Networking for Employment - Beware it's Radical!

I've encountered several people at MCC events seeking employment and I've been impressed at how positive they are & the hustle they show.  So, I thought we could all offer some helpful ideas to aid their job search:

• 1. Do all the people you know understand you're looking for a job & the position(s) you're looking for?Most ofknow at least150+ people or so. How many of these people have you told and do you think they really remember what you're looking for? Why aren't you email blasting them ALL your resume to remind them once or twice a month? Cut & paste the body of your resume in the email as well as attach it, preferably as a pdf (there are free pdf converters on the web). Make it easy or them to forward it to people they know. DON'T send the same cover letter each time! Mix it up to trigger different responses with different people. Summarize your new cover letter in a 2-3 sentence paragraph and put that above the body of your resume in the email. Your subject line should succinctly deliver your message example, "Drew Sygit seeking employment with Motor City Connect". Change the subject line up also to cover places of employment, specific jobs or industries. The goal is to keep reminding people as they may stumble upon something for you at any time and you need to be in their thoughts!


• 2. Who are the Networkers in your personal Network? Back to the people you know - several of them are going to be natural networkers/connectors/mavens (etc) that know a lot of people and seem to make things happen. Get on their radar! To execute #1 above, you'll have to make a list of the people you know. Besides being useful for the Holidays, your list can also be used to pick out the key individuals in your personal network that you should meet with. Pay special attention to any recruiters you know. Meet them for coffee or whatever, the point is to reach out to them on a 1-on-1 basis and ask for their assistance!


• 3. Do you know who your Network knows? Connect with everyone you know on MCC (at the top of your list, right?), LinkedIn, Plaxo, etc. Surf to find out specifically who your network knows, then contact them for warm introductions. Expand your network!


• 4. Head Hunters - are you at the top of their list or the bottom? Don't assume that just because you've met with several that they're working hard for you. We all suffer from the, "out of sight, out of mind" phenomena, including them. Make a list and contact them regularly. Send your resume with a new cover letter. Do you know all the recruiters on MCC, LinkedIn, etc?


• 5. Where have you posted your resume? There all so many place, so little time!


• 6. Is your resume working for you? If you keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, you're insane or soon will be! This applies to your resume also. If it's not getting you interviews, change it! What have you got to lose?


• 7. What are you doing to be different? There are a lot of people out there looking for the same job(s) you are. What are you doing different from them? Have you thought of blogging about your experiences? It'd be a great way to connect & engage people in your search. You could ask everyone you know permission to add them to your distribution list.


• 8. What's your calling card? I've encountered several creative jobseekers that have business cards. Hats off to them! A great idea, but make sure to use both sides and put a website or blog address on the card.


• 9. Do you have a website? Create a website that is your resume! They're cheap and easy to do these days.

That's all I have for now.  The whole point is to get outside your comfort zone and do different things than everyone else!