Back in March, pal Jason Alba wrote a review of the book “Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream” written by Barbara Ehrenreich. Jason wrote:

“If you are NOT in a job search right now, and either worry about one or think you are invincible, then this is a must read right now. Why? Because you really need to think about your future, and that next transition, and how you will get through it. And this is a realistic scenario.”

As a recruiter I thought that reading the book myself would, at the very least, provide some insight and empathy into what my candidates might be feeling as they go through a job search with me. Quite simply, I thought that reading the book would make me a better recruiter!

In the book, Ehrenreich decides she is going to create a fictionalized job seeker persona, using her maiden name, and spinning her real life experiences as a writer into more traditional corporate experiences in public relations and event planning. The idea was to go undercover and investigate the challenges of seeking a white-collar job in today’s climate. The elaborate farce even went so far as to create fake “references” from people Ehrenreich knew professionally, who worked at companies she listed on her fabricated resume.

As I said, I read the book to find kernels of insight in order to become a better recruiter. What I didn’t expect was to be extremely disappointed about the fact that a large portion of the book pooh-poohs the effectiveness of networking! Ehrenreich goes into great detail describing very negative experiences at networking events. Some of the experiences she describes include:

Going to an event which turns out to be more of a “candidate pool” of sorts for corralling desperate job seekers into signing up for a “boot camp” which costs $600.

A lunch meeting where she is invited to spend 4% of her prior year’s salary AND 4% of her next salary in order to be introduced to a “’support group’ of actually employed executives”

Driving to regularly-held events advertised on the internet that have been canceled or moved.

And, my personal favorite:

Attending advertised business meetings/networking events which turn out to be covers for worship services full of bold-faced proselytizing, where business card exchange and prayer occur simultaneously!

So what went wrong with Ehrenreich’s approach to networking? Well, I think her summary of networking in the conclusion of the book speaks volumes:

“But by its very nature networking tends to undercut any incipient solidarity with one’s fellow seekers, each of whom is to be regarded at best as a source of contacts or tips, and at worst as a possible competitor.”

Hmmmm….so “at best” it is all about what YOU give ME; and “at worst” you are only someone worth knowing in the vein of “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.

At my company, the current mantra for success in a potentially sliding market, is to “fish where the fish are”. Why wouldn’t this same idea apply to your networking efforts? IT WOULD!!! Now granted, I live in a large metropolitan area, so REAL networking opportunities are constantly available to me. In fact, if I attended every networking event I am aware of, I would never be home – or at work for that matter!

Why would someone network exclusively with other job seekers when there are so many networking opportunities all around? For example, I attend events sponsored by several groups including (to name a few):

* Linking Northern California (LNC)
* Bay Area Business Women (BABW)
* National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA)
* National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

THESE are the types of networking events that a job seeker should attend. Events put on by these and other organizations are focused on networking and on making connections for the purpose of building mutually-beneficial relationships. If you actually take the time to nurture these relationships you will find that networking can actually smooth your path to success.

I really wish Ehrenreich had spent a little more time exploring other types of networking events aside from those focused only on job seekers because she leaves the reader with the idea that networking is a fruitless endeavor and a waste of time.

If you are seeking a job and you feel the need to commiserate with others who are unemployed and going through some of the same struggles you are, then certainly attend events held specifically for job seekers. I understand, I really do. But for every ONE of those events you attend, please attend at least THREE other events where the focus is actually on networking with other working professionals. AND, don’t read this book; instead please allow me to encourage you otherwise……fish where the fish are….got it?