Are you tired and fed up of doing job applications the old fashioned painful way? Don't you wish there was a way to save time?

There is now!

I'm sure you're all aware of the benefits of networking but what you need to understand is how to optimize it for you. Here's a super easy way to find new leads and build relationships by reaching out to your personal network, the people in your life who know you from non-work-related settings.

Here's a sample networking letter sent to the families of John Smith's son's hockey team (who know him as their head soccer coach):

Hello [Team Name] Families:

As I shared with some of you during our soccer season, I am in transition and looking for a new job. I’m writing you this note in hopes that you may help to expand my network to those people in the workplace. Below is a description of what would best align with my skills and expertise.

What I’m looking for:

A senior business management role with a manufacturer or distributor of software.
Ideally (but not necessarily) a business that has an associated "green" or environmental benefit.
I'm open to relocation opportunities.

My background:

10+ years of experience in managing companies that develop web applications.

Specialties:

C#.NET
Database modeling and analysis
New business development
Hiring, training, and mentoring
Architectural and engineering specifications
Website content management

Please don't hesitate to share this information freely. And let me know if anyone in your circle is also looking for a new opportunity—I’d be glad to share some of the resources I’ve found. In today’s marketplace, we all need to reach out to each other and tap into our networks. Your barber’s brother-in-law might have a tip for me, or my optometrist might have a lead for you.

Thanks for your help,

John S.
Phone Number: ____
E-Mail: ____
LinkedIn Profile: ____

Adapted from original article written by Pongo (http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/513/a-job-seeker-s-networking-lette...)