How do you network when you have no friends or anyone and how do you cold call?

Question

I read an answer to a "most effective job search strategies?" question here in yahoo answers and one person's response said the most type should be spent in Networking and Cold calling companies. Ok, but what if you're a shy, no friends, no references, non-existent type of guy? And two, how do you call companies and ask for employment.. or how do you go to companies in person and ask for employment?

all i've done so far is internet ( monster.com, indeed.com, etc) searches andi'm failing badly at that cause most jobs there need experience. 3 months already and i don't find a job, i'm feeling like a piece of you know what.

Answer 1

Here's a tip: if you keep thinking of youself as a shy, no friends non-existent kind of guy, you will be. Go immediately to the nearest library or bookstore and read "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie.

Do exactly what he says.

Do you have a target job(s)? Do you have a target list of companies who employ that job(s)? Are you attending the meetings of associations in that profession (s)?

Have bizcards printed - they are cheap - with your basic contact info, plus 3 bullets:
- The type of job you're looking for
- Why you think you deserve it
- Something extra you can offer

Example:
Joe Smith
address etc

* Apprentice Toe Grabber
* Certified in ABC, XYZ, 2 Yrs Experience, Author of ToeGrabbing 101 for Dummies
* I constantly seek out new and better ToeGrabbing techniques, and I deliver with a smile and a positive attitude. Give me a shot!

Answer 2

write a resume, direct it towards a few companies you have researched, direct the cover letter to why you would fit each company. it takes an extra 15 minutes, but your return will be much better. go to your local employment or job source center for help, if you need it.

Answer 3

cold calling is a great way to "reveal the hidden job market" you can find a sample script at the site below...

http://www.effective-resume-writing.com/cold-calling-and-job-search.html