I receive a lot of e-mails from people looking for a job. They have gone through all the motions: interned at the best places, created a rock star resume, written a baller cover letter. However, they are almost always missing one important component: making personal connections!
I hate to break it to you, but Tweeting at someone is not an in-depth conversation. If you are currently looking for a job, will be searching for a job in the future or trying to advance yourself in your career, learn how to have a real conversation with people.
If you want to stand out in a crowd of candidates, try these things:
1) Become bffs with assistants. Want an in at the company of your dreams? Connect with the assistants to learn more about the company. They aren’t the decision makers, but they have the skinny on what is happening inside the company. Assistants can fill you in on when there is a job opening, and how to win over their boss. It can’t be so bad to make a new friend, right?!
2) Take people for coffee…just because. The best time to get to know someone is when you aren’t looking for anything. If you haven’t spoken with an old boss or ex-colleague in some time, offer to take them for coffee. Rather than just shooting them a generic e-mail or Tweet, meet up in real life! It is a nice gesture that won’t be forgotten.
3) Send thank you notes. This one is self-explanatory; send someone a hand-written thank you note after an interview. In our world of e-mails, you will stand out by sending a real thank you note. It really shows that you want the job, and are willing to go the extra mile to make it happen.
4) CALL!! *Gasp* Yes, I am actually suggesting that you pick up the phone, and talk to someone you don’t know. It is fine to call a company once to follow up on your resume or after an interview. A call is more effective than an e-mail, which can get lost in the digital black holes that are our inboxes.
If you plan to have a long career in your industry, then you should always be networking with the people around you. Looking for a job can be a time consuming process, but it can be made so much easier, if you already know people. There is one truth in life: it is all about whom you know, rather than what you know.
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