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Chapter 4
The Networking Letter
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T
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The Networking Letter is also called the Prospecting Letter, the Broadcast Letter, O
or the Letter of Introduction. By whatever name you call it, it’s indispensable. R
Although few jobhunters choose to employ this valuable tool, networking K
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should be the first step in your search—and your letters are integral to the process.
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Skillfully written and sent to the right people, Networking Letters can produce
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valuable information and promising leads. These letters can help you to identify
job openings before they are advertised as well as the person with the authority to L
make the ultimate hiring decision. E
To appreciate the edge the Networking Letter affords you, consider the mar- T
T
keting principle of action versus reaction. This principle, translated to the search
E
process, characterizes people who react as those who wait for job openings to be R
announced and advertised; then they apply and wait again to be called in for an S
interview. The vast majority of jobhunters comprise this group, and they are your
competition.
Conversely, those who act create their
RECRUITER’S TIP own opportunities. They hunt down po-
tential and existing job openings, and go
HOW THE WORK after them with vigor, often identifying
WAS WON such openings well before they are adver-
Pull out the big guns and sad- tised. Becoming one who acts rather than
dle up! In today’s job market reacts places you in an important minority:
there are more job opportuni- that of confident, proactive networkers.
ties than job openings. This is exactly where you want to be to
Fact: Only 25% of those enjoy a vital advantage in today’s tough
landing full-time jobs learned of job market. As a proactive networker, you
the openings through employ- have priceless tools at your disposal in the
ment ads. The remaining 75% Networking Letter. Use these tools wisely
secured employment through and frequently. Use them to introduce
active networking. yourself and to ask for advice, contacts, or
Networking is work...but a referral to an associate or colleague. Use
it’s work that works. them to identify openings before they are
advertised, such as when colleagues
switch jobs or companies or move to a
new location and businesses expand. Even

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