jobs

The answer was yes. And the position was filled without ever being advertised.

By volunteering to share his very best efforts with the community, Frank was hired for his “dream job,” and faced no competition.

It shows just how valuable personal referrals can be when networking. “People want to work with people they like. If I, the hiring manager, like you, and you like someone else, when you refer that person to me, there’s a good chance I’m going to like them, too,” says Rothberg.

Now. What are the odds of your dream job dropping into your lap tomorrow, if you start volunteering at the Red Cross this afternoon? Slim.

But what are the odds of this happening if you don’t volunteer or do anything to raise your profile among community leaders? Zero.

Question Two: If you can spare a couple of hours a week, which organizations in your community would you be passionate about volunteering at?

Don’t have any idea? Go search here: www.charitynavigator.org or here: www.charityfinders.com.

Action Step: Pick a charity and volunteer. Make sure it’s one where you can showcase your best skills at their highest level. You may come to the attention of someone who can refer you to the job you seek. But it can’t happen if you’re not involved in the community.

Now, go out and make your own luck!

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Kevin Donlin is contributing co-author of “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0.” Since 1996, he has provided job-search help to more than 20,000 people. For a free Guerrilla Job Search audio CD, visit MyNewJobHunt.com

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