Job Search Networking

Friends, family and acquaintances can be your richest resource for job information and job search/career change contacts. As you begin your search for contacts, broadcast your intentions to this network. To begin, make a list of all the people you know. Include:

- Friends

- Family

- Family friends

- Family of friends

- Neighbors

- Friends or family of neighbors

- Landlords

- Carpool or vanpool co-riders

- Classmates or former classmates

- Parents of former classmates

- Fellow members of professional associations

- Associates in choral groups, computer user groups, Toastmasters, etc.

- Service providers: barbers, hair dressers, dentists, accountants, tax preparers, yard workers, house cleaners, and service providers of your friends.

- Anyone you can think of who contacts a number of people in their daily life.

After compiling your list, call each contact. The following samples might give you an idea of how to introduce yourself and politely solicit information and assistance regarding your job search.

When calling a specific employer, acquaintance, or business contact, you might say:

“Hello, _____. This is _____. How are you? I want to let you know that I have decided to: change jobs; change careers; seek new opportunities; take a turn in direction in my career; change departments; or seek another challenge within the (industry/company/agency) system. I want to use my skills in _____ and _____. If you hear of anything you think I might be remotely interested in, I would really like to hear about it. Just call and let me know, and I will follow through by contacting the person or organization or applying, whichever we decide will be appropriate. I want you to know that I really appreciate your help/support.”

For many companies, incoming calls are first screened by a receptionist, secretary, or company operator. If this is the case with the company you are interested in, don’t be discouraged. When contacting an employer or other professional via a receptionist, secretary, or company operator, consider the following sample dialogues:

Talking with the Receptionist, The “Easy” Scenario

Job Seeker: “Good morning, my name is _____. Could you please tell me who is in charge of your (title of department or title of company function you are interested in)?”

Receptionist: “Sure, that would be Mr./Ms. _____.”

Job Seeker: “Thank you. May I speak with him/her?” Then follow the section below on Talking with the Hiring Authority.

Talking with the Receptionist, the “Not-So-Easy” Scenario

Job Seeker: “Good morning, my name is _____. Could you please tell me who is in charge of your (title of department or title of company function you are interested in)?”

Receptionist: “What is this regarding?”

Job Seeker: “I'd like some information about future employment opportunities in this area.”

Receptionist: “We aren't hiring now.”

Job Seeker: “That's okay. I'm interested in finding out about future opportunities. Also, this person may know of opportunities elsewhere. Could you please tell me who is in charge of this department (or function)?”

Receptionist: “Not in.”

Job Seeker: “When would be a good time to call back? Thank you, I'll call back then.”

Receptionist: “You will need to speak with personnel.”

Job Seeker: “Thank you. May I be connected please?”

(To Personnel staff) “Hello, my name is _____. I am interested in the field of _____. Could you please tell me who is in charge of that department (or function)? I'd like to speak to her/him about future employment opportunities and perhaps get some ideas of other companies or people I might contact.”

When Leaving Messages

- Leave your name only and say you will call back.

- If you just can't reach the person after two to three tries, then leave your number also.

- If asked what your call is about, say, "It's personal."

Talking with the Hiring Authority, the “Easy” Scenario

Hiring Authority: “Hello, this is Mr./Ms. _____.”

Job Seeker: “Hello Mr./Ms. _____. My name is _____ and I would like to speak with you about possible employment. Would you have some time to speak with me or see me?”

Hiring Authority: “Sure. Let’s set up an appointment.”

Talking with the Hiring Authority, the “Not-So-Easy” Scenario

Hiring Authority: “Hello, this is Mr./Ms. _____.”

Job Seeker: “Hello Mr./Ms. _____. My name is _____ and I would like to speak with you about possible employment. Would you have some time to speak with me or see me?”

Hiring Authority: “We have no openings right now.”

Job Seeker: “Mr./Ms. _____, since an opening may occur in the future, would you mind if I still came in to talk with you? This way you can keep me in mind in case something unexpected does open up.”

Hiring Authority: “I’m sorry, I just don’t have the time.”

Job Seeker: “I understand, Mr./Ms. _____. When you do hire in this area, what qualifications do you usually seek?”

Or, “I understand, Mr./Ms. _____. I wonder, do you know of any other people I might contact about opportunities in this area?”

Or, “I understand, Mr./Ms. _____. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. Would it be alright if I check back with you in a couple weeks to see if you've heard of anything?”

Hiring Authority: “Send me your résumé.” Or, “Come in and fill out an application.”

Job Seeker: “I'd be happy to. When you do hire in this area, what qualifications do you usually seek?” (Write down the information given and address these qualifications in your cover letter. Call back three to four days after you mail off your resume. Call back in one day if you hand delivered your résumé or filled out an application onsite.)

Employer: “Talk to Personnel.”

Job Seeker: “With whom in Personnel shall I speak? Is there a specific position I should mention?”

(To Personnel staff) “Hello, my name is _____. Mr./Ms. _____ of your _____ department suggested I meet with you about a position in _____.”

Final Advice

Ask yourself if confidentiality is an issue with a contact. Be sure to send a thank you note. If appropriate, include your business card. Keep detailed records of your calls and responses.

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