Concern was expressed that the networking approach I wrote about in the last post, and the letters I suggested be used, might be seen as "an act of desperation", and overplay your hand in seeking a new career opportunity.
Based on my own personal experience, using letters like these in my own networking efforts, those I’ve sent the letters to have been far from insulted. As a matter of fact, managers are often pleased and flattered that you, the candidate, think enough of them to ask them to play a role in your search effort.
More often than not, managers are very willing to share their thoughts and their views on their industry. After all, your approach puts them in the role of expert, and they are impressed that you feel that their opinions and point-of-view are critical to the success of your search for a new job or career change.
They do, of course, realize that you are seeking a new job, and I can assure you (because it has happened to me) that if they have a position they think you will fill, they will bring up the subject. If not, many are aware of openings that other companies in their industry might have. That gets you another referral, and another opportunity to expand your network.
Let me assure you, the majority of managers getting your introductory letter will not feel that you are desperate.
This approach is well known in industry, and gives you an opportunity to meet key managers face-to-face and/ or talk with them on the phone. Not only is this an opportunity to gather information that will help your search, but the manager also gets the chance to get to know a skilled professional that he might appreciate knowing for a current or future opening at his company.
A possible win-win situation, I think.
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Interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing, Gordon.
ReplyDeleteNeil Berdiev