Most career seekers have great difficulty accepting the validity of this concept. But, it is permissible, in fact recommended, to ask others for advice and counsel while you are searching for a new career opportunity. Most people who are contacted as part of a search network are not hiring at that moment. They do not have or know of a job and they are not in a position to offer a job that fits another s career needs. But, they are in position to facilitate that person s network.
Most successful searches involve networking in some form or another.
Networking results in introductions and recommendations that ultimately uncover the vast majority of today s job opportunities and placements. While career opportunity identification is clearly the end game, referral networking is the non-linear, best path approach to that goal. Referral networking requires applying your best communication skills, initially in writing a letter and then in your follow-up work, to keep the network active. You should be very direct and honest in stating your purpose. I value your opinion and want to ask for your reaction concerning my career objective and search direction.