Reply to how important is networking in the DC job market?

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[quote=Anonymous]In my experience, the best way to network is to join the local association in your field (or desired field), go to their events reguarly and get involved as a volunteer.  It's not enough to just attend their events a few times a year---that is what the majority of their members do.  If you want to stand out as someone who would be an asset to a company, be an asset to the organization first.  No one is going to hire you because they met you for 10 minutes at a networking event.  They are going to hire you because they worked on a volunteer project with you and you showed them that you know your stuff.

Join a committee, get on the board, work the registration desk--do what is comfortable for you and what you have time to do.  But just going to an event and shaking hands will not get you very far.  I was president of my local trade assocation and I've seen so many members say "I've attended events before but haven't been able to make any true connections".  But I can tell you as someone who served on the board for 8 years in various volunteer capacities, I feel the opposite way--the people in that organization would be able to assist me with getting a new job in a heartbeat because they know me and they know I do good work.  It takes YEARS to develop a good, solid network and that is how you get a job through networking.  But you have to take the first step and get involved.

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