Being and staying marketable is important for every careerist today. What are your career goals and what steps can you take to get a job, keep a job, or move up?



One of the most important keys to success for careerists today is to build and maintain your network. It's vital for job seekers, folks that want to advance, and even those who want to keep your job.



It's easy for job seekers to sit behind your computer all day responding to job postings. While that should be one your job search strategies, networking should be a bigger piece. And when you do find a job online, always take it a step further and see if there's someone in your network that either works at that company or knows someone that does. Remember, employers like to hire people they know and people that come referred to them. Job postings can provide some valuable insight into what companies and industries are hiring.



If you're looking to advance in your career, be sure to develop and nurture your internal network. Keep your boss and your boss's boss apprised of your accomplishments. Once a week go out to lunch or coffee with a colleague. Volunteer to work on special projects. Don't gossip about your co-workers.



Let's say you're working for a company and you want to make sure you're doing everything you can to keep your job. Be sure to network with folks in your department and also from other departments. At some point, there may be an opening you want to go after in another department.