The Lion’s Pride: Networking - Networking Out of Town Part II: Touring for Interviews

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The Lion’s Pride: Networking

Networking Out of Town Part II: Touring for Interviews

My brother recently moved from Upstate New York to a town in Utah.

Of course, he didn't just pack up his wife and dog for the road trip, roll the dice, and hope for the best. He had a job waiting for him. While my brother is an electrician, his methods are sound for anyone thinking about moving out of town - no matter their occupation. He wasn't going to take the leap without a job and neither should you.

Here's how he scored his job:

Plan a week-long vacation to the area. If you're currently working, as my brother was, take the time off. Schedule your vacation at least a month (preferably two) in advance. My brother went online to build a list of prospective employers, research their specialties and get a fix on where they're all located. Also, don't forget to book a hotel.

Call every employer on your list. Since the companies on your list won't know you, don't email. Pick up the phone and talk your way to the company owner or hiring manager (yeah, it'll probably be long distance, but you have to give a little to get a little). Pitch your skills and accomplishments. Flash a little industry - and company knowledge. Then mention you'll be in town for a week and you'd love to talk to him/her about the prospects of working for him/her. Don't be misleadingly coy and lead your new contact to think the meeting will be an informational (not a job) interview - be upfront. To make your tour as productive as possible, try to schedule at least six interviews as early in your tour as possible. Leave your cell as your call back number.

After you wow your contacts face-to-face, immediately follow up. Your interviewer knows if you've been upfront, that your time is precious. So your follow up begins before your final handshake. Ask for a second interview two or three days after. If s/he can't oblige, ask for a tour of the facility and the opportunity to meet those you may be working with if you're hired - and for a follow up interview by phone. Many hiring managers will be accommodating to this (of course, if the corporate coffers runneth over and you really wowed the interviewer, the company may spring for your flight back out). You should aim for a second interview with 50% of your interviews during the same week.

Follow up when your return home. Send snail mail thank you notes. Call your interviewers no more than one week after your second interview and ask for the job. Be prepared to sell (or rent out) your current home on short notice.

My brother used these techniques and found a great job paying far more than he was making. And it only took him a week's vacation to land it.

IN THE CARAVAN: Take a week’s vacation in your chosen town, but call to schedule as many interviews as possible before you go. Ask for the second interview at the close of your first face-to-face, and be sure to follow up when you return home.

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