Amazing Job Search Success Secret . . . Right in Your Backyard!
Well, almost in your backyard.
I'm talking about a little used strategy that can generate
untold job search dividends if you put it to use
conscientiously. I'm talking about having and utilizing a CAREER
PARTNER.
What's a career partner?
We've proven conclusively, since 1985, that the most successful
job search strategy is to utilize people you know as a source of
job opportunities. For example, take a look at the many
different ways folk you already know can assist you. In fact,
they will welcome the opportunity to be involved in your career
advancement.
1. Introduce you people they know who could be sources of
company or industry information.
2. Provide advice and insight into corporate cultures or future
growth plans.
3. Open doors for you for actual employment opportunities so you
can explore them without going on an interview till you learn
more.
4. Practice verbal strategies and interviewing techniques with
you.
5. Objectively critique your resume and other documentation.
6. Provide you with the names and backgrounds of their contacts
that would be useful to you.
Our resistance to this method frequently goes like this:
--no one wants to help me --I'm embarrassed to approach someone
else --I don't want other people knowing my business --they
don't know anything about my background --I'm too busy to run
around finding people who can help me
All these excuses are based on a misunderstanding of what you're
trying to accomplish and how to go about getting assistance that
can truly benefit you.
So here are some tips that can turn you into a major success:
1. Never ask anyone to find you a job. That's embarrassing to
both you and them. Instead ask them for advice. Everyone is
flattered to be asked for advice.
2. Explain that you're exploring some new career directions.
Tell them the kind of environments and job descriptions you're
interested in.
3. Ask them for feedback about your quest. Get them to buy into
your career advancement project. Turn them into a Career
Partner, i.e. a confidant, an advisor, a mentor. Make them feel
you value them as a member of your job search team.
4. Ask them to personally introduce you to anyone they know who
could help you advance. Reassure them that you're not going to
hit anyone up for a job. You're looking for additional resources
for your campaign.
You'll be amazed at how responsive people you know will be if
you approach them the right way and turn them into a career
partner and a member of your team.