Long-Distance Job Hunt - Not Bagging the Big Game? Try These 10 Networking Techniques

"Andrew" has been job hunting for about a month and is feeling very frustrated. He has applied for about 100 jobs in his target city in another state. He is doing a lot of things right. He researches companies and then contacts those he likes, talking about how he might fit into their plans. He holds an excellent interview and has boatloads of confidence.

Andrew is qualified. There is no question about that. He has recommendations from people who would hire him back in a heartbeat. It is just that his wife has a new job out of state, and he wants to live there, too. He is an absolutely wonderful find for anyone in his industry.

The problem is he is being turned down for positions he qualifies for, and even for some he over-qualifies for.

A long-distance job search is a horse of a different shade. Almost everything that is difficult about a local job search is even more difficult when conducted long distance. Here are 10 steps to ratchet up the response from the hiring managers:

1. Give first: The heart of networking is its mutuality. When you contact people, ask what you can do to help them. Be ready to give and give first. Yes, you are looking for a job, but you are also and foremost looking to fill a need. This attitude alone can put you at the top of an employer's list.

2. Work more through your contacts: When you ask someone to recommend you, don't stop with a good word or a letter of endorsement. Ask them to put you in contact with someone they actually know at the company. Or someone who knows someone. Don't forget to play the six degrees game. LinkedIn has a very professional introduction request that's effective.

3. Be persistent: If one thing with a hiring manager doesn't work out, ask them about other opportunities in their department, other departments, and other companies.

4. Recheck your list: Who have you thought of contacting that you haven't contacted yet? We often forget to make a contact or leave one out because it's a little uncomfortable. Use your imagination to find another more comfortable way to make the contact.

5. Maintain contacts you have: It's best if you've maintained communications with everyone you've ever met throughout the years, but few of us are that good. So, forgive yourself for not being an ubernetworker and start contacting people. LinkedIn and Facebook are perfect for this.

6. Do it again: Recontact the people you've called already and see if anything has turned up since you talked with them. Remind them of your target, especially if something has changed.

7. Develop more contacts. This is especially difficult with a long-distance job search, but there are ways around it. Go through your address book. I have relatives or friends in nearly every state. You probably do, too. In most cases, people will welcome the opportunity to help you. The hard part is asking.

8. Work your online social networks: Do more with contacting people through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There are usually groups you can find on Facebook, for example, that allow you to learn more about people there and perhaps find a friend or friend of a friend who can put you in direct contact with the right person. If you don't know much about these networks, read Jason Alba's book, "I'm on LinkedIn, Now What?" (He also has a nifty job search organizer at jibberjobber.com.)

9. Take off! Plan a trip to your target city to follow up with people face to face.

10. Get a pep talk: Find at least one person who encourages you, whether it is your career coach, your spouse, your best friend, or a job club. Talk with them often to keep up your spirits and remind you of the benefits you will derive when you reach your goal.

When you're done with step 10, start over at step 1. This is the most sure-fire way to land a job in this economy or any other. Talk with your people, and make more people your people.

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Networking 2.0 - Midlife Career Change For the 21st Century

When "career counselor" was a new word (and a "coach" blew the whistle at basketball practice), we all read the Parachute book. The standard career advice line went something like this:

"People are bored. They love to talk about what they do. So call them up and ask for information. Eventually someone will offer you a job."

In my experience, that advice is as outdated as the typewriters we used back when the first Parachute edition appeared in the bookstores.

Today networking matters more than ever before. But you have to work your way into everyone's outrageously busy schedule.

(1) Create a professional presence on the Internet, using Facebook, Myspace, and/or LinkedIn. Zoodango has become popular among corporate executives.

You can be outgoing and personal but share only what your next uptight business contact needs to know...unless you refuse to ever work with the uptight set, which is another article.

It's no accident that my "personal" public persona showcases my dog, with occasional glimpses of the cats. I've seen too many innocent disclosures get distorted... anyone following the Amanda Knox case?

(2) Attend professional meetings and conferences.

In some fields, you'll make awesome contacts. In others, you'll just get information about what's really happening, outside your own office.

And when you need to make calls, you may be able to say, "I'd like to use your name when I call your associate at MegaBig company..."

Or, "Do you know anyone who worked at SoNew Company? I'd like to get more info before applying..."

(3) Go back to school the grown-up executive way.

If appropriate, consider teaching courses at local universities and learning centers. Choose topics that enhance your most marketable strengths.

