Expert details networking benefits
by Kim Price
reporter

   Networking is a major factor in finding a job, an employment expert told NE students recently.
   Julie Hollister of Work Source for Dallas County presented Networking Skills, sponsored by NE Campus career and employment services on March 18.
   Approximately 50 percent of companies hire through referral from employees within the company, Hollister said, and about 60-80 percent are hired from direct contact.
   Many companies prefer applicants referred from inside the company, Hollister said, because internal recruiting is less expensive than advertising and because no employers will refer an individual who will not reflect positively on them.
   “ Networking gives you personal contact to learn about the company,” she said.
   Networking consists of getting favors and giving favors by contacting people who can offer a job, tell of a job or arrange interviews.
   “ You should build a network of professional relationships on purpose,” she said.
   Everything, Hollister said, is viable in contacts such as spas, churches, sports clubs and pediatricians.
   However, she cautioned the audience to be respectful of people’s time and information.
   “ Networking is all about meeting people that you can keep in contact with and exchange information to benefit all parties involved, getting names, finding individuals to read resumes and to tell you of job openings and making sure you network before needing a job,” she said.
   For job help assistance, students can contact the career center on any campus.