Much like working with recruiters, you are encouraged to look at employers as a company and the individual contacts within that company as contacts you have at that employer. If the people you have groomed a relationship with ever leave that employer, your resume and employment application will still be with that company. It is very important that you present your expertise consistently for each employer. To do otherwise, could cause you to loose credibility and some embarrassment to say the least.
Anyone working for an entity that could conceivably employ you should be classified as an employer. Employers are ultimately who you want to be talking to. Any information that can give you even a small edge is going to be very valuable. Remember, what is at stake. The job search is winner take all. Second place is as good as last in this endeavor. Simply knowing what the hiring manager's alma mater is could be an opportunity for you to crow about what a great football team they have. Establishing commonalities gives employers confidence that you can fit into the team. To be better than all of the other candidates requires a solid understanding of what they are looking for in addition to assuring them that you can fit in. The more information you have the better off you are going to be. As such, the more information you collect on the employers you've worked for and even the employers you've interviewed with the better off you will be as a networking contact.
 |
Provided you are permitted to do so, take a copy of the company directory of your present employer home with you. If you ever lose your job, that directory could be a great memory jogger if you need some assist. |