (halliecrawford.typepad.com)
• The Search: Writing a Résumé That Shouts ‘Hire Me’ (nytimes.com)
• 9 Insider Secrets to Getting Hired (usnews.com)
• Start Searching For Your Next Job Before You Need It (thatonecaveman.com)

When it comes to the job search, just getting going can be the most difficult part.  From the Wall Street Journal: The most difficult part of making a career change is starting it, especially with only your desire to propel you.

David Allen, the author of “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity“, says:

You have to be able to take action in your life without being bumped around like a victim..It helps to recognize that being a self-starter is a set of behaviors that you can adopt.

If you’re having trouble thinking of a project to get you moving in the right direction, start with the basics:

Your first project could be something as simple as making a career-opportunities folder, in which you put interesting articles you cut out of magazines or read online…It could be setting up a time each week to reflect on the bigger picture of your life. It’s not a bad thing to hold off on the biggest decisions until your thinking has matured.

For more, check out our career advice resources or our job listings.

Related articles that may be of interest…

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen (bluearchipelagoreviews.com)
• Early-Bird Discount on “Back to Basics Productivity” Ebook Expires Today – Order NOW! (lifehack.org)
• Nexty Is a GTD-Focused, Web-Based To-Do List [Getting Things Done] (lifehacker.com)
• David Allen on Getting It All Done (ducttapemarketing.com)
• You: Focus Your To-Do List with a “Skydiving List” [Productivity] (lifehacker.com)