Networking can be an invaluable tool when used with job hunting. It includes gathering information on possible job openings by meeting people, sharing their ideas or advice. Making connections in this manner can let other people know what career you are interested in. They may know of a hiring manager or company that could be looking for someone with your skills. Over half of today's jobs are found through networking.

There are several local networking groups, like Passport to Employment, (golove.org) which meets Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A faith-based ministry of Church at The Crossing, located at 9111 Haverstick Road, just west of the interstate near the Fashion Mall.

Angel Employment Network (wwwsmgonline.org/AEN.htm) meets Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. at Saint Maria Goretti Church. Located at 17104 Spring Mill Road in Westfield, their phone number is (317) 896-5582. They also have a LinkedIn page at: www.linkedin.com/groups/Christian-Employment-Outreach-CEO-2637790/about

Christian Employment Ministry is also a faith based outreach program of Carmel Lutheran Church "that provides support and assistance to individuals and families through different phases of career transitions." Located at 4850 East 131th Street in Carmel, their number is (317) 814-4252 and their website is: christianemploymentministry.webs.com/.

Fishers Employment Network Alliance (FENA) meets at St. Louis Church De Montfont Church on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7 a.m. None of these groups charge any dues or fees for attending.

Business and Professional Exchange (BPE) (bpe.groupsite.com/main/summary) meets Monday mornings from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church at 100 West 86th Street. Contact Indy.North.BPE@gmail.com or phone (317) 721-2734. BPE does charge a quarterly fee, but attending the first few meetings are free of charge.

One doesn't need to be a member of these organizations (with the exception of BPE) to attend an meeting. You can meet a variety of individuals at these events that may have information on jobs or careers that could potentially be in your field of interest.