Do you know who you are talking to?

People always complain their job search stagnates because they can never get in front of a decision maker. Yet, they assure me if they could only sit opposite the boss, they are confident they can be sufficiently compelling, exude a charming personality and plenty of gravitas and obviously have the skills to thoroughly impress the Managing Director. For many, getting a one to one opportunity can be tricky as you, a good but not outstanding candidate gets siphoned off onto the reject pile early on, before you have had a chance to sell yourself to a fellow human, rather than an online application form.

Provided you are not a hermit who finds solace in all-night stints on World of Warcraft, I am sure you will find yourself out for drinks or dinner. When out and about, especially in central London, you are surrounded by important people and by that I mean city workers, directors, people that own companies. In short, people with influence and the power to open doors. People that could potentially help you out.

Instead of thinking you must switch on a professional and enquiring persona as soon as someone that looks important enters the room, train yourself to always be like this, no matter who you are with or where you are.

This is crucial because you never know to whom you are talking. Come across like a hapless slob, before suddenly realising you are standing toe to toe with a CEO, and you have essentially compromised any chance of getting help from them. No matter how quickly you stand up straight, begin correctly enunciating your words or offer to buy them a drink, it is usually too late. Even a poor handshake gives an impression and can dampen things, literally.

You would be surprised how much business gets done over a pint/glass of wine. In this tough market, I suggest candidates have a more entrepreneurial approach to finding a job as the usual routes are clogged up with hundreds of other fantastic candidates. There is always an element of luck when it comes to building contacts and if any of them can be of use. However, just make sure you use and capitalise on opportunities that present themselves and by this I mean you give always give a great impression whoever you are meeting and always follow up on people’s offers of help. Whether at a birthday party, wedding, or drinks after work, you never know who you are going to meet! So get your game face on. For more job-hunting hints and tips please follow this blog!