"I've literally never had to look for a job - until now. I didn't know where to begin. You took an otherwise intimidating experience and showed me that it didn't need to be. Your professionalism and follow through are to be commended. You've opened my eyes to career options I didn't know existed."
Barbara Koon,
Operations Manager
Food Merchandising Service

Working the Network for Job Opportunities

If you are now, or ever have been in the market for a new job, you probably know that to some extent it's a game of numbers. The more contacts you make, the more likely you are to uncover an opportunity. The more people who know you're looking, the greater the possibility that they will refer you to an opportunity, or refer an opportunity to you. But there are certainly some things you can do to increase your odds of success.

One frequently overlooked source of such opportunities are the people we know and who know us. This is our "network." If you know one person, you've got the start of a network that could prove valuable. But, knowing how to approach people for job-related networking is an "art" as well as a "science."

To begin with, you must accept the premise that it is no one else's responsibility to find you a job. They can help you along the way, but it's your responsibility ? not theirs. Therefore, I recommend that you avoid approaching your network of contacts with a direct appeal for employment. If they have a job to offer, let them offer it.

Instead, you should simply be asking them for their "advice," "opinion," "feedback" or "insight" as you explore your career options. Most people are flattered by such a request and will cooperate willingly. Who can refuse a request for their opinion? Merely asking for it indicates you value it.

Once you've stroked their ego a bit, they're much more eager to assist you. That's when you turn the corner and ask for what you really need ? namely, referrals. Now, here's how you then get those.

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