Networking | Sample Networking Contact | Contacting Employers Directly | Follow up Phone Call

Networking

Now we will look at nontraditional job search methods. In this section we will discuss networking with people you know and in the next section we will take a look at the advantages of contacting employers directly.

Three-quarters of all job openings are filled by networking! For every one job that is filled by advertising in the help wanted ads or by using employment agencies, three are filled through networking. This is also one of the easiest ways to get a job. Many jobs end up being filled before the position is advertised to the public.

You know the old saying, "It's not what you know, it is who you know"? When it comes to networking, this is key. Hiring managers often prefer to hire a person with whom they have had a previous positive experience.

How do you get involved with networking?

You are already a part of several networks. For example, if you are a student, you know teachers, coaches, counselors, and relatives of other students. Whether you are a student or an adult, you have friends, neighbors, relatives, and other people that you come into contact with on a regular basis. Your doctor, dentist, barber, hairdresser, owners of businesses that you frequent, and people you know from sports, clubs, religious groups, volunteer activities, etc., are all part of your network.

Taking advantage of all of the contacts that you have -- people who know you and your abilities -- is what networking is all about. Use these people as sources of help or information. Sometimes your contacts are potential employers; in other cases, they can refer you to prospective employers.

When you let these people know that you are seeking a job, make sure that you are both polite and direct, Be confident and take the initiative. Use the following sample networking contact to help you get started.

Sample Networking Contact

1. Create a reference card to give to your networking friends that contains a summary of your skills. Print it out on the computer or use 3-by-5-inch cards.
2. Call one of your networking friends.
3. Ask him or her if he or she can help you with thinking of some contacts for employment.
4. Describe what type of job you are looking for.
5. Ask if he or she has heard of any job openings or know a contact that you could call.
6. Get the name and telephone number of the contact, if possible.
7. Ask how long they have known the contact and maybe a little about him or her.
8. See if you can get a recommendation from your networking friend or whether he or she would be willing to give the contact a call.
9. Ask if your networking friend can give a copy of your resume to the contact and perhaps set up an interview for you.
10. Thank your networking friend.
11. Follow up to let him or her know how you did in the job search.

Contacting Employers Directly

Contacting employers directly allows you to pinpoint specific businesses and get your letter and resume into the hands of the right person. For example, if you want to work for a specific hotel, why not write them a letter asking for an interview? If you decide you want to work for a hotel, but don't have a specific one in mind, then put together a list of hotels and send them all letters asking for interviews.

You can check the yellow pages in the phone book for addresses of businesses in your area or go online to www.411.com. Your local library, Better Business Bureau, and Chamber of Commerce are good resources.

If you direct your letter to the actual hiring manager in charge of the department where you want to work, you have a better chance of getting an interview. To get the hiring manager's name, call the business and follow a script such as the one below.

1. Call the business and introduce yourself.
2. Say that you would like to send some information to the manager of the department that you are interested in.
3. Ask for the name of the manager so that you can direct it to his or her attention, and check to get the correct spelling and title.
4. Ask if there is a special mailing address such as a P.O. box.
5. Make sure to thank the receptionist or person you're speaking to.

Of course, don't just drop in! Most businesses don't like to see people without an appointment. You don't want to start off on the wrong foot. When you have the name of the hiring manager, address your letter to him or her personally. Send your letter and resume. Follow up a few days after your letter and resume arrive with a phone call to the manager and ask for an interview. We will discuss the follow up interview in the next section.

Follow up Phone Call

Now that you have sent a letter and resume to the hiring manager, your very important next step is to telephone the manager. One tip is to call before 10 a.m. since managers may attend meetings after that time. If the manager is unavailable, ask when is a good time to call back. Study the script below before you call and put everything your own words, so that you feel comfortable. Practice before you make the phone call to build up your confidence.

1. Ask for the manager and introduce yourself.
2. Say something to get things on a friendly note, such as "How are you doing this morning?"
3. Mention that earlier this week you sent a letter with your resume, and you are following up to see if he or she received it.
4. Let the manager know that you are hoping to schedule an appointment to learn about career opportunities with their company.
5. Ask for an interview to discuss those opportunities with the manager, even if they are not hiring at this time.
6. Let the manager know that you want to be considered for a position with their company when they are hiring, but don't be too pushy and don't beg.
7. Thank the manager for his or her time, and if he or she is going to be meeting with you, confirm the date and time. Keep your conversation brief since managers are busy people