In a tough economy, like the one we are living in, networks and referrals can become the most important source for your next career move.

Many people don’t know where to start when it comes to networking and looking for a job in this economy.  It’s at this time that the power of utilizing your own personal and professional networks is of the utmost importance.  This is your chance to stand out in the crowd based on who you know, not only what you know.

Hopefully through the years of your professional career, you have helped many people find jobs and move up through the corporate world.  Now it’s time to ask them to “pay it forward” and help you!

At times people are hesitant to ask their own contacts for help.  Ask for help!  Don’t be afraid to ask, but always remember to find out how you can help them in return.  People want to help those who they know will return the favor.

Always, always, ask what you can do to help the people you are meeting with!  Whether its business related or personal  maybe they can connect you at a company you’ve always wanted to work for  and you can get them great theater tickets, baseball tickets or help their kids on the soccer team.

Remember, it is typically the people in your network who can help you find your next position and those are the people who you trust and who will represent you in a positive light to potential future employers.  When talking with people, it’s ok to ay, “Who else can you connect me with?” Try to walk away from each meeting with three new names to add to your network.  Stay committed to keeping up with, expanding and enhancing the quality of your network.

Make finding a new job, your “job”.  Schedule informational coffee meetings to meet and expand your network.  Put yourself out there!  Try to find a way to make it to professional networking breakfasts, luncheons and cocktail events, go with a friend if you need to, it’s less daunting.

When trying to schedule a meeting with a “friend of a friend” try to meet them face to face if possible.  Keep in mind that most people are extremely busy, only ask for twenty minutes of their time and make it easy for them to meet with you.  When twenty minutes has passed, offer to let them go  don’t over stay your welcome with someone who is doing you a favor by meeting with you.  If it turns into a longer meeting, then that’s a bonus!

Looking for a job – for the first, second or third time can be a humbling experience but don’t lose sight of what makes you unique, focus on your key strengths and attributes

Above all – Be confident, sell yourself!  No one wants to refer someone who seems desperate or lacks confidence.  If your friends feel confident in your abilities, they will be happy to connect you with others.  Make them look good by referring someone like you, always work with integrity and honesty as you represent yourself to potential employers.  Be thoughtful in your follow up and leave a lasting impression with those you meet by sending an email immediately following your meeting and a hand written note within a week after.  Follow up, stay top of mind a few weeks after your meeting as well, but remember there is a fine line between persistence and being annoying.

Make sure that your connections are high quality and mutually beneficial.  Hopefully they become business connections and friendships that will last far into the future after you have landed that “dream job”!

Mary Olson-Menzel mary@mvpexec.com Managing Partner of MVP Executive Search & Development, 20+ years of experience working in corporate America and executive search consulting. She specializes in senior level recruitment across digital, print, broadcast and cable media.

~ ASK THE EXPERTS ~
Questions from our Readers
Answered by Mary Olson-Menzel

Is it worth sending out mass mailings to a bunch of firms in the same industry, even if they don’t read like a mass mailing? And is there a way to send out a mass mailing that doesn’t read like a mass mailing?

It can’t hurt to get your resume out to as many places as possible.I would be very careful to make sure it does not seem impersonal. Finding a job is about connecting with the right people who can help you.A lot of how that happens in making sure you stand out from the hundreds of other resumes they are receiving.I still believe that referrals are the best way to do that.

What is the best way to engage an interviewer within the first few minutes of an interview?

Remember that you have two ears and one mouth, use them accordingly. Listen, understand their company, engage and be confident, good eye contact, firm handshake, be interested in what they have to say, not just eager to get “your story” out to them.

Research the firm or company ahead of time and make sure that you know what they are looking for in a candidate. I will stress again, listen to what they have to say, let them “guide” the conversation and then explain how your skill set would be a match to what they are looking for based on what they have said.

Posted on: Cynopsis Media