Get your contact interested in you without directly asking for a job.
Mention your job hunt in general, your need for names,information, and advice specifically. Do not speak in the abstract, be concrete.
Before meeting with contacts, thank the person that made the initial suggestion to meet with him or her. Ask for tips about how to communicate best by determining some likes, dislikes, and interests. If you can, tailor your approach to fit the individual personality.
At the meeting, summarize your objective - even if it means repeating what you had said on the phone.
Be an active participant - well thought out questions, a brief summary of your job hunt, and clearly defined goals show that you have prepared for the meeting and are in charge of yourself.
Personalize your questions when you can - make the person understand that he or she can make a significant difference in your job search. Give him or her a good reason to want to help you.
Don't underestimate the importance of your initial meeting. At some point, this person will be in a position to hire someone or recommend someone for a job. You want to be that person.
Act as though you were being interviewed for a job.
Be positive and confident about your goals and background.
Never say anything negative about your current or former employers or jobs.
Most importantly, show a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for your job search, and for the meeting itself.
Honest compliments never hurt - but do not resort to insincerity.
Take written notes during the meeting.
Keep the initial meeting to 15 to 30 minutes.
Right after the meeting, make notes on 3x5 cards or in a spiral notebook: date, what was discussed, suggestions that were made, new names given by contact to call---refer to this for a quick reminder before you call this person again.
FOLLOWING UP
Keep in mind a meeting is not an end, it is a beginning:
Set up a concrete reason for checking back - following-up on suggestions, names you have been given, companies to apply to, and research to complete.
When you have a reason for calling back, it makes it easier for you to keep in touch. It also ensures that you will maintain an ongoing relationship.
After each meeting, always take the time to send a short THANK YOU NOTE. Recap a particular part of the conversation - one that highlights a skill or achievement from your previous job, or something especially interesting that you had discussed. A note that is more specific than a general thank you note will have greater impact and be remembered. Personalize each thank you note - do not use a form letter.
Continue to build on initial meetings - don't mistake being persistent for being pushy. Periodic calls maintain and build a relationship; constant calls destroy a relationship.
The best way to follow-up is to call with a special question relating to your discussion or to call to explain how the advice that you received is contributing to your job search.
Nobody is too shy or timid to follow-up effectively. If you are not comfortable on the phone, send thank you notes or notes to request another meeting.
Have your initial contacts speak to the referral persons and ask for feedback.
As your network develops, start weeding out those people who haven't been helpful. It makes your network smaller but stronger.
REMEMBER
The best way to find a job is through networking with people that you know, are acquainted with, or want to know.
Don't be afraid to use the telephone to make contact with people who can help you.
If you are enthusiastic and express appreciation, in most instances, people will respond positively, and want to help you.
Always carry several copies of your resume with you. You never know when you might run into someone who can help you in your job search.
Be prepared to ask pertinent questions and to answer questions. Be honest, but careful. Always follow-up.
Keep detailed written and/or computerized records to avoid confusion about what transpired with your many contacts.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Once you start networking, don't stop.
Networking is only one avenue to pursue in your job search. You must also explore the Internet, classified advertisements, trade magazine advertisements, recruiters, and/or cold calling.
