Some things don't change. Like the importance of actually meeting and talking with people face-to-face when you're looking for a job.

Tracy Sabol, an anchor with WMTW news recently interviewed me about networking and how it factored into the job search.

As an experienced career counselor, I've been aware of the range of strategies people have used over the years to find jobs in good and bad economies.

While resume styles shifted to include competency-based formats and social media sites offered venues to self promote, one strategy has remained the best way to find a job.

Representing at least 75% of how people find jobs, networking continues to take the lead as the most effective job search strategy. 

In the present economy, it is imperative for job seekers to distinguish themselves from other candidates. It stands to reason that if you have already met and made a favorable impression with someone in an organization where you are applying for a job, you'll be a few steps ahead of your competitors.

In addition to making valuable contacts, networking can also help you determine whether or not you are on the right track with a career change by finding out exactly what you are getting into from someone who is doing the work. 

If networking is difficult for you, you are not alone. But, I hope you can overcome whatever is holding you back from a strategy that could help you land your next job. Here are some tips that might help:  

1.  Be prepared and focus on a positive outcome.

2.  Identify jobs, companies and organizations that interest you and where you can add value.

3. Ask friends, family or colleagues if they can connect you with a person who has one of these jobs or works in a place with this type of position.

4. Once you have the name of someone with whom you wish to meet, ask the person who knows him/her to introduce you.

5. Follow up immediately with a request to meet and be clear about your intention for meeting. Even if the organization is not hiring, a meeting may help you determine if this is the direction you want to     pursue.

6. Write a list of questions you want to ask that will give you insight into the job and/or the organization.

7. After the meeting, if you want to pursue this job further, ask for a referral to someone else who does this work and continue the networking process.