job search notes: Sam I am's networking tips

The last book in this series of job search notes applying what can be learned from Dr Seuss comes from the timeless classic "Green Eggs and Ham."

You recall the story? 'Sam I am' is aggressive and persistent in his attempts to get the un-named gentleman with the hat to try green eggs and ham. The gentleman refuses to try.

We have all see Sam (or Samantha to be nonsexist about it)! The arrogant and aggressive personality, always showing off, always prancing around as if the world revolves around them.

It is hard to network with Sam (Samantha)! They are the kind of folks you want to stay away from.

The lesson: Be good. Be open. Don't be aggressive.

From my own archives:

One blogger who is good at the approachability factor is Scott Ginsburg, that guy with the name tag. He talks a lot about the approachability factor. He uses his name tag as his front porch. Check him out. Understand what your front porch is today, and how you might be able to improve your approachability tomorrow.

Why should you create that open and welcome feeling?

Let's go back to Green Eggs and Ham:

Sam!

If you will let me be,

I will try them.

You will see.

And what happens when he tries green eggs and ham? He likes them of course!

Wouldn't it have been easier to try it sooner? He might very well have, had Sam been more open and approachable.

The message for us: we are looking for is to get an interview. We need to leverage our network to obtain it. Once that far, we assume that what will be, will be (and we will get the position)!

Be approachable, create a welcome front porch.

I hope this has been a help for your job search efforts.


Other entries in this Dr Seuss Series for job searchers can be found here

PS - For St Patrick's Day, why not try green eggs and ham?