The term "networking" seemed to become popular in the 1980's as a way to describe the art of talking with people you may or may not know. This is usually to help find a job or, if you are an employer, to find a person to fill a particular job. Recruiters network for a living. We are ALWAYS looking for the next perfect fit, either for a current job opening or future job.

Information is the key to successful contract placements. Good recruiters spend hours each day talking with new contacts, always asking "Who else do you know?". As a recruiter networks and expands his/her circle of job seekers, companies, and hiring managers, the recruiter's ability to make a perfect job match improves. Even if the information you share with your recruiter doesn't help you immediately, it often comes back to help you later.

Example: Bob and Dave work together at ABS and Bob refers Dave to a recruiter. Dave worked at two other places before Bob met him, including one company Bob never heard of. Dave also refers Jack, who has worked for three other companies Bob never heard of. Jack tells the recruiter that a manager in his current company is hiring. The recruiter follows up on the tip. As Bob is a good match for the open position, the recruiter sells him to the new client and Bob gets the job! Also, the recruiter now has several new companies to call for other potential job openings. The bottom line? Refer people you feel comfortable recommending to recruiters you trust. It all comes back around!

The previous Tipsters contained information about classic resume formats, skill sections and how to create a scanner-friendly resume. This edition addresses job descriptions and the information to be included.

The job description should start with dates, including month and year, indicating the beginning and ending of your time on the job. The company name and its location should be clearly listed. If the company has changed its name, list both names with a backslash between them. For instance: ABC Inc/XYZ Corp. Anytown, MA.

It is up to you whether you choose to list your job title(s) at the company. Remember that every company has their own internal titles for positions, and that your title may work against you in some cases, and help in others. Regardless of whether you list job titles, be sure to list the job duties you were responsible for either in bullet or paragraph format. List the three main functions you performed in order of the percentage of time you performed them. For instance, if your main role was to design plastic parts for a new product, it should be listed first in your job description followed by the two other prime responsibilities.

Be cautious not to use company slang or industry jargon in your job descriptions, and try to speak to a general audience by toning down very technical descriptions. Use common terms for tasks and include any and all software used on each job. Most recruiters have resume reading software, so remember your buzzwords!!