Nowadays connections matter more than competence (which is not a good thing, IMO) but applying to jobs online hasn't netted me anything besides phone screens and the occasional face to face interview. Have any of you guys managed to form and maintain a network for getting jobs? How do you do so without seeming to "use" people (though to be honest I think that's all networking is)?

Networking is all about befriending the right people and maintaining that relationship for future use.

I helped my friend get her current job at my workplace by referring her to my boss. He prefers hiring workers we know, but then we're held accountable for their incompetence '_'

Make friends with people and ask for help when you need it. You can return the favour to them in the future. Don't forget to thank them ^_^

If it helps, instead of seeing it as networking, just build more friendships with people, Not easy, but I guess it helps to see that it's not all about using them.

It's pretty much using people IMO. Not that it has to be bad thing. You can be nice to someone and still use them. After all, what are 'acquaintances' for?

Not that I have much experience with getting jobs that way. I don't really talk to anyone other than those I am close to unless I have to. I managed to luck up and get my current job just by applying and going through the standard process. Man, I hate the business world.

I think that'll have to be my MO when it comes to networking. I just hate being pushy and aggressive, and at the same time it's hard for me to not appear desperate since I'm on unemployment right now and I seriously need money. The standard applying for jobs hasn't helped me at all.

It's hard to get into that networking loop since you have to be on the radar and of value to others in order for people to want to help you. Since I'm starting out at the entry level in a new field, I don't have anything to 'bring to the table' at present. It's such a vicious cycle.

My network is purely professional these days. My main references are my bosses who say I am doing a fantastic job. Plus on occasions I jump through the corporate hoops and attend company events. I find that there are plenty of people who pride themselves on knowing everyone. So they are more than willing to meet me... Booze helps me be social as well. Since most people like to drink... well there us always booze at those events. I find putting fourth minimal effort goes a long way.

It is hard with all the people who feel they need to lie about what they know. Granted that is starting to catch up with society.

networking isn't something i've been able to create let alone maintain, as i find the idea disgusting. the idea of having to create and maintain false freindships just to keep up appearances with the hive mind? having to pretend that i believe in that do what you love and love what you do and a paycheck is just a bonus load of shit to appease management? fuck that. having to go out and put on that fake smile is what i do at my job, it shouldn't eat up my free time as well.
maybe i'm just embittered / jaded / poisoned because any chance at doing anything but the most menial jobs is always ripped from my hands, and i hate that the jobs i can get do not require literacy.

I used to be like that but I just don't care anymore. I don't want a job I have to pretend to care about or to have to kiss up to assholes. Dead end jobs are at least stable and easy enough to get.

i got my job at the bookstore because the owner is the wife of one of my professors i had in university (had him for a bunch of classes). i didn't know she was his wife at the time, though, so i didn't really "use" him.

years ago when i was doing graphic design i had a few clients and contractors through my parents which helped me get introduced at a pretty big company but i've since lost all contact with them and have no desire to reconnect. networking, business, and "the real world" world scare me.

networking I think does not exist in my life. my coworkers seem to have a... blossoming networking thing going on but, theyre social creatures so i guess thats to be expected

I do not even have the energy to get actual friends.
There is no way I can network with people to find a job.
If I cant get it the normal way guess I'll just get food stamps and section 8 housing.
or maybe disability for being mentally deficient as some say.