| There are a number of uses when it comes to | | | | industry, title, geography, and companies) |
| the term "Angel". You have the traditional | | | | The heads up on a key online resource called |
| protective version typically called Guardian Angels | | | | RiteSite - a great job search and networking site. |
| (both real and the ones with a beret). You also | | | | The names of two other people in my field with |
| have the more proactive uses. | | | | whom I could network - one was also looking, the |
| Examples are: | | | | other was employed. |
| 1. Angels in the Outfield - a kids baseball movie | | | | What's not so tangible is the new level of |
| where real Angels help the Anaheim Angels | | | | confidence and sense of purpose I felt having |
| baseball team find their confidence again. | | | | been helped in this way. This person could have |
| 2. Angel investors that help small businesses or | | | | been nice and done their duty by spending 5-10 |
| start-ups with initial capital. | | | | minutes throwing me a few recruiter names. |
| Both of the examples above played or play a | | | | Maybe they suggest a few websites they like. |
| major role in the life of the subject. In fact, | | | | After that, we're done and I'm really not much |
| without the Angel and the confidence/support it | | | | better off, right? |
| brought, the team or new business may have | | | | So, why is this important? |
| fallen short or not moved forward at all. | | | | First, every introduction you get has the potential |
| Well, the truth is that there are Angels in the job | | | | to be an Angel. They are rare, as they should be, |
| search community as well. If you find one, when | | | | but it can happen. They more likely come from a |
| you find them and how proactive they are can | | | | trusted friend but who knows? Here's one thing |
| make all the difference in successful job search. | | | | to do - every time you are speaking to someone |
| In my 2007 search, I was blessed with the luxury | | | | while networking ask them: do you know anyone |
| of a fantastic Angel. This person came from a | | | | else that I should be speaking to? It may be hard |
| local recruiter who networked me to one of her | | | | to ask this question (the ego can get in the way) |
| contacts - a person in my field (marketing) who | | | | but it is important to always be looking for new |
| had just recently finished their own job search. | | | | contacts. |
| So, what made their help Angelic? | | | | Second, Angels are not just people who provide |
| During an hour long phone call at a key early point | | | | advice. If you are a seasoned job seeker and do |
| in my search, this person (who did not know me) | | | | not need (or don't think you need) a fresh |
| delivered a toolbox of new ideas, contacts and | | | | toolbox, your Angel might be someone who |
| networking groups that was invaluable. More | | | | opens up a whole new network for you or |
| importantly, my job search shifted from doing the | | | | someone who is incredibly tied in and keeps you |
| traditional things to my acting with very specific | | | | on their lookout list as jobs roll past them. |
| intent. In fact, this call not only was a game | | | | Third, whether employed or looking, you can be |
| changer but it helped to build the pieces of what | | | | an Angel for someone else. It is incredibly |
| became my successful job strategy. | | | | gratifying to help someone who really needs it. No |
| Here's a sampling of what I received: | | | | skin off your back, just some of your time. Also, |
| A copy of their job search strategy (recruiters, | | | | thinking longer term, imagine the support that |
| networking groups, websites, focus areas) | | | | person will offer you next time you are looking |
| An introduction and referral to two critical and | | | | for work. |
| exclusive networking groups in the area | | | | Final tip - If you get an Angel on the line, ask |
| The pros and cons of many other local and online | | | | smart questions, be prepared, be respectful, be |
| networking groups | | | | courteous of their time (even an Angel can be |
| A copy of their one-sheet outline (a short, crisp | | | | burned out if over-used) and say... THANK YOU. |
| version of a resume that also includes your target | | | | |