Some networking tips for technical carees

Team Up
Form a study group or success team, a group of four to eight people working together on a weekly basis to motivate each other, build contacts, generate job leads and think through career decisions. You can build a team with former work colleagues, school classmates and acquaintances from special-interest groups (SIGs) or by contacting a local career center.

Email
You shouldn't spend all of your networking efforts in front of a screen, but email lists can be one way to jump-start the process.

Non-Techie Groups
Think beyond your area of expertise. Churches, alumni groups, sports-related clubs and other groups organized around interests, from mountain biking to macrame, can generate contacts for your job search. Such groups have a distinct advantage: They're not dominated by other techies looking for work. To be successful, realize that you shouldn't focus too intently on generating immediate leads for job openings. Remember, networking is about building relationships.

Informational Interviews
An informational interview with a company manager, or even a peer, has several goals: gathering information about the firm, garnering advice and developing a relationship. Don't be shy about requesting a short amount of someone's time.."

The Biggest Success Secret: Be Bold and Ask

Always ask. Never be afriad to say things that you have in mind or want o know about the position. later on, it might be the greatest tool that you used for that particular job.