Why Saying “Help Me Find a Job” Isn’t Good Enough

The surest way to find a job in these difficult economic times is to network with professionals in your field. The relationships that you develop with

your peers can bear fruit in the form of job leads and interviews. But

networking isn’t just finding an industry peer and saying, “Help me

find a job.”

Networking to Find the Hidden Jobs

If you want your peers to recommend you to a hiring manager or give you a lead on a job opportunity that hasn’t

yet hit the online job boards, you have to give them a reason why they should

give your job search a boost.

After all, when people recommend you to their superiors or work to

secure you a job interview, they are putting their own reputations on the

line. If you perform poorly during a job interview, or present yourself in a less

than professional manner, you are hurting their reputation.

If you want to convince your fellow industry professionals to help you land your next job, you must first prove to them that you won’t embarrass them.

Provide Your Qualifications

First, when talking to your peers about your job search, make sure to explain to them exactly why you’d be a good

fit for any openings at their companies. Briefly provide them with a synopsis of your experience, being

sure to include any notable accomplishments.

Secondly, provide them with a printed resume. This will give your networking contacts something tangible to show

the hiring managers and executives at their own firms. Make sure that your

resume is tailored to the particular job for which your peers are

recommending you.

The Power of Professionalism

Finally, when you do show up for a job interview or apply for a lead in the

hidden job market of unlisted opportunities, do so in the most

professional manner possible. Don’t assume that you don’t have to give

your best effort simply because a peer at the company recommended you.

Your advantage ends once the interview begins. And if you come off as unprepared, you can bet that your networking contact at this company

won’t recommend you for any future positions.

It’s OK to ask your industry peers, especially those with whom you’ve

already built a relationship, “Help me find a job.” Just make sure that you back up this request by giving your

peers a reason to recommend you for jobs in confidence.

Interested in Finding Out More about Job Search Strategies and Job Search Advice? Please come and visit us at

http://www.GetHiredFast.com