I plug in a string of Christmas tree lights and they shine. The next set of lights plugs into that string, and they shine. String by string I build the decorations for a tree, the outside of my home, or a wedding reception. If one string isn’t working, I replace it with another. I won’t hurt the feelings of the string of lights that is not working.
Three things are relevant to your job search:
- You plug in strings of lights until you get the coverage you need.
- Just because the lights worked last year doesn’t mean they work this year.
- Replace the strings that aren’t working.
Your network needs to be big enough to get you a job. Your network starts with your friends. Ask each one, individually, for help. Next come your acquaintances. Next are the people you work with or have worked with. Finally come all the people you meet while job hunting. For each one find out who they know at companies that might give you jobs.
There’s a time and place for everything. Ask someone who is interviewing you! (well, after you get turned down for that job). They may tell you to apply for a different job in their company, or at a friend’s company. Build your network until you have the coverage you need.
Last time you looked for a job, it may have been someone from the synagogue or the Elks Club who helped you find it. Try that approach again! Keep asking people about who they know. Don’t rely solely on that single group of people this time. Be sure and expand your network. Use all your contacts.
People can’t always help. So what? Try someone new.
Plug in that network. Try another and another. Don’t let one person’s refusal stop you. For example: Our recruiting agency refuses to help half the people who contact us. That just means you contacted the wrong agency. We have a narrow focus on banking, accounting, computers and sales. We couldn’t help the two rocket scientists who applied for a job over the years.
You need to plug in enough networks to show a bunch of jobs to apply for. It is hard work for most people. It also pays great dividends. It helps you get into that huge pool of jobs that are never advertised anywhere.
Something To Do Today
Make a list of people you know well. Contact at least one of them, preferably over the phone or in person, and ask if they can help you. Find out who they know at companies that might give you jobs.