People Search

It's not considered a job search anymore.  It's considered a people search.  How often have we heard "it's who you know"?  Probably more times than we can count.  So can we assume safely that there is truth to that statement?  You bet we can!  In today's market, employers want to take the lowest risk possible when it comes to hiring and training a new employee.  They are taking into consideration their two most valuable resources. Time and Money.  Because Time IS Money, employers are willing to consider referrals from someone they know.  This takes some of the gamble, or "unknown" from the selection process.  Of course employers also consider the source of referral and take that into account as well.

You may ask, "How can I start or create a network?"  Chances are you already have one and are not aware of it.  It starts with making a list of all your friends.  Not limiting this list to just close friends, but everyone that you know that is friendly with you or you have even done business with in the past.  Start by asking some basic questions such as:

• Do you happen to know anyone who might have a job opening in the ________ field?
• Know of anyone who might know someone who has a job opening in the __________ field?
• Do you know of someone who may put me in contact with someone hiring in the _________field?

Keep a record of those names given to you. It is OK to ask for that person's contact information.  Make sure your contact gives you permission to use their name if you intend on referencing them as a "bridge" into a conversation. It is very important you do some research on the person's role in the organization.  This will help you to understand how you can leverage that relationship.

Now here comes the question.  How can I put my resume in front of someone who would be willing to refer me?  Well, this may not happen overnight.  You will need to cultivate a networking strategy.  This strategy should include several different methods including, volunteering in your community, attending local job clubs and networking clubs, utilizing social media, attending your local chamber of commerce events, just to name a few.  Please remember that your conduct and presentation is going to be a key indicator of how you would conduct yourself on the job.  So when attending social events or volunteering in the community, use common sense and make sure you are making the best impression.
There is such a thing as the "hidden" job market. In order to find those jobs, utilize the contact's you've made.  Make sure you get a name of someone in the company or organization that you can reference once you have created that network.







References:Job Search Basics, Michael Farr, JIST Works, copyright 2006