Finding a new job is not just about who you know, but who you are going to know.

Networking, according to local career counselors and coaches, is the No. 1 way to land a new job. But trying to make connections with people you don’t know but need to impress, can be intimidating. Then add creating a resume and conducting a job search and now looking for a job is a job.

With so much to do, asking for professional help should be first on a job seekers to-do list.

“The career coach’s job is not to help you find a job, but to teach you how to find a job,” said Bill Gaffney, Chief Networker/Partner Amaxa Group Career Consultants in Dayton.

Career coaches and counselors can assist a job seeker with resume polishing, cover letters, interview tips, career direction, handling rejection and networking. Career coaches work with displaced workers, recent graduates or those transitioning to different careers.

“I suggest a job seeker talk to two to three coaches and find a person that he or she has chemistry with. That person will be the most successful in helping them,” Gaffney said. “Look for a good listener, someone who helps you set goals and achieve them. A coach will help you find your own direction.”

Fees range from counselor to counselor: $150-300/hour or a bulk rate for a number of services like $500 for a number of months, Gaffney said.

“If you are quoted several thousands of dollars, run,” he said. “Those are the scam artists.”

FINDING THE RIGHT COUNSELOR

Maxine Skuba, Career Coach & Counselor, M.S., L.P.C, Yellow Springs and Centerville, advises job seekers to look for honesty in a coach.

“Have a face-to-face meeting and ask to see a person’s credentials,” Skuba said. “A coach has to be very honest about what he or she can do for that person. I never profess to know everything about the job market because it changes so rapidly. I help people help themselves. I help a person find his or her strengths and where to go.”

College graduates can check with their alma mater for career help which is typically free to alumni, according to Jason Eckert, Director of Career Services at the University of Dayton.

“Request a get-to-know you meeting before becoming a client. A private career coach would have an hourly fee, but would probably offer a first meeting for free. Meet them face-to-face and talk about services and expectations,” Eckert said.

Matt Massie, Manager of Career Services at Sinclair Community College, Dayton, whose team offers free services to alumni and the community, employs a variety of tools to assist job seekers.

“We do a career assessment,” Massie said. “People look at their interests, abilities and values. Any career that doesn’t have all three will be something they won’t be happy in for the long-term. We help them make good educated choices.”

After the initial assessments, Massie uses one-on-one career counseling to explain what the results mean and to identify occupational demand of a career assessing the job, wages and future potential and whether more education is needed to reach that career goal.

For job seekers who are transitioning to a new industry or just wondering where to go next, Eckert’s team offers a more exploratory, counseling-related approach by helping them identify what they are passionate about, clarify what options are out there, and identify interests, work value, and skills.

NETWORKING

Once a career direction is determined, job seekers need to connect with people working in their desired industry or company. They need to build their network by attending events, connecting on LinkedIn.com and asking questions.

“Networking is a huge issue for people. People are reluctant to ask for help and put themselves out there. They are afraid people will say no,” Massie said.

When it comes to networking, focus on getting more information, not a job, and mind your manners.

“Person-to-person networking is most valuable. Following one’s interests can lead to more happenings or at least lead to more information,” Skuba said. “What my client is asking for is for information that is easy to give, and everyone loves to talk about themselves.”

Dana Glasgo, of The Cincinnati Career Coach, advises job seekers to plant as many seeds as possible and to check out local established networking groups. She suggests job seekers to define in 30 seconds to two minutes who they are, what they are seeking and the value they would bring to an organization.

“The more you network, the more confidence you build,” Glasgo said.

When attending a networking event, Gaffney recommends job seekers meet three to four people.

“Collecting business cards doesn’t make you a winner. It just makes you a collector of business cards. Show interest in those people and find out how you can help them,” Gaffney said. “Introduce yourself, and say, ‘I’m looking to get into your field. Can you answer a few questions for me?’”

For an introverted job seeker, Gaffney suggests hooking up with someone at the event to meet people.

“I always tell people, leave the resume and 30 second speech at home. Be creative, funny, lively. Don’t just do a canned speech,” Gaffney said.

Be thoughtful in your networking efforts.

“For people who put themselves out there in a well-thought out, respectful, professional way, most people will not say no to helping them or answering their questions,” Massie said. “Persistence, patience and professionalism will go a long way.”