Need a Job? Talk to a Stranger

Oct. 26, 2009— -- This week I'm in California, where unemployment exceeds 12 percent, to lead a seminar on how to get a job at Calfironia first lady Maria Shriver's 2009 Women's Conference.

The people of California know what everyone looking for a job today knows: The competition is steep and the process is challenging. One way to get your foot in the door is to seek help from strangers.

The goal when job searching is to put yourself in a position to meet new people who can get you closer to your next employer.

One way to meet such people is to volunteer to work at an industry conference or networking event. They take place every week all over the country, but too often there's a price tag -- whether it's $25 or $200 -- that makes it difficult for someone who is out of work to attend.

But every event needs volunteers -- so call the organizers and offer your time and talent in exchange for entry. The best assignments: working the name tag or registration table, where you can meet and greet everyone, or manning the speakers' lounge. Or offer to be a speaker escort.

Working the event and wearing the "staff" name tag puts you in a position where people want to say hello to you to get the inside scoop and the lay of the land. Plus, it's a great way for you to strike up a conversation and get that introduction. Ask for a business card and agree to follow up after the event.

Whether you're attending a free or paid networking function -- whether it's for 25 people, 200 or 2,000 -- force yourself to go alone. I know it's not easy, but one of the biggest mistakes I used to make was to bring someone with me -- a colleague, an employee, a friend -- and we'd stand in a corner talking about everyone, instead of to everyone. That totally defeated the purpose of being there.

So I started going alone, which was nerve-racking at first, and I said I couldn't leave without introducing myself to at least three new people. Sometimes nothing comes of it -- mediocre handshake, barely a smile. Other times something phenomenal happens: a new contact, new lead, new resource that I never would have gotten had I not put myself out there.

Break the ice with a question about the person's connection to the event, or compliment an accessory or just make a comment about something as simple as the food -- and you're on your way.

Never ever introduce yourself as "Hi, I'm Margaret and I'm unemployed or I just lost my job or I was laid off." If you were working, you wouldn't say, "Hi, I'm Margaret and I'm employed." Always introduce yourself by sharing who you are and what you do. Even without a paycheck, you still own your professional identity -- you're still that accountant, graphic designer, customer service representative or sales associate.