Networking 101

I have to say, it's hard telling people you are unemployed... really, when you have worked  pretty steady since you could drive, it's hard to tell people that for the last 6 months you have been sitting on the couch looking for work on your laptop.  But one thing I've learned is telling people can actually help.. A LOT!

The first time Nancy told me to start contacting the people I used to work with (at my work and contacts I stole before I left), and even friends and family I thought she was down right CRAZY!!!!!  The plan, email everyone I know, telling them that I am looking for work in the Seattle area and if they know anyone there can they give me their contact information... even if they are not in the field I'm looking for.  In a way it's kinda like facebook or friendster, or all those social networking sites where it connects friends and friends of friends and friends of those friends.... the point... get your name out there as much as possible... and yes it was weird to contact people I used to work with and tell them that I need their help... but what I didn't expect, is how much people want to help.

Between phone calls and emails I was able to connect with other employees who had left recently who gave me advice... maybe not contacts... but still I'll take some advice.  Then others, even friends, who had a college buddy or they work with someone from Seattle, etc who offered to pass on my resume.  It's amazing how much my network has grown, and how people really do want to help, even if it's just to pass on the buck to someone else.  And while I haven't gotten a job out of it, I have made some great contacts, people wanting to help, people who live in Seattle who have offered to meet for coffee (what else out there right?) once I move out there.  It's been really great. 

And a bit of advice, once you make those contacts save them all... and send monthly updates with what you have been doing (job search related), attach your resume, and ask to keep you in mind.  It's amazing how someone may not say anything in month one or 2, but then in month 3 they meet someone or think of someone and pass it on.... hopefully to your next contact that will lead to a next job!

Also, don't overlook strangers at parties... not that you want to just talk to anyone... but a random conversation at the hair salon or a wedding could lead to a new career.  And you may want to consider having business cards instead of writing your email down on a napkin... you can actually get a box for FREE at Vistaprint (what I went with, it was super fast AND like $3 for shipping) or Bizcard.  Plus, it's awesome getting to print out cards that don't have the wrong phone extension or a misspelled email... wait was that just me???