Networking Tips

The key to finding your next job begins with Networking. Networking is the continual process of building relationships with people who can provide information that will be useful in finding your next job.

Networking

• Networking is important because only 20% of the jobs available are found in newspapers or on-line
• To begin networking make a list of you personal friends, family members and business associates.
• Don't exclude anyone from your networking list, you never know what leads they might provide
• Send a letter to the people on your list explaining what you career objectives are, and let them know you will be giving them a call in the near future
• Your follow up calls will provide you with the opportunity to gain more contacts and set up interviews with professionals in you field.
• During these interviews consider the following
  
  Keep to your time frame
  
  
  • Do research on the person your meeting with, and their company
  • Ask if there are three other people they could recommend you talk with
  • Don't ask for a job during the interview
  • Thank the person for their time
  • Record your notes from the meeting for future use
  • Follow up with a thank you note
    
    
• Start with these tips and begin networking today. You'll be surprised at the doors that open for you.

On-Line Jobs

• Make sure you read the description of the job and all its requirements, and comply to all the employers request
• Make sure you check to see if the employer accepts attachments if you e-mail your resume. Some companies will not accept them because of viruses.
• If you can't use attachments make sure you use a common font that easy to read. Courier is a good choice, set at a 12-point font.
• If you need to make you resume "fancy" and can't use an attachment, try using asterisks instead of bullet points. Bullet points don't always translate well in other peoples e-mail

Classifieds

• Make sure you read the entire description of the job
• Be ready to respond quickly. Most jobs that appear in the classifieds are close to being filled by the time you read them
• Don't discount smaller community newspapers
• Realize you will be in competition with a large number of job seekers so it may take some time for employers to get back with you.
• If you provide the employer with your phone number, have a professional message on your answering machine. The cute and funny ones might turn off employers