For some people asking a relative for anything is difficult,
but when it comes to supporting your family sometimes, you have to swallow your
pride and ask, “Do you know of anyone hiring?” Where to find a job is difficult and networking for a job with a
family member is different from a business situation because of the very personal relationship you have with them. Often family members know your best qualities and
your worst. This can make them somewhat reluctant to giving personal referrals
so ask them about their business connections with other companies. As with any job
networking effort, you must make a plan of action for the best results.
First, create a list of the companies with positions of
interest to you and plan what you want to say. Remember you are going to
contact everyone in your family so organize what you plan to tell them about
the type of job you are seeking, the companies where you would like to work, and
the locations where you want to work.
Secondly, create a list of ALL your relatives from the ages
of 18 to 90. Then review your list of family member to make sure you have not
forgotten second, third and even fourth cousins and their spouses. Set a goal to ask each relative for the names
of three people who may know of any potential employment leads. If you have created
your company list and wants the process of targeting whom to call first, second
and third happens automatically. Make sure you thank everyone you call and do a
follow up with them once you have talked to the person they recommended. Job networking
within the family can be embarrassing, but it does increase your chances of
finding an inside person within the companies where you would like to
interview.
