STEP 1: Get the word out that you are searching for a
job. Ask friends about opportunities where they work. Contact people you know who work for firms where you would like to
work. Ask for leads and referrals.
STEP 2: Contact trade and professional organizations from job
banks, membership directories, newsletter listings, the Internet, etc. Obtain lists of
organization contacts. Get lists of established professionals
in your field of interest.
STEP 3: Target individuals in fields or organizations with whom you would like to contact
for an informational interview. Call key people whose names you have obtained and
ask for an appointment to learn more about their specific industry. You will be
surprised how effective this approach can be. People are often quite helpful when
asked for advice and may provide names of others for you to contact. Try to obtain
at least two or three names from each person with whom you speak. These names lead
to other names and you will begin to build a network of contacts. As your network
grows, job opportunities could emerge. NOTE: do not use the informational interview
as a cover for a job interview. Focus on gathering information and leads.
STEP 4: During an informational interview, ask the
person what you’d like to know, for example, how he or she obtained their
position, and what they like and dislike about the job, organization, and
industry. Ask for information about career opportunities in the
field. Most importantly, ask who you should contact for more
information regarding actual job opportunities. This referral
information is the key to getting the results. Finally, be sure to
write and thank your information source for his or her time and
assistance. This is not only the courteous and professional thing to
do, but it keeps your network alive.
It is important to keep an accurate record with whom you’ve
talked and about vital information shared during your networking. A record
sheet similar to the example shown below is one option. It is important
to note who referred you, making it easier to keep new names straight for even
the most organized person.
Date |
Person/Title/Phone |
Organization
& Address |
Referred
By |
Comments |
Follow-up |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
If it seems untypical to not actually be
interviewing for a job when unemployed, remember that most jobs are never
publicly announced. If you successfully complete several informational
interviews, you could easily make an impression that will often be remembered
for future job openings – this is how you get to know someone to get the job!
Other Networking Tips:
Make yourself visible
Attend and volunteer to work at professional conferences
Have a positive attitude and talk positively about yourself
Publicize yourself
Find out what’s in it for them and tell them
Develop a portfolio if it’s appropriate to your field
Work at 110% level
Be honest about yourself
Give without expectation
Be persistent and patient
Decide to be a winner
Be articulate
Capitalize on your strength
