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08-12-2010, 06:51 AM
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Network in Retail
Retailing is one of the most public industries. So why network when you can walk into a store and talk to an owner or manager who has the power to hire you.
Networking in retail can open doors you may have never known existed. Only 20 to 30 percent of job vacancies are advertised. Many employers prefer to fill positions, especially the more high s****ed, high paying ones, by word of mouth. This is particularly true for smaller companies, which account for more than 90 percent of all retailers. Networking lets people know you're looking and available, helps you discover hidden jobs, increases your knowledge of other companies and the industry, and impresses your contact. And, if this person has the power to hire, may even have a position for you. "Most jobs are found through some form of networking," says retail recruiter Tom Russell. "Someone at the company has received some form of input about you from a reliable or credible source. Let's call it a referral." The first step to networking is connecting with those people in retail organizations who have the power to hire or refer you to someone who can. Get Contacts You can find useful contacts by talking with family, friends, neighbours, acquaintances, former coworkers, retail clerks and managers you come in contact with, job placement/career counselors. You get the picture -- anyone who might know someone who might be able to hire you. You may even discover an opening that hasn't been advertised yet. Make "blind contacts" to find people who can lead you to companies looking to hire competent and eager employees like yourself. Contact organizations in a retail sector (women's apparel, home furnishings, electronics, etc.) that interests you. This way, while looking for a job, you can gather information about industry trends and employers. You can find blind contacts via professional and trade associations, retailing business directories, the Web and reading about the industry, whether it's an article in your daily paper or a trade magazine. Who better to talk to than the movers, shakers and experts quoted in these pieces? The telephone is one of the fastest ways to get a name. You'll be surprised how far you can get by calling a company and asking for the names of the president, marketing manager, head buyer or other key employees. Making Contact Whether you call, mail, email or visit your contact in person, the rules are the same:
If you don't know the person you're meeting, send your resume before the conversation, if possible. Explain why you're writing and summarize your background, special s****s and job goals. Let your contact know you're looking for job leads, but you'd also appreciate any other advice, such as information about trends in the field, tips on upgrading your s****s or a constructive critique of your resume. If your contact is open to talking about job leads, find out if the company could use a person with your background or s****s, or if he knows of someone who might. If your contact doesn't think he could use someone with your qualifications or isn't aware of openings, ask if there is anyone else, either in that organization or another, who might be able to clue you into trends or job openings. If you are meeting with someone already familiar with your work and s****s, like a friend or boss, you should ask for an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, and for advice on work settings or companies where you would fit in well. You should also ask your contacts for the names of anyone who works, or used to work, at retail establishments that may have openings. It's also a good idea to ask about people with a job history, s****s or interests similar to yours, who might be able to clue you into trends or job openings. If they need time to think about it, find out when you can contact them again to get the information. Remember that the point is to get a network of people, so the more qualified names you get, the more people you have to tell you about job openings. Be sure to get the proper spelling of all referral names, job titles and phone numbers. And clarify whether the person is male or female too. Ask your initial contacts if you can use their names as referral sources, and if you can keep in touch with them in case anything new comes up. Make sure your sources have your phone number -- and email address or fax number, as appropriate -- if they hear of anything in the meantime. If your contact asks for a copy of your resume, and he is willing to show it to other interested parties, offer a copy. If you're unsure what your contact will do with it, explain you're planning to target your resume for specific companies/job openings, so anything you'd be able to give would be very general. You don't want it to end up in the circular file. Thank your contact for his time, advice, information or ideas, encouragement and support. Tell your contact you will let him know when you've landed the new job. Send a written thank you letter (email is OK). Write it promptly, and be sure your contact's name, title (as appropriate), organization name and address are correct! Be specific about how he has helped you move ahead in your job search. Enclose your resume only if your contact agreed ahead of time to review it, and if you want him to do so. Treat your contacts as if they are mentors or counselors. They'll be more eager to relay information and give you as much help as possible. Most people really do want to help others, and most networkers know the cardinal rule that one good turn deserves another. 
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