Your+Future-Networking

=**Job Hunt Letters to Friends**=

//". . . managers hire their friends—known quantities, not shots-in-the-dark . . . . No one likes to hire strangers—there's too much at stake."// (200 cover letters for job hunters. //Career Lab.// Retrieved January 19, 2006, from [|http://www.careerlab.com/letters/intro02.htm)]

1) Invoke the friendship 2) Tell your story, emphasizing the positive 3) Highlight your career objective 4) Highlight your experience 5) Mention the enclosed resume and what you want them to do with it 6) Clearly state that you plan to call for advice and ideas 7) Express appreciation and close the letter 8) KEEP IT SHORT!

Samples:

http://www.careerlab.com/letters/023_version2.htm http://www.careerlab.com/letters/friendshipltr.htm user:chericem1

=Professional Communication as a Form of Networking=

**Professional Communications**
Professionals communicate with people they do not know for many different reasons and these brief contacts can be used as opportunities to deepen professional relationships and extend professional networks. Here are just a few:


 * To ask for an expert opinion about a project you are working on
 * To consult with an expert, parent, or other professional
 * To follow up on a professional conversation
 * To inquire about an educational program, job opening, or professional opportunity
 * To invite someone to deliver a speech, give a presentation, or participate in a special event
 * To provide promised information to participants in a professional conference session you delivered
 * To remind someone of a deadline on something they promised to do (such as a letter of recommendation, a review of an article, etc.)
 * To request a copy of an article, dissertation, etc.
 * To request a letter of recommendation
 * To request handouts or additional information following a conference presentation
 * To request resources or materials

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= = =Social Networking=

//These free, downloadable tools from David Seah's blog will give you practical assistance in setting networking goals, tracking your progress, and evaluating the results.//

[|Blog Entry on Networking] - This information regarding the importance of networks is well worth your time to read user:chericem1

[|Concrete Network Goal Tracker] - This form will help you set realistic networking goals for yourself user:chericem1

[|Network Catcher] - Useful form for tracking your progress in building your professional network of contacts user:chericem1