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08.11

(More) Easy Ways to Find Networking Contacts at Target Companies

By Debra Feldman, JobWhiz, Executive Talent Agent

In last month's column, I outlined tips for finding insider networking contacts at target employers using social media, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, other social networking platforms and blogs. Making new connections and developing relationships with individuals at the companies you would like to work for, you will gain access to unadvertised job leads and get introductions to hiring decision-makers.

Following are a few more easy ways to access the right insiders at target employers to learn about potential new career opportunities before they are advertised so that you are one of the first to put your name forward for a position and participate in the hidden job market.

1.       Search trade publications and general news media for personnel mentions at the target company.

2.       Check annual reports and Securities and Exchange Commission filings of public companies for names of company executives and Board members, accountants and legal advisors.

3.       Review professional membership organization lists; sales and investment relations staff are accustomed to interfacing with the public and are more apt to converse.

4.       Search for connections among school alumni directories, corporate alumni groups, not-for-profit organization memberships, user groups, forums and e-lists and other groups for members with whom you share common interests.

Many of these resources are available free on the Web. Some may be easier to use through a paid database, usually available at a public library or by remote access. Many colleges and universities also subscribe to these and some offer virtual access to alumni as well as current students and staff. Using these is getting more popular as more people start to conduct their own research, and more individuals have the skills to conduct an effective online search. Being among the early adopters definitely has advantages in the job market; you can have the right network before you need to find a new job using your connections to learn about potential hiring needs, both posted and those which are not advertised.

In today’s world, you can use many of the same tools which professional recruiters rely on to source openings and network to find both candidates and jobs to fill. As more and more people use social media and leverage the internet more effectively for job search research, anyone who doesn’t participate in this trend will be at a disadvantage.

Who you know has always been a critical factor for success. Today, with social media, email, instant messaging and inexpensive or no-cost voice communications, it's easier than ever to connect and stay connected. Whether you're happy in your current role, actively seeking a new opportunity or just gauging the market, you must stay in touch with your contacts, continuously market yourself and help others in your network. Making yourself a trusted and valued resource will payoff when opportunities do open up.

Comments may be submitted to todaysengineer@ieee.org.

All rights reserved, Debra Feldman 2011.