Contacts are Key

Photo by: Stoker Studios

Contacts are Key
By Jessica Watts (c) - www.racingjob.com

In an attempt to get a job most people send out hundreds of resumes, however, this strategy rarely works and no matter how good your resume is you are still only one sheet in a stack of papers. To guarantee you a position you must have contacts and know someone in that field, company, or on that team.

When I was looking for my first job I had only a few skills. I did a typical job search and sent my resumes out to a variety of people and businesses. I did that for a few weeks and waited, but no responses.

I had been getting things printed at the local copy center for years, but little did I know I was building a relationship with their employees. By expressing that I was looking for a job, they told me a position was opening there at the copy desk. By knowing them I had someone to vouch for my work ethic and character. Because of these contacts I got my first job.

After this experience I realized it is vital that wherever you go, you need build relationships and keep them - Ex-employers, old team members, managers, anyone that can help you get your foot in the door. Don’Äôt be afraid to ask or express that you need help - most people are happy to help if they know your character and think you would be a good candidate for the job.

Employers are looking for hard workers, good teammates, and knowledgeable employees, but a resume is still just a piece of paper. With valuable contacts that can vouch for you and your skills, the employer can see the whole picture. Resumes and cover letters are a nice reference piece, but it all comes down to who you know and what they can do for you. Getting your foot in the door could be just a phone call away.

In racing today, here are some ways to build great contacts:

’Ä¢ Keep in touch - With old coworkers or teammates. You never know where they might go and who they might meet next.

’Ä¢ Take someone out to lunch - If there is a crew chief, team manager, or someone in a position you hope to achieve, then take them out for a meal and pick their brain for a while. People like to talk about themselves and will enjoy that you want to listen.

’Ä¢ Make friends - If you work at a new shop or for a new team, try to make as many friends as possible - You never know when it will lead to that dream job.

’Ä¢ Trade Shows ’Äì Go to different trade shows like PRI http://www.performanceracing.com/tradeshow/

’Ä¢ Ask ’Äì Ask current contacts if they can help you meet others.

Sending out resumes can not hurt, but I would recommend you spend the majority of your time making contacts.