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Use Job Networking

            One of the best ways to look for a job in Nashville and Middle Tennessee is through networking or direct personal contacts. It is estimated more jobs are found this way than any other. In order to be successful in your networking campaign you need to have and develop contacts that can lead to employment opportunities and eventually a job you truly want. The best time to start is in school, on the job and at social events while employed. Unfortunately, many eventual job seekers never take the time to develop an effective network until they are unemployed. The main problem with establishing new contacts is the amount of time it takes to develop them. But, it can be done with patience and perservance. 

            Start with your family and close friends. Just come out and tell them you are looking for an employment opportunity – this is as easy as it gets.

            If they know of a good opportunity, pursue it. Do it quickly. As the saying goes, “The Early Bird Gets the Worm.”

            But the probability is you will need to go the next step of talking with your next level of friends and acquaintances.

            If you have not developed many contacts while in school, your job, or socially, you must put forth the effort and time right away to expand your contact base. Unfortunately, this approach takes a lot of time – but it can be very rewarding.

            It is important to expand beyond your initial contact network by going to social events and targeting new contacts.

            Developing a network of contacts is not about keeping data or improving computer skills. It is about using interpersonal relationships to accomplish your goal and that should be your focus.

            Like a salesperson, you are prospecting for leads. You will need to follow a similar approach to land a sale.

            As in most everything, preparation makes a difference. There is no exception here. Establish your goals. Which of your existing contacts do you want to meet? What events do you want to attend?  What people do you want to meet? If you go to an event how many business cards do you want to obtain? Is there going to be one executive you want to meet? Do you want to just become comfortable mingling with people by going to a particular social event?

            If you are not comfortable mingling with people, practice on close friends or family, acting as if they are potential prospects. If you don’t have someone to help you, practice out loud. Go over possible conversations.

            The following are techniques you can take to develop the right contacts.

            Write down the names of all your friends, acquaintances (including business) and relatives that are in positions to know key contacts for potential jobs or actual employment opportunities. Call, e-mail and if practical, meet with them.  Go to social gatherings where potential contacts will be and let them know of your interest in looking for or, if you are working, to explore other employment opportunities. You don’t have to ask for a job directly. If the contact expresses interest in helping you, make sure you follow-up within the next week or two. In some situations they may be able to make introductions to key contacts. In other situations they may give you key names or at the very least employers that may be looking for employees with your expertise.

            When provided with names, it is up to you to write, e-mail or call the contacts and let them know of your interest. Always be prepared to meet the contacts that you are formally introduced to by your friends or family. Have an appropriate well-written resume available at the opportune time and be able to give an oral overview or your qualifications and skills on the spot.

            Identify events where employer related contacts should be present. Go to Chamber of Commerce meetings, charity events and other social gatherings. When attending these events, be outgoing and friendly. Have a card with your contact information available to be passed out to the right people.

            When meeting people try and determine their interests. People like to talk about things they like. Is it sports, their job, a news event or something else? Stay away from politics unless you have the same views. Try and find common ground. Don’t just talk about yourself. If you are not working it is not necessary to tell them right away. Wait for the right time. As in so many things, timing is important.

            If you are trying to meet as many new people as possible, set general time limits on how long you should speak to each person. However, if you find someone promising take as long as necessary. Remember to be polite to everyone.

            Ask people you know to introduce you to others. Conversation is easier after an introduction.

            Be prepared to have job opportunities presented to you that you have no interest in following up. Always be polite even if you have no interest. These contacts can still help you meet others.

            Many people you meet will be involved with other activities and events. Not only will these potential contacts know others, they may be looking for others to be involved. Consider attending the additional events.

            Another way to develop a network is to identify companies you are interested in working for. Take the time to find key contact names in the departments that can utilize your qualifications. Now call, e-mail or write letters to the contacts including your resume. Even though these key people may not be able to use you, they may know of others that are looking that can use your expertise.

            Talk with the assistants or secretaries of these key contacts. These individuals may be more accessible and can still provide important information on what opportunities are available or what jobs may be coming up in the future. Keep in contact over time. Check with them every month or six weeks.

            If you decide to improve your skills by taking a class on the latest subject of interest, use the opportunity to make contacts. Many of these people may know of jobs where they work. Those not working may find jobs in the future and may tip you to openings where they are employed.

            With the advent of the Internet new methods have opened to look for employment in ways never thought possible until more recently. One of the newer ways is to develop contacts using chat rooms setup just for that purpose. Try and use those that are closely related to your occupation or the occupation you want to change to.

            Developing a network can be time consuming and at times frustrating. However, in the long run the process can lead to a lifetime of contacts and continuous great opportunities.