Nine out of ten jobs are found through networking, not on job boards or newspapers. Everyone has a personal network of about 250 people. Even friends in other states may know a person in a company where you are interested in finding a connection. Their contact may be able to put you in touch with an appropriate person in your area. Consider joining and using www.linkedin.com to expand your network and reconnect with people you know.

The exact words you use in asking for a referral will make a huge difference in the results you get. For example if you ask, “Do you know anyone who is looking for XXX?” The answer will most likely be no. But if you ask, “Who do you know who works in the medical field or any of the large hospitals?” The chances are that the person will know someone. That person may not be in the department or specialty you are looking for, but they will probably know someone who is. If they are willing to give you a connection, ask if you may use their name as the referrer. This then becomes a warm, insider call to someone who you do not personally know.

Informational interviews are often more valuable than just sending your resume to a friend or to the HR department. When asking for an informational interview, state what you are specifically looking for, such as information about the company, the industry, or the requirements for a specific type of job. Request a specific amount of time for your interview, such as 30 minutes, and make sure you stay on topic and within the time requested.

NEVER PUT THE PERSON ON THE SPOT BY ASKING FOR A JOB! You are there to ask for advice about how to better target your resume toward a specific job or industry, or to find out who they know that you should meet. Whenever possible, offer to do something of value for the person, such as sending them an article that might interest them. There have been times when an informational interview has turned into a job interview with that company.

ALWAYS SEND A HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU NOTE THE NEXT DAY!

Let the person who gave you the lead know the steps you have taken, your results to date, and your appreciation for the lead. Reciprocity is the universal law of giving and receiving, so always be open and willing to share information, support, and leads with others.

Copyright (c) 2008, by Joan Bolmer, all rights reserved. Contact Joan Bolmer by e-mail at joan@bolmer.com or telephone 281.293.8864. Website: http://www.bolmer.com. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this article so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached.