Landing a Job in Your Ideal Setting

A Systematic Networking Strategy

1. Your primary goal is to obtain visibility in the settings in which you would like to work.
   
   
2. Make a list of the top ten places in which you would like to work.
   
   
3. Learn as much as you can about them. Read their annual report and their web page.
   
   
4. Obtain the names of the people in each setting that have the power to hire you.
   
   
5. Identify something that you do really well that is unique and interesting. For example, if you wanted to be a computer teacher, you might identify some type of interesting web site that you developed.
   
   
6. Then, create a 30-45 minute presentation about this subject. Practice it on your friends. Refine it. Make it interesting. Make it fascinating. Many people get stymied at this step because they become so anxious that they forget their interests. It is perfectly reasonable to attach yourself to an existing program, such as teaching inner city youth to use computers, just be sure to pick a program that is related to the area in which you want to work. Become very involved. Become very knowledgeable. During your presentation, be sure to tell the participants, if they are interested, how they might get involved.
   
   
7. Now you are ready to send a well-written letter to the those in a position to hire you -- offering, free of charge, to do this presentation, in a computer class or at an assembly.
   
   
8. Then, call to follow-up on your letter. Tell the person in the position to hire you that you would be very interested in spending 10-15 minutes with him/her before or after the presentation in order to learn more about the school and/or to obtain feedback about what went well and what warranted further improvement.
   
   
9. Give your talk.
   
   
10. If they liked your talk, ask them if they can think of any other offices, within their setting, who might find the talk to be of interest. Ask them whom you should contact. Ask if you can use their name.
    
    
11. Be sure to mention that your ultimate goal in the year is to obtain a job doing_______in a setting like theirs.
    
    
12. After the presentation, thank everyone, personally, who helped you, including the secretary. When you get home, write each of them a thank you note.
    
    
13. Each month follow-up, with the person in a position to hire you. If you see an interesting article on your topic, send it to them with a brief note.
    
    
14. Make it clear to them that you are willing and eager to return, to give talks, in the future.
    
    
15. After several contacts, call informally to talk with the person with whom you have been networking. Tell them that you are beginning your job search. Ask them if you can meet with them for a half an hour to seek their advice about how to obtain a position. Voila! Now you have 10 employers, who know how terrific you are and are looking out for you.