When you’re looking for a job, in addition to checking out newspaper ads, the Internet, and bulletin boards, it’s also very helpful to ask people on your list of warm contacts for information.
They can provide you with up-to-date information about the company and job openings that are not advertised in job advertisements. Sometimes when they can’t provide you with information about the job you’re looking for, they may be able to refer you to someone they know who can tell you something about the job.
This is called networking. Networking is when you start using your warm list to get information or referrals from your other contacts. Many people are repelled by the idea of networking. Some believe that it is not a reliable source of information about the job. Others say that networking is more difficult than following the leads in newspaper ads, the Internet, or bulletin boards.
Contrary to such beliefs, networking is not that hard to do. You may only have to contact or meet a few people, and you may gain valuable information that can help you in your career search. Plus, because the people you meet are in the same industry, they can give you unadvertised hiring information and first-hand facts about the company.
You’re already networking and you just don’t know it. When you’ve seen a newspaper ad for a company you know little about, you ask your friends if they know anyone who works for the company. So even if the idea of networking doesn’t appeal to you, it’s still essential when looking for a job. To make networking easier and more productive for you, here are some tips.
* Prepare your list of warm contacts
Once you’ve prepared your list of warm contacts, it will be easier to select the people you prefer to call first. These are the people who you think have some information about the job. They can be former employers, colleagues and members of the professional organization belonging to the same industry. They usually have first-hand, up-to-date and reliable information.
* Call a warm contact
When you call a warm contact, let them know you’re actively looking for a job. Ask them to let you know if they heard about any job openings you might be interested in. It is best to let them know what kind of job you are looking for. And don’t forget to leave them your contact number, so they can get back to you if they hear anything. It’s also best if you can leave them a copy of your resume so they can show it or send it to someone who can help you with your job search.
* Evaluate yourself before calling your contact
Your warm contact may ask you about your skills, experiences, abilities, interests, expectations, and career goals. You should be able to talk about this honestly and you should be able to describe what information you would like to have from your contact.
To help you prepare, you can practice writing a script of what you are going to say. That way, you can articulate what you’d like to communicate to your warm contact.
Anticipate questions about yourself, so you should also practice answering questions about your previous job and what you can bring to the company.
* Ask for references
If your friendly contact was unable to provide you with information that will be helpful in your job search, ask for the names of at least two people who they think will be able to help you. Ask them for their contact number and, if possible, the time they will have free to talk on the phone.
* Contact references immediately
When your warm contact gives you referrals, you may even call this person to let them know that you will be asking for more information. Sometimes the person you referred will call your contact warm. Therefore, it is best to call your references within a few days after you have spoken with your warm contact.
When you make a call, introduce yourself and the person who referred you and what your relationship is like with the person who referred you. Be courteous, but direct, when letting the person know what information you are looking for.
Networking is really not a difficult thing to do. With enough practice and experience, you can maximize the benefits you can get from networking.
