Networking Your Way to a Federal Job Through the Holidays

Use the holiday flutter to network your way to a Federal hiring official.  What is networking and can it work for you?  Networking is the ability to leverage your constellation of friends, professional colleagues, neighbors and people you know to obtain advice, information and referrals.  Can it work in the Federal arena?  Of course it can!  It can be beneficial to have someone on the inside looking for your application to come through the system, but there are several steps that you want to master first:

• Research – learn about the field (agency) and how you fit in 

• Targeting – determine who to target and with whom you should meet (start at modest level and move up)
• Presentation – learn about agency’s needs and how you could fit in. 

Once you’re confident in your approach, practice what you say so that it is clear and concise.  Set a goal for the number of contacts you’ll make each week and follow through.  Determine a specific time of day during which you can make your networking calls.  If the phone seems overwhelming, start face-to-face with those you know, then move to the phone with some practice under your belt. 

Most importantly, have your 30 second commercial ready and rehearsed

–     What can you can tell someone about yourself in 30-60 seconds?

–     What differentiates you from others? 

–     Think of a unique perspective that they will remember

For more information on transforming your background into a magnificent Federal application that attracts the attention of HR, visit us on the web at www.FederalJobResults.com.