You’ve got a Degree from a top tier university; you finished school with 4.0 GPA and were on the Dean’s List, yet you’re still having difficulty finding a job in your field. Unsurprisingly, you’re not alone.

In today’s scarce job market, finding the right job may be a taxing sport. In fact, according to recent statistics nearly 80% of all jobs are landed through networking. So even if you’ve got the right skills and the right qualifications a lot of what goes into job hunting is pure and simple networking.

Now you may have a neatly spruced up LinkedIn profile with a large following, but online networking may not always be as successful as good old-fashioned face-to-face communication. Meeting face to face with a potential employer, leaves a greater impression on him or her than an obscure digital footprint of your skills. The nonverbal cues that we direct during face-to-face communication are essential in communicating your personality, enthusiasm and demeanor to a potential employer.

But don’t fear, Eventsy is here to help you in all your social and business networking endeavors.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1)    Networking doesn’t always have to take place at fancy galas or planned events. If you get to know someone new – ask about their job or future career plans, they maybe interested in the same field as you! Many a times we miss potential business partners because we overlook an opportunity to get to know their career interests. So, don’t shy away from an opportunity from sharing your great ideas with people you may meet at the bar, the gym or even at your corner bodega.

2)    Be open and share your passion. Don’t hesitate to make yourself known at networking events. This is the time to meet people who share your passion and seek the same goals as you do, so take advantage of every opportunity. Although you may be inclined to be modest about your talents, remember that no one else will spread the word if not you.

3)    Reconnect with old friends. There’s nothing more surprising than hearing from your old buddies from college or law school. When was the last time you got a beer with them? You’ll have a lot to catch up on and sure way to create new networking opportunities.

4)    Networking may seem like a chore, but remember that ultimately networking is about meeting new people, making friends and enjoying yourself! Don’t avoid networking events because of potentially feeling intimidated or uncomfortable. Remember, that these are after work hours and everyone is here to enjoy themselves and unwind. Don’t stress and put your best foot forward!

5)    Finally, just so you know how much more personal networking is in person check out this video by Jena Kingsley and have a laugh!

Eventsy is here to help you in your networking endeavors with our weekly networking events, where you get socialize and network in a relaxed atmosphere over drinks and casual meetings.

Our NYC Professionals Networking Forum and Career Power Hour on October 15th offers a more formal atmosphere to network head-on with a chance to learn new networking tricks, coaching skills and receive a free professionally taken head-shot for your online resume. Also present at the event will be Career Thinker’s CEO Tom Powner to help you review and improve your LinkedIn profile as well as, Laura Westman, a professionally certified coach to give you advice in any career and life questions.

contributed by Sofiya Pidzyrailo