Ventura County Star
Mar. 22, 2009

It feels like you’ve applied for every job on the Internet and in the newspaper. Now what?

Experts estimate that only 5 to 25 percent of jobs are advertised. Most opportunities are found in the “hidden job market,” where access to job information depends on contacts and networking.

What is networking?

Networking is talking with different people about your interest in finding the right job. Each person has a network that could become a resource for you.

How do I begin?

Start by making a list of people you know — friends, acquaintances and others you might engage in casual conversation. Be sure to include the following:

• Personal contacts: friends, family, neighbors, church members, club members, current or past classmates, teachers or professors.
• Professional contacts: supervisors, colleagues, staff, clients, customers or professional association members.
• Online contacts: subscribers to mailing lists, job group members, professional online group members, or any personal or professional contact via e-mail.

What do I say?

Starting a conversation about your job search can feel uncomfortable. The trick is to get people to open up. Most are willing to help if they can. Here are a few conversation starters:

• Personal acquaintances: “Do you know anyone in (a specific industry or area of expertise) who might be willing to share some insights with me? I am interested in learning about career opportunities and would appreciate hearing the perspective of someone in that field.”
• Professional or industry contacts that you know well: “I really value your opinion and respect your experience in your industry or area of expertise. Would you be willing to give me a few suggestions as to how I might _____?”
• Professional or industry contact whom you’ve just met: “You seem to have some interesting experience in your industry or area of expertise. Do you have any suggestions for how I might ____?”

How about online/e-mail conversations?

Although face-to-face conversations are preferable, e-mail has become an accepted way to communicate with personal and professional contacts. In addition, online networking forums can provide new links to people who may offer helpful advice and referrals.

What are informational interviews?

An ideal way to meet new people in a specific industry is to go on informational interviews. These are informal meetings for you to learn more about a company, not to interview for a specific job.

Any other tips?

Keep in mind that everyone you meet has the potential to become a networking link, a reference or a recruiter for you. Also, every interaction is actually an “interview” — the impressions you make in casual conversations may be even more important than what you say in formal interviews. Other suggestions:

• Volunteer: Get involved with an organization or cause associated with the field in which you would like to work.
• Join a group: Common-interest network groups and professional organizations can open the doors to meeting a wide range of people.
• Be prepared: Do your homework before sending an e-mail, picking up the phone or meeting with someone. Think about your reaction to being contacted by a stranger and what you would want to know. Be clear and concise in your self-introduction. Be prepared with smart questions. Also, practice responding to questions that you think the person might ask.
• Listen carefully: Remember that you are trying to learn from your contacts.
• Appreciate: People are sharing their valuable time and knowledge. Be sure to express your appreciation.
• Keep in touch: Even if you plan to stay at your job for several years, continue to build and maintain your network.

Cheryl Moore is the executive director of the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County. The WIB administers federal funds that help to support to eight Job & Career Centers throughout Ventura County. These JCCs provide employment assistance, career training and education services to job seekers, and employee recruitment, customized training and business consulting to local employers. All center services are provided at no cost to job seekers and employers. For more information, call 800-500-7705 or visit www.wib.ventura.org.