Dear Career Doctor:
I have been out of work
for a year. I have contacted people I know in my field,
but that hasn't turned up any good jobs. I don't seem to
be getting anywhere answering ads. Do you have any other
suggestions?
Lauren
Dear Lauren:
Since networking
is the best way to find a job, it is discouraging to feel
you have run through all your networking opportunities.
But sometimes there is a network you have overlooked. Here
are two examples that clients of mine used with great success.
One client was an
active member of a church. On Sunday during the part of
the service where people make announcements, she stood up
and said she was looking for a job. She very briefly described
what she was looking for and what skills she had. After
the service, people provided her with three good job possibilities.
Another person obtained
the membership list of the local professional society in
his field. Then he sent a letter to all 500 members telling
them what kind of job he was looking for and asking for
their help. He received several offers through that effort.
(Some societies/organizations will let you use their mailing
lists or place an ad in their publications even if you are
not a member.)
I wonder if there
is some creative, assertive networking possibility like
these that you can use.
The Career Doctor
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