Step Three Search: Connecting

Here are answers to some questions you may have about Connecting:

What if I don't know many people?

You probably know more than you realize. Use the graphic on Who Do You Know? to jog your memory.

How do I use connecting for job hunting?

Here is a simple plan:

1. List 25 people with whom you could talk about your search and your abilities. Use the graphic on Who Do You Know? to make your list. Include people from different backgrounds and different lines of work.
   
   
2. Start with the people who have changed jobs in the past three years; they can best relate to your situation.
   
   
3. Talk to all 25 people about the type of job you want. Ask if they have any information that could help you or if they know someone who does.
   
   
4. Thank each person, follow-up on the information, let them know how it turned out and offer to help them when they need it.
   
   
5. Help them when they need it!
   

How do I combine connecting with other methods?

Connecting and prospecting, for instance, go hand-in-hand.

1. If you know where you want to work, you can start there and try to find people within that organization. For example, if you want to work at Southwest Airlines, you might ask everyone you know if they have a friend or relative who works there.
   
   
2. If you get a name of someone who works there, contact that person and ask about possible positions. Ask to meet him or her. Send a thank you note for that person's time, even if it doesn't seem to lead anywhere. Ask them to refer you to someone else who might have more information about openings. Eventually, you'll find the information you need.