How to Network for Senior Job
April 2nd, 2009
A number of my friends of long standing and colleagues are looking for jobs. (Friends of long standing is another way to say old friends without calling them old 
They all have over 20 years of experience. The way they used to find jobs–through recruiters–is not working. Sure, recruiters have some openings, but most organizations are not advertising and not using recruiters even for senior-level jobs.
Here’s what I know about:
- Network with everyone you know. Don’t forget school and previous employer alumni groups.
- Make sure you are on the job boards suitable for your potential positions.
- See if any local or national associations or user groups have job boards you can use.
- Use social media to connect with people.
I’m sure there are more options. Do you have any ideas? My friends and colleagues would like to know. Please comment. Thanks.
Entry Filed under: age, network
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9 Comments Add your own
1. Dwayne Phillips | April 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
I just came out of this funk with a job. It isn’t easy.
(1) Remember, it only takes one interview to be hired.
(2) Every week, speak to at least one person who will encourage you. We need encouragement.
2. anon | April 2nd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
The main question I have is how do you do these things without your current employer finding out? The openness of social networks makes this pretty hard. Sounds like a good topic for a post – “How to Discretely Look for Another Job”
3. HR World » Blog Arc&hellip | April 3rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
[...] Hiring Technical People has some tips on networking for a senior job. All fields are required. Your E-mail will not be published. NAME [...]
4. John | April 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Sound advice.
5. Claire | April 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm
I agree with the comment above, social networking (SN) is open so it is difficult to look for a job via SN.
6. paul grew | April 13th, 2009 at 4:51 am
have your friends considered charity work. Its a great place to network and the other benefits are obvious.. check out rotary international http://www.rotary.org
7. Antoinette | April 15th, 2009 at 9:37 am
find companies you want to work for. Look for people from those companies in your social network. Have your connections provide introductions. Get names of hiring manager and target them directly. Try to stay out of the HR mire!
8. anon | May 19th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Finding a job is hard work, in fact it IS a job in and of itself so treat it like one. If you lose your job allow yourself a week of self pity and then set out a plan. Talk to all your colleagues, past and present. Talk to all the recruiters you know, talk to anyone that you know anywhere but don’t just ask for a job outright. Talk to them about what they are doing, what their company is looking for and then ask them who they can think of that you might talk to…and then call your contacts contact. If you need to troll through the morass of online job postings or networking sites go ahead but you will invariably have more success if you get a personal introduction no matter how many degrees separated you are. And plan on this taking six months of non stop on the phone, in person networking- if you get a great job sooner than that in this economy pat yourself on the back for heroism. In the meantime a positive and sanguine attitude will help you interview well and maintain a healthy sense of perspective and humour.
9. Kate Matsudaira | August 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
One thing that I have suggested to people is in line with one of the other comments–figure out the industry/company you want to work in and then craft an email to their hr department (or senior management if you can get the contact name). Even if they don’t have an open position if you write a compelling cover letter or have valuable skills they maybe willing to talk with you about the job.
And if they don’t hire you, it is still a chance to make a great connection or perhaps they can introduce you to someone and open another door.
There are tons of companies in any area (and probably lots that you aren’t even aware of) so look for alternative places to discover and find these companies. For example in Seattle, there is a startup directory (www.seattle20.com) and mailing lists with like-minded people. One other option is to follow local business news. If you read about things that are happening locally you can find out what companies may have opportunities–like business that have newly secured funding or landed a big new customer.
Hope that helps!
Kate
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