Networking Techniques

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There are numerous methods for trying to network into a company and/or for trying to identify internal company contacts. These are some suggestions of how/where to obtain contacts.

Sources/Contacts

1. Friends and neighbors (many subdivisions have a homeowners alias; if you have sent email to that alias or watch the alias, look at the return addresses; although some will be from ISP's, others will be from companies. If there is a copy of the homeowners booklet, check it out.
2. Recreation events - are you a member of a bowling, softball, skiiing team?
3. Clubs - book club, social club, professional organizations.
4. User groups.
5. Co-workers (for instance if you have part-time job)
6. Financial consultant, your tax preparer, banker, realtor, barber, beautician, child care provider, Boy & Girl Scouts, mechanic (just to name a few)

Questions to ask your closer contacts

1. Know anyone in XYZ industry?
2. Know any companies hiring people with my skills?
3. Are you interested or willing to help?
4. Can you put me in touch with the hiring manager?
5. May I use your name as a reference?
6. You know anyone at XYZ company?
7. You have any advice on career transition?

Questions to ask your type industry/association type contacts

1. Could you tell me the names of several other contacts?
2. What are the current issues facing the company?
3. Do you know what companies might be hiring?
4. Would you have time to critique my resume?

Techniques to get inside a company when you have no names

1. Call company main phone: if don't appear open to discussion, try more creative approaches. Ask for:
   • Accounts receivable
   • Sales
   • Technical support (most of us use the telephone for one reason or another)
   • Other ? Be prepared to explain what why you have asked to be transferred beyond the gatekeeper.
2. Call company after normal business hours; many smaller companies have automated recordings that will allow you to enter some digits relating to a name/division.
3. There are lots of business directories which include lists of Key Contacts; you might just get lucky with one of them.

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