job search notes: use introductions

I don't want to sound like I am beating a dead horse but here is a good re-enforcement of leveraging your network. The LinkedIn feature of "Introductions" avoids the problem referenced here.

MYTH: A great way to network for a job is to contact people who work at your target companies, and ask them to get your resume into HR.
Here's the scenario: You're sitting at your desk. You're doing your job. The phone rings, and on the other end is a person you don't know, who wants you to hand his resume into your HR department. This random, bizarre scene replays itself every day. Calling strangers to ask for help -- and worse, an introduction to the HR department, notwithstanding the fact that the "conduit" doesn't know you from Adam -- is not networking, it's telephone spam.

Reality: Your own friends, friends-of-friends, and friends-of-friends-of-friends can make introductions for you. Leave everyone else alone.

Read the full article by Liz Ryan, The Savvy Networker here on Yahoo.

The short story on the use of LinkedIn.

• build your network
• leverage your network via Company search
• leverage your network via "Introductions"
• and when landed, don't forget to tell your network how you did it, especially thanking them for their help along the way

If you would like more specifics on any of these steps, reach out and ask me.