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Method 1: Develop a Network of Contacts in Five Easy
Steps
One recent study found that 40 percent
of all working people found their jobs through leads provided by a friend
or relative, or an acquaintance. That makes this method the most effective
way to find a job. Developing new contacts is called networking. Here's
how it works:
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Step 1. Make
lists of people you know. Make a list of everyone with whom you are
friendly; then make a separate list of all your relatives. These two
lists often add up to 25 to 100 people or more. Next, think of groups
of people with whom you have something in common: for example, former
co-workers or classmates; alumni from your high school or college;
members of your social or sports groups; members of your professional
association; former employers; and members of your religious group.
You may not know many of these people personally, but most will help
you if you ask them. |
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Step 2. Contact these people
in a systematic way. Each of these people is a contact for you. Obviously,
some lists and some people on those lists will be more helpful than
others, but almost any one of them could help you find a job lead. |
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Step 3. Present yourself
well. Begin with your friends and relatives. Call and tell them you
are looking for a job and need their help. Be as clear as possible
about what you are looking for and what skills and qualifications
you have. Read through the sample JIST Cards and phone script for
presentation ideas. |
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Step 4. Ask for leads. It
is possible that a friend or relative will know of a job opening just
right for you. If so, get the details and get right on it! More likely,
however, they will not, so here are three questions you should ask: |
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Step 5.
Contact these referrals and ask them the same questions. For each
original contact, you can extend your network by hundreds of people.
Eventually, one of these people will hire you—or refer you to
someone who will! This is networking, and it does work if you are
persistent. |
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