Myth 3: All We Need Is Love . . . and the Internet . . . to find the perfect job.
With an appreciative nod to the Beatles’ iconic song, we need more than love and the internet to find the right job.
I acknowledge that networking can be difficult, discouraging, and immensely frustrating . . . if you let it affect you. Indeed, picking up the phone and “dialing for leads” can be daunting . . . and a bit terrifying. This is especially true if you feel that every call needs to be a direct line-of-sight to meaningful employment. Talk about pressure!
That’s one of the reasons why internet resources are so popular – you can be fairly anonymous; you don’t have to pick up the phone and make live contacts. This hesitancy is particularly true for job-seekers that might tend to be more laid-back or a bit shy. It’s a lot easier to email possible contacts than it is to track them down and initiate a compelling conversation.
Reality:
While many internet sites are outstanding resources for job hunters researching an organization, finding viable leads into a target company, or individuals whom you can email, it should NOT be your sole networking source. You still need to connect live with people to generate meaningful referrals.
It’s been our experience that people who use the internet as their sole source of leads tend to have elongated campaigns. Further, the number of additional contacts provided by your primary names, if you only use the internet, will be significantly smaller than if you spoke to your contact directly.
- Develop a list of everyone you know. Then prioritize these names based on those that know you well and who might be willing to help.
- Approach networking in the same manner you would if you were to tell your friends of a phenomenal play you just saw – with great enthusiasm and confidence.
- Develop and practice delivering your compelling 15-second Voicemail Speech, a 30-second Elevator Speech for networking, and your 3-minute Career Goal / Summary.
Feel free to tap into Chapter 12: “Power Networking – Unlocking the Secrets to Career Success” in my McGraw-Hill book – In Search of the Perfect Job.
This is exactly my view. Get in front of people and make meaningful connections. There is no substitute for “warm” introductions or “under the radar” market intelligence. Even if an opportunity is public, getting to the decision makers and past the gatekeepers is made through networking contacts!
Paul – I agree wholeheartedly. For those for whom telephone networking might be a bit challenging, my suggestion is to start with folks you already know and try out your networking introductions. At the conclusion of your discussion, ask for feedback as to what you could improve and things to stop, start, continue to do next time.