You often read and hear recommendations during your job search regarding community connections, however, very few give important points to keep in mind while you reach out in your community. While it is great to enlist your community connections to help you find your next job, it is important that you also give back. Make sure that you are not just there to constantly ask and have your hand out – you must show your passion for helping those same community connections. Keep these points in mind when connecting with your community:
- As you get the word out in the community about your job search, you need to make sure that you are not showing any desperation. Shame, embarrassment, and desperation are killers and will turn community members away. Be tactful in how you announce your interest in finding a new job.
- It is important that as you connect with the community that you impress them upon your first interaction with them. Make sure that you are considerate of their time, dress to impress, and do not rant or complain about your prior position, the hiring process, etc.
- Before you begin meeting people, be sure that you understand what you “really” want to do. Do not go in thinking you will take anything that is offered to you. Be concise and clear about your goals and what you hope to obtain for a position. This will give those you speak with a clear idea about you, if they can help you, and if they will be willing to help you.
- Make sure that you carry business cards with you at all times. Any community event that you attend is a potential place to meet someone that can help your job search efforts.
- When you speak with someone that potentially can help your job search efforts, it is important to stay in touch, follow up, and return the favor! Make sure that you do something to show you are genuinely thankful for their assistance.
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