I recently interviewed a candidate for a position with one of our clients in Denver. We chatted about job duties and what the company did, and when I finally disclosed the name the candidate’s response was, “Wait, one of my best friends works there!” Through further discussion we reveled that her friend not only worked there, but was one of the decision makers for the position. I followed up by asking “Does your friend know you are looking?” Her reply was a hesitant, “Well no…I guess not.”
The very first step in any job search, before updating your resume, before scanning openings on Monster, should be engaging your network. Do former colleagues know that you’re job hunting? How about prior managers or executives you’ve supported? Have you reached out to vendors you’ve worked with?
Networking doesn’t have to be attending social events where you wear name tags and talk to strangers. Networking is as simple as talking to your next door neighbor, the other parents on the PTA, friends at church. Think about who you know and pick up the phone or send an email today!
