Looking for a Hollywood job? Tell your friends!

​So you're busy with the job hunt, and you're proud of yourself for regularly monitoring the job boards and sending out applications. You've even contacted a few HR recruiters to set up informational meetings. All of this is great, but you may be forgetting one important thing -- telling ALL your current contacts you're looking for a job! 

Sounds obvious, right? You've probably already reached out to the people at the companies you want to work for to let them know you're looking (if you haven't, let that be your assignment for this afternoon!), but have you thought about your friends and family members? What about Hollywood connections that you haven't spoken to in a few months because they're on a different side of the industry? You never know where new opportunities will come from, and it's the people who have known you the longest that will be able to help you the most through referrals.

As part of the job search process, make sure you're setting up dinners and drinks with your friends and reconnecting with those you've fallen out of touch with. The great part about this is that it won't sound like you're asking for a favor -- think of it as a nice catch up with a friend. But as part of your life update within the meeting, you should be sure to include the fact that you're looking for a job and describe the type of job you're looking for. You never know what might spark from there -- your contact might hear of an opportunity that never makes it to a job board, or they may have a contact who would be useful for you to meet. 

So get your name out there! By letting the world know that you're looking for a new job, you're increasing the likelihood that new opportunities will come your way. Plus, you'll be strengthening your network in the process, and that can never hurt!

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--Angela Silak & Cindy Kaplan