Tips on Using Your Warm Contact List When Networking

Tips on Using Your Warm Contact List WhenNetworkingWhen you are searching for a job, aside fromchecking the ads in newspapers, internet andbulletin boards, it is also very helpful to askfor information from the people on your warmcontact list.They can provide you with up-to-date informationon the company and position vacancies that are notposted on job ads. At times when they cannotprovide you information about the job that you arelooking for, they may be able to refer you to a

person that they know who might be able to tellyou something about the job.This is called networking. Networking is whenyou start using your warm list to get informationor referrals to their other contacts. Manypeople are repelled by the thought of networking.Some believe that it is not a reliable source ofinformation about the job. Others saynetworking is more difficult than following theleads on the ads that are posted in the newspaper,internet or ad boards.Contrary to such beliefs, networking is not thatdifficult to do. You may just have to contact ormeet some people, and you can get valuableinformation that can help in your career search.Also, since the people you meet belong to the sameindustry, they can provide you information abouthiring that isn't advertised and first-hand factsabout the company.

You are already networking and you just don 抰know it. When you have seen an ad in the paperposted by a company you know little of, you askyour friends if they know somebody who works forthe company. So even if you are not attracted bythe idea of networking, it is still essential whenseeking a job. To make networking easier andmore productive for you, here are a few tips.* Prepare your warm contact listWhen you have prepared your warm contact list, itwill be easier to select the people who you preferto call first. These are the people who you thinkhave some information about the job. They may beformer employers, colleagues and members of theprofessional organization belonging to the sameindustry. They usually have first-hand,up-to-date and reliable information.* Calling a warm contact

When you call a warm contact, inform them that youare actively seeking a job. Ask them to let youknow if they heard of job openings you might beinterested in. It is better to inform them whattype of job you are looking for. And don't forgetto leave your contact number with them, so theycan get in touch with you if they hear of anything.It is also better if you can leave a copy of yourresume with them so they can show or submit it tosomeone who will be able to help you in your jobsearch.* Assess yourself before calling your contactYou warm contact may ask about your skills,experiences, abilities, interests, expectationsand career goals. You should be able to talkabout these sincerely and you should be able todescribe what information you would like to havefrom your contact.To help you prepare, you can practice by drafting

a script on what to say. That way, you canarticulate what you would like to communicate toyour warm contact.Anticipate questions about yourself, so youshould also practice answering questions aboutyour previous job and what you can contribute tothe company.* Ask for referralsIf your warm contact was not able to provide youinformation that will be helpful to your jobsearch, ask for the names of at least two peoplewho they think will be able to help you. Ask fortheir contact number, and if possible, the timewhich they will be free to talk over the phone.* Contact referrals immediatelyWhen your warm contact gives you referrals, theymay even call this person to inform them that you

will be asking for more information. Sometimes,the person you were referred to will be callingyour warm contact. Therefore, it is better tocall your referrals within a few days after youhave spoken with your warm contact.When you make a call, introduce yourself andinform the person who referred you to him/her andhow you are related with the person who referredyou. Be polite, but straightforward, ininforming the person what information you areseeking.Networking really isn 抰 a difficult thing to do.With enough practice and experience, you canmaximize the benefits that you can get fromnetworking.