How the wheel squeaks: networking and informational interviews

I haven't posted here for a bit. This blog is about coming to terms with the job search process, and sometimes that calls for a scattergun volley of the frustrations in the process. Other times it calls for introspection.



As I've worked with career counselors at one of my alma maters in the last few weeks, I'm beginning to realize an unexpected benefit to the part of this process at which I'm worst: networking.
The whole thing about networking and informational interviews eluded me. It seemed opportunistic.
You should be able to get a job on your own merits, right?
Sure.
But one of the up sides of the networking/informational interview thing is that those skills are also part of your merit set.
You're not hired solely due to your professional acumen in a field, unless it's a rare field in which you work in total isolation. You're also hired because your personality contributes something to accomplishing the goals of the organization that's taking a chance on you.
So continuing to hone the skills of being yourself through these two processes is also part of your career search.
It's also emotionally healthy.
One of the things that's most daunting about being out of work is that a big part of your life is gone. That's isolating. The more you can do to be in the world, the better off you'll be.
Doing informational interviews and networking, while not primarily social activities, both help to flex your social muscles.
When you do get another job, and you will, you're going to have to hit the ground running. It's in your best interests, and your employer's, to be as prepared as you can. Being in the world and interacting with others in any professional capacity is a great step in that process.
Like any muscle, it moves better when it's used more frequently.