Office 2010 Professional blog network-for-that-job

Networking isn’t a topic we’ve talked about in excellent depth on JobsBlog, but most profitable profession seekers will tell you it’s a essential component to scoring that career of one's dreams. Likewise, the most prosperous Hiring Managers will concur networking is definitely an equally very important component to locating excellent long term employees. Recruiters are awesome , however you don’t have to wait for them to make the "love connection."
Simple web searches pull up scores of pages with tips on how to network for a work … so instead of teaching you how to network, I want to offer some helpful recommendations to consider when thinking about how to approach your networking strategy with Microsoft and its workers.

And Microsoft staff out there, feel free to chime in! I certainly won’t cover them all.

Do your homework - So you want to work at Microsoft? Excellent! What do you want to do? Which profession paths interest you most? Which product groups best align to your skills and interest? After submitting your resume through the official channels for those openings and checking out our upcoming events, now figure out how you can reach employees who already work in your ideal profession path and product groups. Can you meet them at conferences like PDC, TechEd, or Mix? Do they attend .NET user group meetings? What about your university alumni group? How about blogs or forums? Are they out there? I’m sure they are. Zero in on your target.

Respect others' time - Some Microsoft workers post an open invitation on their blogs or IM to inquire about work openings. Some don’t. Either way, I do think it is ok to contact these employees if you feel they know of openings that would be a terrific match for you – but no matter the type of invitation, respect their time and act professionally. As a general rule, do not IM personnel to inquire about profession openings … especially "after hours." Most IM names have email address attached so send your query via email. Keep your email clear and concise. Once you’ve emailed your contact, allow at least five business days for a response. If you do not receive a response, it is ok to send one more follow-up email – but allow the contact go if you still don’t hear back. Don’t take it personally. Remember – you are emailing someone who likely doesn't know you and who may not know how to respond to you. There are other fish in the sea!

Be brave - You won’t get anything if you do not ask. Take the chance. Approach the presenter after a conference presentation. Email your favorite blogger. Talk to the Microsoft employee you met at a user group meeting. Take a leap!

Practice the pitch - The "pitch" really isn’t that different from the approach you’d take a profession fair. First, introduce yourself. Explain your interest in the company as an employer and briefly describe your experience and your ideal profession opportunity. Ask your contact if he or she could recommend a colleague within the company who may be looking for someone with your skill set. If you are emailing the employee, don’t include your resume in your introductory email. Likely,Office 2010 Professional, the recipient will move directly to your resume and won’t read your email thoroughly. Wait around until you have a live 1 on the line before sending over your resume.

Stop the spam - I blogged about my Bob a few weeks ago so use his faux pas as your inspiration for great behavior. Additionally, avoid detailed "form letter" emails. I linked to Ian’s entry on a similar subject a couple days ago. Be smart about your cover letter customization. Don’t send twenty different contacts the same exact email proclaiming your undying love for your favorite Microsoft product if that product is going to change in every single email you send. Don’t "date around." Instead, customize each communication to the unique recipient.

Show your gratitude and build the network - Did your networking work? Thank the employee who helped you get in the door. A nice email or thank you card is fine. And if that person was able to help you, perhaps he or she can help your colleagues and friends, too. Offer to introduce your new buddy to others in your network. Spread the adore.

Next time, I’ll offer a few quick networking recommendations for workers who may want to link with terrific candidate "prospects."

Now get out there and network!

gretchen