EVALUATING YOUR NETWORKING CONTACTS

By

Bob Raikes

As we know, 61% of us will get our next job through networking. Have you been

doing a good job of networking? It is time to review how you are approaching it.

Networking can take a number of forms.

Meeting one on one with people and leaving a resume

Telephoning your friends, former co-workers and acquaintances and letting them know you are looking for a job

Networking on line with e-mails

Posting your resume on line on different websites is also a form of networking

Writing letters to persons in your super network who most likely will get you a job lead

Attending networking groups such as this one -as well as trade networking

groups that include people in your work field.

MAINTAINING CONTACT

Once you have made contact with a person and you have fonvarded a resume to

them you need to keep them updated. KEEP A DETAILED LIST

I have suggested on the attached pages suggestions for developing a network as

well as some rules for networking. I suggest that you review them.

SUPER NETWORK

I have included on the last page what I call a Super Network List. These would

be the people who most likely will get you the job lead that will lead to a job. I

urge you to use this form and stay in contact and keep these people updated on

your job search. Any changes in your resume or career direction should be

communicated to this group.

DEVELOPING A PLAN B NETWORK

You may fmd it necessary to take a Plan B job outside of your field as you

continue your job search. This most likely will differ from your search to find

employment in your chosen field. I suggest the following:

Let friends, relatives, former co-workers, coffee shop acquaintances etc. know you are looking for leads for a temporary job outside of your field

Read the help wanted ads and check with people at your network meetings

Visit malls where there are many stores

Consider night time jobs that may free you to job search days (office cleaning, Walmart, Target, Walgreens and other box stores)

Visit coffee shops often for leads

Consider janitorial services and driving /delivery jobs

MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU