Traditionally, headhunters have provided a fast track route to the unadvertised jobs market for the well-networked HR director. But what happens, when as now, the cupboard of many headhunters is bare of tempting HR assignments - especially when this is combined with a dearth of suitable advertised positions?

For many HR directors having to enter the employment market at the present time is a pretty daunting prospect. The current marketplace is a highly competitive environment for any senior HR role. But this is also true for functions other than HR, many of which seem to be doing better than HR in the current economic climate.

When researching this article, I tapped into the experience of my fellow career consultants at CMC and their view is that the marketplace is a lot more active than the media would have us believe.

We track the progress of our clients in career transition with messianic zeal and, across the functions, since we first started to notice the effects of the credit crunch in late 2007, senior clients have continued to win new well-paid jobs.

But what is very noticeable is that while successful clients continue to be successful in their job search, the market has become far more polarised and clients who are struggling are taking much longer than before.

So what can be learnt from this?

Time and time again our senior clients demonstrate that high energy and active networking is a winning combination. Conversely, low energy and reluctance to network is a problem combination.

Does this apply to HR?  

In our experience, it applies even more so with clients either reluctant to network or little practised in networking, having over-relied on their relationships with recruiters and headhunters. Clearly this works when the recruiters have tempting assignments and maybe this does remove the necessity to network. However it is a positive disadvantage when the recruiter's cupboards are bare.

Therefore do not be over-pessimistic about the marketplace. Instead, marshall all of your positive energy in driving the development and execution of your own networking campaign.

Is this warning an important message only for those in transition?  

No, I don't believe so. Networks cannot be created overnight so those executives, who have invested in the development of their network in the good times, reap the benefits in times of need. Therefore the message is, when it comes to networking, ‘ye shall reap as ye shall sow'.

Networking tips

• It's not about ‘hard sell'
• Effective networking benefits both parties
• Most people are willing to help someone else by playing the role of ‘expert' and talking about themselves
• It's a way of making new friends and work associates - people who can guide you into unfamiliar areas
• It broadens horizons and offers new insights
• It's not that difficult - it requires a clear goal
• It can be energising and fun
• It works

Ways to expend your network

• Build on your existing contacts
• Attend networking learning events and conferences
• Use on - on-line networking sites
• Attend industry/professional exhibitions.
• Raise your profile by writing articles or book reviews
• Engage in new social activities
• Undertake voluntary work
• Join a breakfast club
• Join a special interest group, eg ‘Women in Management'

Robin Wood, founder and managing director at Career Management Consultants (CMC)