Using your network of contacts effectively
We all have a larger network of contacts than we'd initially think (colleagues, ex-colleagues, suppliers, friends, & relevant recruiters). Most people don't use this network as well as they could or should.
Your goal is to have as many eyes and ears open for you as possible. A huge proportion of live vacancies are never advertised on the open market. Most employers first advertise their vacancies internally, and many have an internal "finders fee" scheme, which they pay to staff who recommend people for vacancies.
So you must let your network of contacts know that you're looking for a new opportunity - you might even be doing them a favour, as some companies pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds for each successful referral.
However some people find it hard to use this valuable resource. Reasons may be:
- embarrassment in talking about being made redundant
- not wanting to impose on others, or be seen as too pushy
- it's been a long time since you've been in contact
You need to remember that being made redundant is something that is completely out of your control, and that most people will go through the experience it at least once during their career.
A job for life very rarely exists in today's volatile business environment. So there's nothing to be embarrassed about contacting your network of friends and colleagues. Most of us lead very busy lives, and don't have the time to keep in touch with everybody the way we'd like to - however you'll be amazed at how helpful most people are when they're approached in the right way.
The trick is to find a gentle approach that you feel comfortable with. Here are some of our suggestions:
- Pick up the phone - check that you've not interrupted them
- Apologise for not staying in touch as regularly as you'd like
- Ask how they are - ask after their family
- Explain that you've been made redundant and wondered if they could keep just keep an eye on any openings they may come across that could be relevant for you
- They may ask if you could send them a copy of your cv - (which is perfect!)
- Ask if they're on LinkedIn (see our Linkedin advice page)
- You could organise to meet for a quick coffee
- After you've finished the call
Send them a thank you note by email
Attach a copy of your cv and a paragraph on what you're ideally looking for
Schedule another call at a relevant point in the future - It could one month, three or six months away - but try and commit to at least staying in touch a little better from now on.