Hire Me!
Section I
Many of the leads on new jobs will come from people that know you the best. To increase referrals from this group, make sure they know the types of jobs you are seeking. You also need to be looking out for them, so know their interests. Remember, networking is a two-way street.
Section II
You name it and there is an association or group for it. Associations are groups of people that have at least one thing in common. You can start by using the yellow pages under associations to find one that may appeal to you. They usually meet once a month to network and share ideas that are related to their interests. This is a great way to build your networking contacts with people that share some of your goals.
Section III
We use it every day to find doctor, dentist, plumber or anything else in town. Why not use the yellow pages to find a job? Before you open the yellow pages, write down what you want to find out so that you won't waste either your time or the employer's time.
The best times to call most businesses are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. All you are asking is, "How do I obtain employment with your company?" Some companies now have voicemail called "job lines" to tell you of the procedures. Be ready to write down the information. I recommend that you purchase a street map book of the city. The book will help you pinpoint the location of the business. The book will also prevent you from asking the question, "Can you give me the directions?" Always thank them for their time. Remember - you interrupt their day.
Section IV
Every Sunday thousands of employers place job openings in the major papers and smaller local community papers throughout the city to attract needed personnel to service their customers. Before you seek the information, you will need to ask the following three questions: 1) Where do I want to work? 2) Which fields interest me? 3) Do I have the required skills to apply for this position? For the best results, respond to the ad within 48 hours of printing. Many ads only want you to fax or apply in person - so follow the rules.
Section V
Hidden behind all those voicemail boxes is a real person. Job fairs enable you to meet them face to face. Plan on attending at least four job fairs per year. At each job fair, meet at least 6 to 10 people. Follow up with the people you meet with a thank-you card or letter. Job fairs can be a great opportunity to find out what skills you need to learn to get into a specific field. Job fairs are like a wedding reception line. Shake hands, talk for one or two minutes and move on to the next in line. Your goal is to get a contact inside the company.
Section VI
Every working day we get in our cars and line up like cattle to move down the roadways, each of us alone in our cars. Try taking the bus and use this time to network. Think of the bus as a small informational meeting of 40 people. Start your approach with a friendly "hello". Some people may not say it back to you. In time you may meet some contacts through taking the bus. If networking on the bus doesn't work for you, at least you can take advantage of the other benefits of riding the bus - using the time to organise your day, read the paper or a good book, saving over 200 gallons of gas per year, paying no parking fees - and you can wave at your friends stuck in the slow lane.
Section VII
Coaches come in many forms and sizes. The one thing they have in common is that they have been down the path before you. They know some of the pitfalls ahead and want to help you avoid them. They teach you the rules of the game and help you learn to work as a team player. You need to learn all you can from them. It is your duty to take what you have learned and pass it on to someone else. So, find a coach and be a coach to someone else.