There is a big disconnect in the job search world.

Have your heard? The majority of job openings are never advertised to the public. It’s reported that as many as 80 percent of jobs are filled through networking.

Meanwhile, when asked how they find job leads, most of the job seekers I talk to will name a job board or other website. Few say that their main source of information is other people in their career field.

Do you see the disconnect? The majority of job leads in all careers fields come from talking to people. Yet many job seekers will spend more time responding to generic ads on the Internet instead of meeting people and developing relationships with those who can truly help them.

Many of the job seekers I talk to avoid networking. But many others like to talk with people to exchange business leads and job search tips.

How do you feel about networking? Respond to this poll and leave your comments below.

Denise Felder

In the next few weeks, I’ll have more networking and job search tips for you based on your comments.