Get in the Game!

"No (one) is an island..." John Donne

Job search is a team sport.

The first and biggest mistake most make when searching for a job is to go it alone.

And when you do connect with others, and you must do so right up front, you need to engage them as members of your job search team.

Approaching your network of contacts asking them to help you find a job without helping them understand how they can help you specifically guarantees you last place in the standings.

Get in the game by scouting, then recruiting, first and continually, your job search team.

Start with your existing network by asking for advice, direction and guidance regarding your job search. Share with them what you plan on doing, what you have been doing, to find a job. Those who want to be on your team will be helpful. And that is how you know who to keep on your team.

Expand your team by scouting for people who are working in the types of jobs and within the companies where you want to work.

Use resources like Indeed and LinkedIn to find the right people.

You are on your way to winning your next job once you go beyond just looking for leads and start looking for people in the places you want to be.

Set out to assemble a team of about twenty. Research has proven that around twenty connections are sufficient to start the network that can put you in contact with just about anyone. Also, you can manage to stay up close and personal with twenty.

Ask your core job search management team to help introduce you to those right people that you have identified in your research.

My next post will begin with your job search team's training camp.

"Players win games; teams win championships." Bill Taylor

JVS and I want to be on your team.

Visit www.jvsdet.org for job postings and upcoming events.

And contact me at wtarrow@jvsdet.org.