Networking etiquette: respecting your professional contacts: an estimated 70 to 80 percent of all jobs are filled by word-of-mouth referrals. Knowing how to effectively and respectfully use your professional contacts can make all the difference in your job search.(Management & Careers)

While it is possible to find a job day without having to rely on personal connections, it's estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of all jobs that get filled are by people who first heard about the position through word of mouth. That is why networking is so important during a job search. In a recent survey commissioned by Robert Half Finance & Accounting, 80 percent of executives polled said that networking with others in their field or industry has been important in furthering their careers.

A professional network is indispensable when you're looking for a job--especially during uncertain economic times. Your contacts can suggest promising leads or put you in touch with firms that are hiring. They may provide you with first-hand information about an organization or give you the name of a staff member they know. In some cases, someone in your network might even be able to arrange a meeting for you with a hiring manager. Knowing who your network consists of and how to work with them appropriately are essential ingredients to finding your pathway to a job.

CREATE A CONTACT LIST

The first step in identifying your network connections is creating a contact list. Your goal is to reach people who can:

* Offer you a job now or in the near future

* Introduce you to someone who is hiring now or in the future

* Inform you about a job opening