Networking the Key to Finding Your Dream Job

By Annmarie Edwards

Are you in the market to finding your dream job? Are you forgetting to use an important tool that can land you your dream job? Networking is the key to help you find your dream job.

How to network

To find your dream job first, you need to make a list of all the people you know. Make your list by writing your contact names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and home addresses down on a sheet of paper.

How to make contact
Telephone each person on your list, and make him or her know you're in the job market looking for ( ) job. You can say you're looking for an accounting job as an example. A personal contact goes a long way than a dry letter. Make sure you let your contact know your availability and how soon you're ready to work.

Follow up the key to Your success
While you're looking for your dream job follow up with your contacts weekly. You can follow up through phone calls, emails and letters. Choose the medium you're comfortable with in reaching your network.

How to contact Your Network
When contacting the people on your list don't forget politeness. Have an open mind and don't prejudge. Most of the times people are busy. A friendly reminder will prompt them to act on your behalf. Stay positive in everything you do while you're looking for your dream job.

Get Ready for your Job
While you're networking make sure you have an updated resume. This is central in your job search. Make a list of all your qualities. Think of all the skills you can offer your potential employer and write them down. By writing your skills down you're implanting them on your memory.

Conduct a mock interview
Ask a friend or a family member to conduct a mock interview with you. This mock interview will shed some light on how prepared you're for your next interview. Do some research and compile a list of questions that employers ask on interviews and answer them as clearly as possible. Use your mock interview as part of your job preparation in getting your dream job.

In sum, keep in contact with your network on a weekly basis. Let them know if there are any changes in your availability or if you've acquired a new skill you would like to add to your job search list. Be positive and optimistic when you're networking for your dream job. Remember your dream job might be a phone call away so network.

Copyrighted © 2008 by Annmarie Edwards