The Power of Personal Contact

Emphasis has been placed on electronic communication, and the benefits and pitfalls on this form of communication have been well researched. During a job search, recognize that emails and direct mail are both a good starting point for initial contact. There is less of an interruption on your part as a job seeker and the person on the other end doesn't feel as blindsided compared to a cold call.

The problem is, direct mail and email make it easy for someone to trash your items - a delightful, personable voice on the other end of a phone conversation is much more difficult to turn down.

Going a step further, a one-on-one in-person meeting increases your chances of establishing a true relationship. By setting goals with each point of contact, a job seeker can build up to a solid, professional relationship, leading to point of contact at a company, a mentor, a job lead/referral, or ultimately a job.

The key is the sincerity and well-thought out plan with each point of contact. An email must be concise, sincere and direct. When someone is contacted out of the blue, it is obvious they know you want something from them, expect it, so just get to the point of what you are looking to achieve (either initially or ultimately, or both, depending on the situation) and work towards that personal contact. After several failed attempts to meet for coffee or have a brief meeting, it can be best to move on. Sometimes the contact is just not helpful and it is better to move on.