Guide to Internet Job Hunting - Using the Internet to Network

Best Networking Practices Online

As you may well know, a large percentage of jobs available in the music business are never listed. Ask almost any industry professional how they got into their career, and their answer will probably reflect some kind of networking. Most likely, they knew someone who knew someone, or heard about some job in casual conversation, or met someone at a party who was hiring for a job. Networking is the one of the most foolproof ways to get yourself a gig, a job, or a contract, because employers feel that it helps them to avoid hiring the "unknown."

Need to expand your network?

Berkleemusic can help. Berkleemusic gives you access to a network that shares industry information, job openings, and gig listings. By becoming part of the network you plug yourself into recent news and postings that give you an advantage when it comes to getting work.

From music education to film scoring, eighty percent of jobs are filled through "someone who knew someone." Friends, bandmates, club owners, talent agents, and studio owners are all folks that can help you land a gig or job. Networking has become that much easier with the Internet. With user groups, chats, and forums on music-related sites, it's now easier than ever to meet people in similar situations as you. Find out how other people in the network got their jobs or gigs, find out what classes or seminars they've found helpful, and most of all, have them give you an introduction.

Remember: Manage Your Network!

It is really important for you to manage your network in an organized way. By developing your own database of contacts, you can systematically keep in contact with everyone on your list. (This is very useful when you are dealing with a large number of individuals and conversations.) Keep a note of the conversations you had with each person in your network so that later, you can refer back to previous discussions with ease. Try to contact at least one member of your list each week. Remember, you may not need their help today, but down the line, they may be just the person you're looking for.

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