While social media is a great way to network with colleagues during a job hunt, remember not to focus all of your efforts online. There are many places for you to connect with others in the community.

According to the 2011 Nonprofit Employment Trends Survey from Nonprofit HR Solutions,

It’s still “who you know” when it comes to nonprofit recruitment. Nonprofits primarily use in person networking and newspapers to recruit job candidates. This is surprising considering the rapid growth and affordability of social networking tools over the past few years. This practice also has the potential to negatively impact diversity efforts.

Here are some places where you can get out into the community so when nonprofit employers are hiring, you will already be in their circle:

• Volunteering. By volunteering with a community organization you care about, you’ll be one of the first to know when the organization is hiring. You will have the advantages that they already know you, they know your abilities and you’ve proven your willingness to serve.
• Social networking the old-fashioned way. Let your friends and family know you are looking for a job.
• Attend networking events sponsored by your local nonprofit management center. Many of the events sponsored by these types of organizations are free.
• Join a social club. The Optimists, Lion’s Club, Chamber of Commerce and many others are great places to network

Sandra Sims is a contributing blogger to ExecSearches.com. ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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Last updated on September 18th, 2012 at 05:18 pm