Make a List of Contacts
Your contacts are a key part of networking.
Make a list people who might be able to help answer your job search questions. Start talking with them. These contacts might include:
- Friends, family, neighbors, and church members
- Former classmates, teachers, and professors
- Acquaintances and business contacts, including former managers, supervisors, and coworkers
- Referrals from other contacts
Organize Your Contact List
Some job seekers find it helpful to think about themselves as a business. Successful businesses have a business plan to manage and market their products or services. In a job search, your skills, experience, and personal strengths are your products or services. Here are a few ways to make sure you create a good first impression and effectively manage your job search:
- Create a simple business card. Make sure it focuses on your target job search titles and promotes your skills and strengths. Put your preferred contact information on it. Always have a few with you.
- Organize information about your contacts in a way that is meaningful to you. Then track your ongoing communication with them. Some people use a three-ring binder, tickler file, spreadsheet, or e-mail system.
- Research potential employers to learn more about them before you contact someone who might be helpful to you.
- Prepare your resume in case someone asks for it.
- Reach out to others and enjoy yourself!