Career Search Tips – Build a Network (Part 1 of 7)

Finding a “job” isn’t all that difficult, regardless of the economy.  Finding the perfect “opportunity” for yourself, however, can be challenging.  If you follow the 7 rules in this series, you will significantly increase your chances at quickly finding the perfect career opportunity.  My goal is to make your life easier and keep you focused on doing things the right way, not the easy way.  By doing things the right way, you will be more efficient and your search will be more focused and effective.

The reality is that most people do not secure their dream opportunities by shooting off resumes to 500 different employers on the internet.  To truly get your foot in the proverbial door and meet with the right people, it is crucial that you build a network of professionals who can point you in the right direction or have the authority to help you directly.  In almost every case, a successful and responsible person will do whatever he can to assist a young, ambitious young professional.  Simply ask him for the opportunity to learn more about the area in which he works and see if he can be a resource by pointing you in the right direction.

So how are you supposed to find this “network” of people?  Put together a list of everyone that you know and everyone that they may know.  Ask your parents and other family members for their help in connecting you to successful professionals who they admire.  Seek out people in your desired field or industry that have been successful.  Send out emails to each of these individuals including your resume, a brief description of how they can help you and when you would like to get together.  Follow up in three business days with a phone call and schedule a time, either on the phone or in person, to meet.
Below is an example of what I sent to fellow Ohio University graduates across the country while I was in the process of building a network and figuring out where I wanted to relocate after graduation (this works regardless of whether you are a student or already in the work place – the sooner you begin building your network, the better off you will be!).  You will be amazed at the number of people who will respond, as well as how willing they will be to help you network and answer any questions that you may have.  Here is an example of what I sent out to professionals in Phoenix, Arizona:

“My name is Tom Healy and I will be graduating from Ohio University this upcoming June.  I came across your information on the “Arizona Bobcats” alumni website.   I am interested in relocating after graduation and have targeted Phoenix as one of the four cities I am interested in moving to.  Because of the economy, future growth, weather, proximity to other cities and many other factors, Phoenix is at the top of the list of cities most attractive to me.

I am emailing you because I would like to talk with you about the Phoenix area because I have never been there before.   Also, any recommendations on companies I should apply to or specific people I should get in contact with would be greatly appreciated.

I have attached a copy of my resume, which highlights my accomplishments as a hard-working and ambitious student leader at OU.  It also describes the specific field in which I would like to begin my career.

If you could email me back at your convenience or let me know when a good time to call is, it would be greatly appreciated.   I love OU, but I am also excited for the next step and look forward to talking with you about Phoenix.  Thanks for taking the time to read this email.”

This concept works in the exact same way if you are already out of school and looking for a new career opportunity; simply let the recipient know a little bit about you, the type of opportunity you are looking for and how they can be of assistance.  They will be thrilled to hear from you and help you out in any way that they can – all you need to do is ask!