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Employment tips 1: maximising your connections
Our challenge for you today, is to brainstorm out a list.
Who do you know?
Deeply examine your phone contacts, email and social media contacts. Look for those people who you would be willing to send a message to; so not relative strangers. Consider also the contacts of your family and close friends, who would be willing to act on your behalf.
Be sure that you are not leaning on others unreasonably. Your competence must match your request.
On your list, note their name, best contact, profession/employment type and where possible, their employer, and your knowledge of their professional, social or sporting connections.
Follow this up by composing a brief message.
Something along the lines of “Hi “X”, my job search continues, and I have been thinking about your connections with “Y”. Are you able to speak of me, or provide an online introduction? As always, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and I would be very grateful for a direct contact. Thank you, “Z”.
Progressively work through your list, noting who you have contacted, and their response. Action any warm leads immediately, by following the pathway mapped out by your contact. Do not overstep what they are suggesting for you.
Remember they are doing you a favour.
Up next: We will tackle the ATS (Applicant Tracking System); the computer software program that companies use to screen candidates’ resumes for desired skills and qualifications. It is estimated that only 15 percent of resumes make it past ATS and into the hands of hiring managers.
