Resources

Look Where There Is Less Competition

Choose roles and act out the following.

KWAME: Oh, man. Over 200 people applied for that job I wanted. There’s no way I’ll have a chance!

KOFI: Kwame, do you remember that place we used to catch fish when you were younger?

KWAME: Yeah. It was a great spot, hidden behind all those trees. You couldn’t even tell it was there. But now, everyone knows about it. It’s so crowded now, it is hard to catch anything.

KOFI: So, in your job search, why do you “fish” where everyone else is “fishing”? Why don’t you look where there is less competition? I think you’re missing the hidden job market. Fish where the fish are!

Back to page 38

Most Productive Sources

Choose roles and act out the following.

KOFI: I picked up the newspaper for you.

KWAME: I haven’t been looking in the paper anymore. Remember? I’m fishing where there is less competition.

KOFI: Good, you do need to focus on the most productive sources. But there are some good jobs in the newspaper. We need to keep trying every option. It’s just a matter of spending the right amount of time on your most productive sources.

Back to page 39

Building Your Network

Choose roles and act out the following.

KWAME: I’ve been trying to keep up with making 10 new contacts every day, but new contacts are getting harder to find.

KOFI: Well, I’ve been watching you in these last few days, and it seems to me you have been trying to do it all by yourself. You know, you’ll get better results if you spend some of your time networking.

KWAME: Networking?

KOFI: Yes, you should be building a team, a network of people who can tell you about opportunities when they hear about them. You should take some time helping others, and they may be able to help you.

KWAME: I’ve been talking to everyone I know, more than once.

KOFI: Right. But your network doesn’t have to be just the people you know. It needs to include the people they know. Ask the people you know to introduce you to people they know.

KWAME: Hmmm. But what do I say to these people when I don’t know them? It’s different than talking to people who already know me. Where would I start?

KOFI: Start by asking your friends if they know anyone (1) who knows something about your chosen career, (2) who has influence in hiring, or (3) who just knows a lot of other people. Your network will grow much larger and faster. And you’re more likely to hear about job opportunities by word-of-mouth through your network. They’ll help you find the hidden job market.

KWAME: But what do I say to them?

KOFI: It’s not so much what you say, but how you say it. It’s more about how you present yourself. Practice your “me in 30 seconds” and your power statements and you’ll definitely make a good impression.

KWAME: Well, okay. Maybe this will open up some new doors.

Back to page 40

Track Your Efforts

Before our next meeting, make at least 30 job search contacts through your network. This should lead you to at least 10 face-to-face meetings with potential employers.

Keep looking at advertisements and the Internet, and visit a self-reliance center. But remember where the jobs are—the hidden job market! Spend most of your time and effort talking directly to companies and meeting with personal contacts through your network.

You can keep track of your contacts and meetings on this chart (example provided). Keep notes of your meetings on the Contact Follow-Up Form on the following page, or you can use a separate notebook.

ADVERTISEMENTS/INTERNET	GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE JOB-PLACEMENT SERVICES	PERSONAL CONTACTS WITH COMPANIES	PERSONAL MEETINGS WITH PEOPLE FOUND THROUGH YOUR NETWORK
1. Applied online for bookkeeping job 2. 3. 4. 5.	1. Sent “thank you” to Gloria at job-service office 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.	1. Follow-up visit to Michael at Accounting, Inc. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.	1. Met Jose’s friend at Toro Corp. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Contact Follow-Up Form
Contact

Person or organization:

Telephone:

Address:

Email:

I was referred by:

I contacted this person

• Yes

• No

Date:

Items discussed:

1.

2.

3.

Follow-up activities:

1.

Complete by (date):

2.

Complete by (date):

3.

Complete by (date):

New referrals:

1. Name:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Address:

2. Name:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Address:

Notes