When Someone Makes an "I Know Someone..." Comment
Nearly 80 percent of "all jobs fall into a 'hidden job market'- an area in which jobs are not publicly advertised and are filled by word of mouth," according to Ellen Gordon Reeves, author of Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview? and resume expert at the Columbia Publishing Course in New York. This is a reason why reaching out to those you know is essential. When you're in a conversation where this gem is dropped, play it cool. Appear interested and professional, even though you may be tempted to show your true emotions after already spending fruitless hours job searching. Serial entrepreneur, investor and writer of the July 2010 U.S. News article "7 Ways Not To Use Your Connections to Get a Job" G.L. Hoffman insists you must always handle this conversation appropriately, because "appearing too insecure, needy or desperate could change your connection and possibly your friendship."
Start with a Solid Introduction
Your best bet for reaching out is either a phone call or an email. Email is usually the preferred, non-invasive
method to start a conversation. In a sea of emails, you obviously want yours to stand out. Carol Goman, a nonverbal communication expert and author of The Silent Language of Leaders states that putting the mutual contact's name in the subject line of the email if someone referred you to the person produces an immediate level of recognition. "Email is a cold medium," she says. "If you can warm it up with something personal, do so."
Within your message, mention your connection to the person who referred you and be clear about what you're asking for. Reference your school, major and how you can possibly be of assistance to this company or person. Be sure to mention any relevant tidbits your reference gave you about this person, an open position or what the company does. Suggest a possible meeting and don't forget to attach your resume.
Calls often go straight to voicemail, and depending on how busy this person is, there's no telling when your voicemail
could be received. If you do decide to leave a voicemail, leave your name, phone number and reference the person who you mutually know. Follow up with an email referencing your call and voicemail using the tips above. An article titled "Pulling Strings: Maximize Your Basic Connections" on the student-related website Hercampus.com suggests that once you start hearing back from these contacts, store their details in an Excel sheet. This will act as your contact Rolodex. Include dates when
they have contacted you, along with other pertinent information.
Be Respectful and Appreciative
If the person you have reached out to offers you some advice or even a referral, show your thanks. Send a handwritten thank you note that’s very specific to your conversation, and avoid a general “keep in touch” message. Make it memorable, encourage further communication and try to tie in something the person feels close to. For example, if the person is an alumnus of a particular program at your school, mention how it’s doing and invite him or her back for a visit.
Even if things don’t work out, take the time to thank your contacts. For example, if you had a botched interview that a connection helped set up, be sure to express your gratitude. You may also want to mention that you’re pursuing other opportunities but will stay in touch.
If you’ve sent an email to a referred contact and don’t hear anything back in a week or two, feel free to reach out once more. If there’s no response from the second attempt, move on or ask the mutual connection for advice. Keep in mind that there are plenty of people to meet that will be willing to help you get to where you want to go.
The Art of Making Contact
Here are the top tips of reaching out:
• Clean up your social media presence before you make contact.
• Contact the person no more than twice.
• If you don’t hear anything after the second attempt, move on.
• Reference the name of the mutual connection in voicemails and in the subject lines of emails
• Keep all communication professional.
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