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Networking your way
into your Purposeful Career: Leveraging your
Circle of Influence – Part three.
In the
last two editions of
Communiqué x-Press we identified that
networking was the most effective way of
tapping into the hidden job market, and
getting yourself in front of key decision
makers for your ‘dream’ role; and how to
begin developing your list of people already
in your network [click
here to read part two].
It’s
important to remember that you are not
contacting these people to ask for a job,
but rather establishing communications to
uncover any information that would be
beneficial in your job search.
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■ |
Understand exactly what type of
information you are seeking, as being
too vague could confuse and irritate
your contact; |
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■ |
Be able to speak about what it is you
do, professionally and succinctly; |
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■ |
Have a clear plan to follow from opening
introductions (to establish rapport),
and during your meeting (so as not to
forget which crucial pieces of
information you are seeking).
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Three networking building questions: Of most
importance prior to asking the questions is
to have established rapport with the person
to whom you are speaking.
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1. |
Do you know of any opportunities for a
person with my skills? If the answer
is no (which it usually is) then you
ask: |
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2. |
Do
you know of someone else who might know
of such an opportunity? If your
contact does, get the name and confirm
whether or not they may know of anyone
else? If he/she is not able to provide
any names, then ask: |
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3. |
Do you know of
anyone who might know who knows a lot of
people (or Can you think of someone who
I may be able to speak with?).
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It’s easy to ask the first questions and if the response is
‘no’, it’s also easy to become disillusioned
and therefore not bother to ask the other
questions. Don’t become disillusioned – just
ask!! If the answer is still no, don’t let
this dishearten you. If the answer is yes,
ensure you get the correct spelling of the
lead’s name and contact numbers.
When you make contact with these people,
ensure you mention who it was that referred
you. For example, “Good morning, my name is
[Name]; I’m a friend of [your friend’s
name]. [He/She] suggested that I give you a
call as [he/she] believes that you may be
able to help me. I’m currently looking for a
position as [role] and [name of friend]
believes you may be able to provide me with
some ideas …”
Then let the person contribute and go with
the flow of the conversation. If they aren’t
in a position to help you, you may ask them
if they know of someone who might be … and
your network grows with these four
strategies, allowing you to tap into the
hidden job market.
Remember to send a thank you card to
everyone who has provided you with
information or helped you out in any way.
This will also ensure that they have your
details should they discover information
that may be helpful to you. Even people who
were not able to provide you with any
further information should be sent a thank
you for their time (with your contact
details), and state your appreciation that
should they discover any information that
may be beneficial to you, could they send it
on.
Have a great fortnight everyone!
If you'd like any additional support around this area, please do not hesitate to email me.
My direct email is:
annemarie@annemariecross.com
To your success!
Annemarie |
A personal note from Annemarie...
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