Post: #1

I have been trying to network with a group of people from college. Some of them have some connections with city agencies that I'm interested in working for. Of course it's no guarentee that I'll get a job. But the more I try to network, the less results I see. So far, I only landed one interview with the Dept. of City Planning. But I didn't get the job. What are some netwroking tactics you suggest I can try to squeeze myself into more government interviews?

Post: #2

Have you tried chatting up the Devil?

I hear everyone who works in the government is best friends with the Devil.

Post: #3

but whatever, us govt jobs are all done through usajobs.gov unless they specifically recruit you because of your talent proven in the prviate sector

Post: #4

(03-17-2013 02:06 PM)guerrilla Wrote:  but whatever, us govt jobs are all done through usajobs.gov unless they specifically recruit you because of your talent proven in the prviate sector

Hey guerilla, I got some experience in the private sector. But not a lot. This is why I thought networking within a group thats tied in with government would help me. At this point I'm lead to believe that you got to know someone in there that will personally vouch for you, like a relative or very close friend, not just some reference.

Post: #5

(03-17-2013 02:00 PM)kilus Wrote:  I have been trying to network with a group of people from college. Some of them have some connections with city agencies that I'm interested in working for. Of course it's no guarentee that I'll get a job. But the more I try to network, the less results I see. So far, I only landed one interview with the Dept. of City Planning. But I didn't get the job. What are some netwroking tactics you suggest I can try to squeeze myself into more government interviews?

The Golden Rule - Never ask for a job.

But what you can do is cold call different government employees, and ask them if you can meet for an interview to find out about their scope of work. Explain that you aren't looking for a job yet, but rather trying to gather information so that you know what opportunities are available.

9 out of 10 times you will be rejected, but if you keep at it you will eventually know a few people all over, one of whom may smooth the path in for you.

But never, ever say you are looking for a job - that's like walking up a random girl in a mall and saying, 'I want to have sex.' Wrong vibe. Use euphemisms like 'I am open to new opportunities that may arise in this organisation.'

Also, how are you using your network? Are you only asking for a job (which violates the golden rule) or are you getting your buddies to introduce you in face-to-face meetings with various people? If you want a more detailed critique of your networking style you will need to give more info.

Post: #6

(03-17-2013 11:22 PM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

(03-17-2013 02:00 PM)kilus Wrote:  I have been trying to network with a group of people from college. Some of them have some connections with city agencies that I'm interested in working for. Of course it's no guarentee that I'll get a job. But the more I try to network, the less results I see. So far, I only landed one interview with the Dept. of City Planning. But I didn't get the job. What are some netwroking tactics you suggest I can try to squeeze myself into more government interviews?

The Golden Rule - Never ask for a job.

But what you can do is cold call different government employees, and ask them if you can meet for an interview to find out about their scope of work. Explain that you aren't looking for a job yet, but rather trying to gather information so that you know what opportunities are available.

Also, how are you using your network? Are you only asking for a job (which violates the golden rule) or are you getting your buddies to introduce you in face-to-face meetings with various people? If you want a more detailed critique of your networking style you will need to give more info.

Hi Thomas. Yes, I make sure that I avoid asking for a job. Your idea about calling governement workers sounds like a good idea. Sounds like a good way of getting your foot in the door. I'll give it a shot this week.

To answer your question, I'm using my social network to get to know key people, sometimes through dinners and social events. Of course, there are many people at these events so it gets hard for someone to remember who you are, let alone your name.

This wednesday I got an interview. Its not a governement agency though. But I look forward to get through the first round interview process. I'll let you know how it goes.

Post: #7

(03-18-2013 10:06 PM)kilus Wrote:  To answer your question, I'm using my social network to get to know key people, sometimes through dinners and social events. Of course, there are many people at these events so it gets hard for someone to remember who you are, let alone your name.

I think I've spotted a potential problem.

The Silver Rule - Networking is meeting people after you've met them.

After you meet these people at social events, do you schedule a follow-up lunch/drink/meeting about 3 days afterward?

Merely approaching at a party isn't going to seal the deal if you don't follow up. As a rule of thumb people will forget you ever existed within 24 hours of meeting you; but with a follow up you will start to make a permanent impression on their brains.

Post: #8

(03-18-2013 11:47 PM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  After you meet these people at social events, do you schedule a follow-up lunch/drink/meeting about 3 days afterward?

Merely approaching at a party isn't going to seal the deal if you don't follow up. As a rule of thumb people will forget you ever existed within 24 hours of meeting you; but with a follow up you will start to make a permanent impression on their brains.

Hey thomas. Since many of these guys are very busy, they usually schedule a follow up about 6 - 7 days after the initial meeting. This is usually standard. One time a woman from an accounting firm scheduled a brief lunch with me 2 months after we met at a networking gig. I got a temporary job at the firm for 4 months. It was a short stay but it was better than nothing. Thanks for the advice.

As for the interview today, it was good. I was surprised to find myself talking confidently about my experience and skills. The more interviews you do, the better you get at it. I'm crossing my fingers for a second round interview. I'm preparing myself in case this happens.

Post: #9

(03-21-2013 12:52 AM)kilus Wrote:  Hey thomas. Since many of these guys are very busy, they usually schedule a follow up about 6 - 7 days after the initial meeting. This is usually standard. One time a woman from an accounting firm scheduled a brief lunch with me 2 months after we met at a networking gig. I got a temporary job at the firm for 4 months. It was a short stay but it was better than nothing. Thanks for the advice.

As for the interview today, it was good. I was surprised to find myself talking confidently about my experience and skills. The more interviews you do, the better you get at it. I'm crossing my fingers for a second round interview. I'm preparing myself in case this happens.

It sounds like you got your networking game down, you just need to cold approach more.

The last thing I can think of, is to know what you want. If you say, "I want a job, any job," people won't know how to help you, because your demand is so broad. If you say, "I'm looking to use such and such skills..." people will find it easier to help you.

Good luck with the interview!

Post: #10

(03-21-2013 01:15 AM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  The last thing I can think of, is to know what you want. If you say, "I want a job, any job," people won't know how to help you, because your demand is so broad. If you say, "I'm looking to use such and such skills..." people will find it easier to help you.

Good luck with the interview!

Thank you for the vote of confidence and advice!