Job Strategies

Networking    

Did you know that 80% of job openings are never advertised publicly?  If they are not advertised, how are they filled?  Consider the flow of information within a company:

• Once need and funding for a position have been established, knowledge of the job opening flows from the Department Manager to Human Resources to company personnel.  At this point, 80% of positions are filled from within the company.  The remaining 20% are then advertised.  Once the job opening hits the classifieds, your competition increases dramatically.
• Networking is talking with people for the purpose of finding a job.  The more people who are aware of your job search, the more opportunities you will have to learn about unadvertised positions. Someone you know may be employed by a company that has just created a new position. 

You can network in two different ways: 

1.  Network with those you know.  List the names of people that you know; family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, etc.  Contact each person.  Allow for some pleasant conversation, but be professional and get to the point.  Here's an example of how to start the conversation:

• "Hi!  You might know that I've been pursuing a degree at SCF.  I'll be graduating this semester and beginning my job search." 

The following questions may help gather information beneficial to you.

• Do you know of a job opening in my field?
• Do you know someone who might know?
• Where does he/she work?
• Could you call on my behalf?
• Would you share the phone number with me?
• May I use your name when I follow-up?

When a friend refers you, it makes the initial contact much easier.  You will need a system to track the contact information and communications for future reference, so don't forget a pencil and paper when you begin these calls.

2.  Identify 30 companies that may be able to hire you.  Before you contact a company regarding employment, be sure you have researched the organization.  Being informed will help you to feel confident and give you the competitive edge.  It is helpful to know:

• Products or services
• Competitors
• Public perception
• Company locations
• Any current press releases

Additional information to help you stand out in a crowd might be:

Overcoming Objections.  The purpose of your call is to get a face-to-face meeting with the Department Manager.  Secretaries for busy executives may not immediately be responsive to setting up a meeting for you especially when there are no current job openings.  The following key phrases can help you overcome these objections:

• Sally Smith recommended that I call to discuss future job openings within your company.
• I understand that you are not currently hiring, but I wanted to discuss future openings and I promise to only take ten minutes.   
• Since we aren't discussing immediate openings, we can meet at any time that is convenient in the next two weeks.
• I was hoping to introduce myself to you, since I have a particular interest in your company.
• A ten-minute meeting with me could save you time searching for a candidate when a position is available.      

Finally, when you get the appointment, REMEMBER to:

• Dress appropriately.
• Be on time.
• Bring your resume.
• Share knowledge from your research, when appropriate.
• Ask what qualities or skills they look for in candidates and explain how your education, skills and experience makes you a good candidate for a future job opening.
• Express your appreciation for their time and most importantly . . .
• Keep your 10-minute promise!

Always remember to thank those who help you with your job search!