Networking For The Right Job

By Dena Harris

Everyone has heard the statistics-10% of jobs are found through the newspaper, while 65% are found through personal contacts. When it comes to finding work, it really is who you know.

But what if you don't know anyone?

Network.

If you start to feel overwhelmed or concerned this process will take too much time, review the statistics in the opening sentence. Ask if your time in the next few months is better spent making contacts or mass mailing resumes to blind P.O. boxes. Networking circumvents Human Resources departments, where resumes and applications often die a slow death.

Step 1 - Know What You Want
People don't remember passive job hunters who say things like, "I'm really looking for anything." Be able to state in 15-30 seconds what type work you are looking for, and be specific.

Step 2 - Research Area Companies
You know what type work you want. Now head to the library to research what companies in the area require your skills. You'll want to consider where you are most comfortable - big corporations or mom and pop outfits? If you're not sure, research both, narrowing down to five companies. These are your networking targets.

Step 3 - Ask for Names
Start asking everyone you know - family, friends, former co-workers, your networking group (you should be in one), your kid's teachers, etc., "Do you know anyone who works at X corporation?" Your goal is to come up with one name - it can be the janitor, the Xerox rep, anyone - to give you an "in" to one of your target companies.

Step 4 - Informational Interviews
When you get a name, call and say, "John Smith gave me your name. I'm interested in your company and would like your input on what it's like to work there. May I have 15 minutes to ask you some questions?" Try for a face-to-face meeting, keep to your time limit, and be professional. At this point, you're gathering information about the company to see if it would be a good fit for you.

If you aren't comfortable conducting an informational interview, pick up one of the numerous books on the topic. And remember, the purpose is to collect information, not to ask for work.

At the end of the interview ask, "Do you have the names of two more people at the company I may speak with?"

Contact them. Keep asking for names and eventually you'll meet with someone in your area of interest. They may not be hiring. That's okay, because you can still ask them for the names of people in other companies that may be hiring or other people they recommend you speak with.

All this work and I may not even get hired? Yes. Remember, the point is to get your name out. The more people in a company that know you, the more you'll be thought of when there is a job opening.

If you're doing the above (plus thank you notes) for the 4-5 companies you've targeted, this is a 40-hour per week process. It's hard work, but it is how jobs are found. Plus, your skills are growing with each interview.

Important-have a support group handy to boost your morale when your energy is low. This process is draining, so know when to recharge your batteries with a night out with friends, relaxation, or a day off from job hunting.

Remember, if you're asking for a job, the answer is a yes or no. But if you're gathering information, you keep the doors open for people to get to know you and for you to make the right match for long-term employment.

This article first appeared in the Sunday, November 2, 2003 Triad Careers Section of the News & Record