Networking for a Job with Relatives

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.

A Government Internship Program with the U.S. State Department

Internship programs are an excellent way to acquire work experience with resume flagship organizations and companies. The U.S. Department of State2013 Fall Student Internship Program is an unpaid opportunity for college students to participate in a 10-week program. It may be an unpaid internship but it provides an intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency. That is a plus for anyone's resume.

These unpaid internships are available at many over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The U.S. intern participants will gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in and with foreign and civil service professionals.  

As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials; draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points used by policy makers. In addition to helping organize and support events, including international, multilateral and conferences meetings on critical global issues.  

The internship is for the Fall 2013 with the U.S. Department of State and you may even earn educational credit depending upon your college.  

To find out about this intern position and other government jobs, visit USAJobs. You will need to complete the application gateway and please note that the deadline to submit completed intern applications is March 1, 2013.

Build Job Experience with Internships

An Internship Access Card Opens Doors to Jobs (Photo credit: davidciani)

Many companies offer college students internships which often turn into real jobs.  Taking advantage of these internships takes planning but the opportunities for real work job experience with reputable and resume noteworthy companies and organizations is essential for a successful post college life. 

I often receive notifications from companies and other organizations with updates on current intern opportunities just by registering  my email with company job notification mailers, government agencies and industry newsletters. Internships are often nonpaying but the opportunities to promote and network yourself  within a company while gaining real job experience is priceless.   

The example below is an intern announcement I received on May 28th from the State Department notice the registration is for their spring 2013 session.


"We are pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Spring 2013 Student Internship Program.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 02, 2012.
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
• Have good academic standing
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Be able to receive and maintain either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Please read the entire vacancy announcement carefully for all qualifications and requirements.
You can also visit our Student Programs forum (http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs) to post questions or read discussions about this program.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State."


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How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part three

Silas Peirce's Business card circa 1822 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Use It-  Network!  Network! Network!

Carry your personal card wherever you go so when you find yourself chatting with someone you can mention you are looking for a job. Recruiters use a similar technique to network with perspective employment candidates. I have often started conversations with people while waiting in lines at the grocery store, amusement park and other places in order to recruit them for future career opportunities my clients may offer. How many times have you talked to someone while waiting in line? 

These job-networking opportunities can only increase your chances of getting a job and getting a personal referral from someone you may have just met may increase your chances of getting a job interview. You never know they may have a job opening in their company or know of a job opening. If the conversation clicks then that is when you hand them your job handbill or personal business card. 

It is essential to remember that once you have your  personal business cards made that make sure to carry it with you every time you go out in public. Also remember personal grooming and image is important when using this job search technique so only try it when you are looking your best. Standing in line half drunk at a bar or shopping without makeup is not a good time to use it.

"Let one hundred flowers bloom; let one hundred thoughts contend." (Photo credit: mollyjolly)

The Chinese philosopher Confucius once wrote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."  The goal of this new blog is to help you find a job and get hired in a career you love.  Please send your email questions to a.zoldak@sbcglobal.net and take advantage of my thirteen plus years in the employment recruiting industry.  I welcome all questions.  .

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