You won't get rich from the stipends but you get exposure and credibility. You'll often make some helpful contacts and gain new perspectives on the field.

Or consider the other side of the desk.

If you have funds and opportunity, a graduate degree can open doors - not just from the degree, but also from contacts you make. Programs offering face-to-face meetings on weekends or evenings tend to be most effective - and I have met people who got jobs through fellow students.

(4) Attend networking events designed for business owners (even if you love the corporate world and plan to stay forever).

You never know. Remember the Mary Poppins line: "I'll stay till the wind changes." I've met many savvy business people who encountered a tornado in their own offices.

When that happens, especially if you're over 50, you may see income faster from self-employment than from sending out resumes. I wouldn't stop job-hunting but hey, why not explore this path too?

Being around business owners will give you a boost: "If they can, I can." And if you think like an entrepreneur, you may find corporate life a little easier to take (and more rewarding, too).

Just about everyone who attends those meetings has corporate contacts...and they're very comfortable making referrals and introductions. That's how they grow their own businesses.

(5) Talk to everybody.

One of my acquaintances found herself sitting next to some corporate executives at a basketball game. Turns out they were using tickets from a corporate sponsor...and that company often had openings in her field. That particular contact didn't lead to a job, but she did gain some ideas that she used to make a quantum career leap.

University alumni groups tend to be especially friendly and open. It's an easy place to say, "I'm looking for a job in X industry. Do you know..."

Bottom Line: We're not calling strangers anymore to ask for "advice." Everybody knows what you're really after...and if they don't, they're too clueless to help. But we have newer, more user-friendly and more effective ways to build a network (before we *need* one).

Ready to win the First Inning of Your Second Career? Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., has answers. Access your FREE Download: Why Most Career Change Fails (and Yours Doesn't Have To) - Midlife Career Strategy

The road to success in finding a job can Paved with network error.

Networking is about building relationships, not just to create a list, but the development of trust among the people who take up today. Job Networking can be broken down into two issues. Preparation and operation Let's look at an area where people make mistakes frequently asked questions:

Preparing

"Failing to plan is planning to fail"

To start - does not have to wait until you empty it before you start networking. Start now and never stop. Are using today will save countless hours of pain and suffering later.

Material - these are business activities, and should give priority in their work on the same level. A business card to bio and resume good people. Each of these documents is the place for a small notepad, or a sheet of "post-its" is also useful for those pieces that unexpected data.

Who you are - that all meetings, you will need to provide short positioning/brand statement that tells people to speak with people who you are. What you are looking for and the value that you imported the practice tables. Practice and training This is the key to comfort in front of the audience.

To avoid the shyness - people we find groups intimidating and sometimes difficult are provided a list of questions that will help you break the ice, and if you see someone acting like a wallflower, to talk with them. After all, you know how they feel?

Target companies - can tell people that they can give you is very important and have prepared a list of targets to help you at every road.

Activities and - all of this activity is drug what if you can't keep track of what you do. People that you know and the information you have shared, remember that your network is very important and should include details of everyone who can provide you with some of the contacts that you are unaware of. Nobody is too important to be included.

Execution

Dress and actions section - no matter when you attend a networking event is one in one or a group, you must present yourself as a true negotiation dressed appropriately and treat everyone as you would expect to be considered, which is to say with respect and courtesy.

, And get - you will have to learn and help even though he was never a relationship only should reflect at least both sides. Anyone remember when someone said thanks for the help they. People often need help if you have the opportunity.

Time shared - meeting of the group are often controlled by the clock and take too much does not respect or fair to others in this group are also available with pre and post Conference session discussions. The monopolizing time each one took the opportunity for others. Do not spend much time talking about yourself enormous involving others in discussions. Questions and reflect attention to others.

Follow up - meeting people is the first step in the process of creating relationships and after meeting all of you should follow up with email or telephone conversations. If the thought came to mind after Events that may help others, contact and notice they are grateful and might be in a position to return the favor.

Summary, never forgot your network when you have an employment or business relationship that is strong. Unemployment generated on trust and mutual respect will last life.

Good hunting

Barry

Barry Simpson
-Successfully connect people with their career.

Follow I http://twitter.com/DBarryS.

Simpson has experienced extensive success of working with people at all levels in Fortune 500 companies and other organizations with the aim to help them land a new position and worth.

If you are looking for a new position or simply interested in managing your career bsimpson contact me at the hcss NET points.