A Proven Job Search Process
​Step 5

Conversation Tips

Contact the most helpful person on your contact list.
5.1
You can start a conversation by saying (or writing) something like this:
*Be SPECIFIC because if you tell me you’ll do anything, nothing comes to mind, but if you tell me that you want to work for a high tech start-up in the Denver area, I think about people in high tech positions, start-up companies, and people I know in Denver; suddenly I can think of a least a few people who may be able to help you. ​
Do not say “I’ll do anything”.

5.2
Then stay quiet. Do not ask: “Do you know of any jobs?”
(If they tell you about jobs, that’s great, but do not ask about jobs directly because most people will just say they don’t know of any jobs. But most people like to give advice and will give you some advice, and some of that advice will lead you to work. Very often they’ll point you to another person to talk with and then you add that person to your list created in STEP 1 (and probably put it toward the top).

5.3
You should also ask something like: 
THIS IS KEY. This is how you find your way to work and the “right” people.