Often in searching for work or pursuing a career we look for those opportunities that provide a “path of least resistance." In other words those opportunities that require the least amount of effort; which could be the reason that most people start their job search with the internet or the newspaper. There is little effort required and more often than not little success using these methods. But, there is a way to pursue the "path of least resistance," and make your minimal effort work.
It's Who You Know
One aspect of CDF training is to utilize who you know in order to find job leads, this requires that you make a list of everyone you know and how that person can help you. Each person on your list will be labelled a reference, resource or direct job lead. For instance, if you identify your co-worker, as a reference, this is a person that you can trust to provide accurate, positive information to a potential employer. This is someone that must be responsible enough to return a reference call and respond to permissive questions that identify your strengths, and work ethic. Another person might be designated as a resource and that could mean someone that can help you put together a compelling resume, cover letter or participate in a mock interview. It could also be someone that will watch your children or feed your dog or give you a lift to a job interview. It could be someone that knows a company you are interested in and give you inside information on the challenges the company faces or the work culture. Designating someone a resource is identifying a powerful ally in your job search. Targeting someone as a direct job lead means that this person can provide an introduction, set up a meeting, maybe lunch or move your resume to the top of the pile and make sure it gets to the departmental hiring manager. Again, another powerful ally in your job search.
Role Player Beware
In my career lifetime, I have played every role for friends, family and co-workers. And, I have, in most cases been very careful about which role I chose to play. If I knew of a job opening within my company but did not feel the person seeking the position was suitable, I would offer help as a resource, instead of a direct job lead. Let’s face it; we don’t want to put our neck on the line for someone that could impact our future with the company. I made that mistake once and it was enough of a lesson for me to become careful on recommending someone for a position. You know the old saying, “no good deed goes unpunished.” I have on many occasions been selected as a reference and I am more than happy to accommodate someone that lists me as a reference but, not happy when I am caught off guard. If you use someone as a reference, contact them before hand and ask their permission and provide details on the position and brief your reference on the types of questions that might be asked. It is an important courtesy that can make all the difference. We all know that when a company gets to the point of checking references, you are a serious contender for the job.
Mind Your Manners
Finally, in your job search document your connections, followup and actions. Sometimes, a job lead will come many weeks or months after your pursuit and you want to recall your efforts, no matter how minimal. Also, if nothing comes of your efforts, it is necessary to change your strategy, perhaps the "path of least resistence" requires additional tactics and perhaps large scale intervention. And, by the way don’t forget to thank the people that provided you with a reference, resource or direct job lead. We all get more bees with honey than vinegar and chances are that we will need them again in the future.
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