Job Search & Networking
Tips on Using Your Warm Contact List When Networking
When you are searching for a job, aside from checking the ads in
newspapers, internet and bulletin boards, it is also very
helpful to ask for information from the people on your warm
contact list.
They can provide you with up-to-date information on the company
and position vacancies that are not posted on job ads. At times
when they cannot provide you information about the job that you
are looking for, they may be able to refer you to a person that
they know who might be able to tell you something about the job.
This is called networking. Networking is when you start using
your warm list to get information or referrals to their other
contacts. Many people are repelled by the thought of networking.
Some believe that it is not a reliable source of information
about the job. Others say networking is more difficult than
following the leads on the ads that are posted in the newspaper,
internet or ad boards.
Contrary to such beliefs, networking is not that difficult to
do. You may just have to contact or meet some people, and you
can get valuable information that can help in your career
search. Also, since the people you meet belong to the same
industry, they can provide you information about hiring that
isn't advertised and first-hand facts about the company.
You are already networking and you just don't know it. When you
have seen an ad in the paper posted by a company you know little
of, you ask your friends if they know somebody who works for the
company. So even if you are not attracted by the idea of
networking, it is still essential when seeking a job. To make
networking easier and more productive for you, here are a few
tips.
* Prepare your warm contact list
When you have prepared your warm contact list, it will be easier
to select the people who you prefer to call first. These are the
people who you think have some information about the job. They
may be former employers, colleagues and members of the
professional organization belonging to the same industry. They
usually have first-hand, up-to-date and reliable information.
* Calling a warm contact
When you call a warm contact, inform them that you are actively
seeking a job. Ask them to let you know if they heard of job
openings you might be interested in. It is better to inform them
what type of job you are looking for. And don't forget to leave
your contact number with them, so they can get in touch with you
if they hear of anything. It is also better if you can leave a
copy of your resume with them so they can show or submit it to
someone who will be able to help you in your job search.
* Assess yourself before calling your contact
You warm contact may ask about your skills, experiences,
abilities, interests, expectations and career goals. You should
be able to talk about these sincerely and you should be able to
describe what information you would like to have from your
contact.
To help you prepare, you can practice by drafting a script on
what to say. That way, you can articulate what you would like to
communicate to your warm contact.
Anticipate questions about yourself, so you should also practice
answering questions about your previous job and what you can
contribute to the company.
* Ask for referrals
If your warm contact was not able to provide you information
that will be helpful to your job search, ask for the names of at
least two people who they think will be able to help you. Ask
for their contact number, and if possible, the time which they
will be free to talk over the phone.
* Contact referrals immediately
When your warm contact gives you referrals, they may even call
this person to inform them that you will be asking for more
information. Sometimes, the person you were referred to will be
calling your warm contact. Therefore, it is better to call your
referrals within a few days after you have spoken with your warm
contact.
When you make a call, introduce yourself and inform the person
who referred you to him/her and how you are related with the
person who referred you. Be polite, but straightforward, in
informing the person what information you are seeking.
Networking really isn't a difficult thing to do. With enough
practice and experience, you can maximize the benefits that you
can get from networking.