Looking for a job can be frustrating, time consuming and disappointing. What makes matters worse is looking by yourself. Left to your own devices, you can easily lose your momentum, convince yourself that there are no jobs, and worse-give up!
So What Can You Do? Involve The People In Your Life In Your Search.
Believe it or not, your next job will probably come from someone you know. This is why networking is so vital to your success.
Networking seems hard to most people, and they would much rather browse the want ads and search for jobs on the Internet, than pick up the phone and call someone they know. So how can networking be made easier? Follow these easy steps.
1. Make A List Of Everyone You Know.
List ALL your friends, former bosses, and colleagues. It does not matter if you have spoken to them in a while or not. This will be your excuse to say hello.
2. Figure Out What Is Important To Them.
Most people on your list will be excited to hear from you. Yes, you are contacting them because you need something, but what's in it for them? Do you have a great story to tell? Have you read a book or seen a movie that would like to share? Can you contribute insights about their career? What you can offer will build rapport and break the ice. Plus, it will be great to know them again.
3. Be Afraid And Contact Them Anyway.
As human beings, it is very difficult for us to (1) ask for help and (2) admit that we may have failed. There may be a part of you that will be worried about what the other person will think of you. You may believe that they have a great life, and they will judge you for your misfortunes. Maybe some people will, but your real friends and allies will not. It is ok to be afraid. It is not ok to let the fear stop you.
4. Schedule Face-To-Face Time.
Make an appointment and meet them for breakfast, lunch, drinks, or dinner. This will work to your advantage as you will get them at a time when they are relaxed and away from the pressures of life. Some people will be hard to reach, but the ones that are accessible will produce the best results. Nothing reestablishes friendship and trust quicker than some face time. How about calling and scheduling a few appointments today?
5. Listen 80%, Talk 20%.
Yes, you have a goal in mind, but please do not forget that the other person took time out of their day to meet and help you. Listening says, "I care about you." When they are done speaking, tell them about your situation. Ask for advice, rather than for a job. Ask them how your resume looks, what would they change about it, and if it makes sense. Ask them if they know anyone that you could talk to. You will get more than you ever expect if you approach each meeting this way.
6. A Thank You, Please.
You may wonder how you will repay someone who did you a favor, but sometimes a simple THANK YOU will do. We all want to contribute to others, and when we do, we want to know that we made a difference. It could be a phone call, an e-mail, a letter, etc. Anything that says thank you for going out of your way to help.
7. Keep In Contact After Your Job Search Is Over.
What comes around goes around and you never know when you will be needed. Plus, you do not want to be remembered as someone who is only interested in yourself. It took time to rebuild these relationships so have them continue. This also goes for the people who were unable to help. Let them know how things worked out, and thank them for listening. Yes, you may be busy with your new job and life, but make the time for someone was there when you needed it most.
So what do you say? You only have one life to live so it might as well be a life you love.
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