How to Build Relationships With Businesses for Job Leads

Networking can mean the difference between getting a job or staying unemployed.

Today's competitive job market means you have to be more proactive in your job search to land the position you want. One of the best ways to find a job is through personal referral or networking. Networking allows you to meet a variety of business leaders who can put in a good word for you when a job opens. However, you have to work hard to build these relationships.

Instructions

1. Organize your focus into your ideal industry. You should not try to network with a bunch of businesses to get job leads. Instead, decide which businesses in your chosen geographical area are within your niche and focus on building relationships there.

2. Research key employees you need to build relationships with to get job leads. The simplest way to do this is through a search on the company's website or by calling the company with the inquiry. Often times these people will be in specific departments -- for example, if you want to work in marketing, you would want to build a relationship with the marketing director rather than the finance manager.

3. Ask for informational interviews with your target companies. Informational interviews are not like traditional interviews; instead, you get the opportunity to learn more about the company and department while the company and key employees learn more about you. Obtaining an informational interview requires you to reach out the key employee and ask for a meeting. The actual meeting can be as simple as coffee or lunch or a more formal one at the office.

4. Join the same professional networking groups as the leaders in your ideal companies. The meetings, socials and other events will give you the opportunity to meet and build relationships with company leaders in a relaxed, no-stress atmosphere.

5. Follow up with your key targets on a regular basis. The follow-ups can be as simple as periodic emails to touch base or more in-depth meetings like lunch or coffee.

References

• Quint Careers: Networking Your Way to a New Job

Resources

• Help Guide: Job Networking Tips