Tips On Using Your Warm Contact List When Networking

When you are searching for a job, aside from checking the ads in newspapers, internet and bulletin boards, it is also beneficial to ask for information from the people on your warm contact list

They can provide you with up-to-date information on the company and position vacancies not posted on job ads. At times when they can not offer you information about the job that you are looking for, they may be able to refer you to a person that they know who might be able to tell you something about the job, known as networking.

Networking is when you start using your warm list to get information or referrals to their other contacts. The thought of networking repels many people. Some believe that it is not a reliable source of information about the job. Others say networking is more complicated than following the leads on the ads posted in the newspaper, internet or ad boards.

Contrary to such beliefs, networking is not that difficult to do. You may just have to contact or meet some people, and you can get valuable information that can help in your career search. Also, the people you meet that belong to the same industry can provide you with information about unadvertised hiring opportunities and first-hand facts about the company.

You are already networking, and you just don’t know it. When you have seen an ad in the paper posted by a company you know little of, you ask your friends if they know somebody who works for the company. So even if networking does not appeal to you, it is still essential when seeking a job. To make networking more comfortable and more productive for you, here are a few tips.

* Prepare your warm contact list

When you have made your warm contact list, it will be easier to select the people who you prefer to call first. These are the people who you think have some information about the job. They may be former employers, colleagues and members of the professional organization belonging to the same industry. They usually have first-hand, up-to-date and reliable information.

* Calling a warm contact

When you call a warm contact, inform them that you are actively seeking a job. Ask your connections to let you know if they heard of job openings that might interest you. It is better to inform them what type of work that interests you. And don’t forget to leave your contact number with them, so they can get in touch with you if they hear of anything. It is also better if you can give a copy of your resume with them so they can show or submit it to someone who will be able to help you in your job search.

* Assess yourself before calling your contact

Your warm contact may ask about your skills, experiences, abilities, interests, expectations and career goals. You should be able to talk about these sincerely, and you should be able to describe what information you would like to have from your contact.

To help you prepare, you can practice by drafting a script on what to say. That way, you can articulate what you would like to communicate with your warm contact.

Anticipate questions about yourself, so you should also practise answering questions about your previous job and what you can contribute to the company.

* Ask for referrals

If your warm contact was not able to provide you with information that will be helpful to your job search, ask for the names of at least two people who they think will be able to help you. Ask for their contact number, and if possible, the time that they will be free to talk over the phone.

* Contact referrals immediately

When your warm contact gives you references, they may even call this person to inform them that you will be asking for more information. Sometimes, the person referring you will be calling your warm contact. Therefore, it is better to call your referrals within a few days after you have spoken with your friendly contact.

When you make a call, introduce yourself and inform the person of the relationship of the individual who referred you. Be polite, but straightforward, in telling the person what information you are seeking.

Networking isn’t a difficult thing to do. With enough practice and experience, you can maximize the benefits that you can get from networking.

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