Job Finding Myth

The Myth: You have to know someone really important to get a great job.

Consider this. An executive was seeking a job and had exhausted all the means he could think of to find a job. Then he learned about the Job Finding Formula method of building relationships based on contacting all the people that you know. Even though he really didn’t think it would be helpful to him, he followed the concept and wrote a letter describing his situation to a waitress that he knew.

Now, here is a man who is accustomed to earning a six-figure salary. How in the world could a waitress help him find any job, let alone a great job? Well, he was desperate and without any other recourse left, he wrote letters to everyone he could think of including the waitress. It so happened that she had overheard a conversation among some high level executives that indicated to her they had a serious problem that she thought the man might be able to solve. The man took her advice, contacted the executives and landed a job as an assistant vice president.

I cannot emphasize this enough, ask everyone that you know for advice and assistance. Aunt Marie, Uncle George, all of the teachers who you remember, classmates, former co-workers, etc. While you may think that Uncle George does not have the influence to get you a job, you may not know all the people that he knows. Maybe his neighbor, one of his former co-workers or bosses, or someone he knows from church or a social organization may turn out to be your link to the best job. Remember the waitress!

It is estimated that each of us knows at least 250 people who know us by our name. Each of these people also know at least 250 people. Of course, there will be some overlap because some of our 250 will be the same as theirs. However, this is still a large group of contacts.

You can also do some research and find the names and addresses of people whom you do not know, but you believe may be able to help you. Combine those people with the list of people you know. Your list will grow as you think of people you have omitted or learn of new people that you want to add. Continue to work your way down the list, don't give up hope, and you will find that great job!

Michael Britner
Job Finding Master