Leveraging your personal network is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal in your job search and something that can help you throughout your career.
Make a list of your professional and personal contacts. Let them know you are in the job market. The more specific you can be the better.
Don't limit yourself to contacts in just education. Remember, it is not necessarily who you know, but who your first level of contacts (or second or third) may know that can really help you.
Be sure to always ask for at least 2 referrals from every networking conversation you have. Always follow up with a thank you note and stay in touch with your contacts, giving them periodic updates as to your status.
Be persistent. Success in networking takes personal organization and discipline. Create a system that works for you and stick to it. Create good habits.