Planning Your Job Search: | Planning Approach | A Realistic Plan | Mentors and Coaches | Your Contacts

Your Contacts

Your personal contacts may be the most important element of your job search process, as they can help you access the part of the jobs market that is hidden from you. Your personal contacts may provide:

• Information on companies.
• Information on work trends and job leads.
• Advice on your CV.
• Advice on your job hunting.
• Other useful new contacts (try to get three from each existing contact).
  

You should never put contacts on the spot by asking them for a job. This could prove embarrassing and is unlikely to be successful. The chances that they can have a suitable job are very low.

Do not approach too many contacts at once. Each contact may give you up to three new contacts and you will need to have time to follow these up within two weeks or so of the original referral.

To build and cultivate your network, your first step should be to write down all of your potential contacts. Aim for an initial listing of 100 by using your address book and diary, this should include:

• Contacts from work (customers, suppliers and colleagues),
• Community contacts (accountants, recruitment specialists, and local Chambers of Commerce),
• Family, friends and other social contacts.
  

Identify your top ten contacts, these will be those people whom you will contact in the first month. Do not be afraid to ask people for support, provided you are not too pushy and you value their time (aim for 45 minutes maximum), they are likely to be pleased to help.

Use your time effectively, common goals for contact meetings are:

• Let them know what you are looking for, be specific not vague or general.
• Make a good impression.
• Ask specific questions.
• Ask if they know anybody that they think you should consult.
  

Remember to thank your contacts afterwards and stay in touch with them.