A Networking-First Job Search Strategy in Action: Wayne Pierce’s Story

Most of us change jobs multiple times during our career. Wayne Pierce has also changed industries more than once during his time in the workforce. His biggest lesson from all of those experiences? Get out and talk to people about your job search (also known as, network, network, network). Find out how Wayne navigated his most recent job search to land in the healthcare industry. 

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I am lucky to have had a variety of careers as my interests and priorities have evolved; I currently work at Providence Hospital.

How long did it take you to find this job?

I found this job six weeks after I began looking.

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most?

Networking, pure and simple. Sitting in front of your computer all day sifting through job board listings is probably not going to get you the best opportunities. You have to literally get yourself out there. Call, call, call, engage people on the phone and set up coffee or luncheon meetings. Find out what they know, who they know, and get referrals. Emailing is fine too, but make sure you follow up with a phone call afterward.

Checking jobs online should be part of your search, but not to the exclusion of other tools. I would say online searching should take no more than ten percent of your time.

All that said, I still looked at Mac’s List every week when it came out, and got several job interviews from those listings; I appreciate that Mac’s List is local and has a variety of fabulous jobs posted and was very helpful during my search.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

The most difficult part of my job search was getting people to commit to meeting in person or not returning calls or emails. Reaching out when people don’t call or email back it can be a delicate balance; you have to gauge when to re-contact them and not be a nuisance about it. Sometimes you never do make contact and that’s OK. Just move on to the next person.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

DO NOT GIVE UP. It is easy to get discouraged but you have to get your back into your job search.

Why do you love your job?

I love what I do because I can assist people that genuinely need help.

Want to learn more about Wayne? Connect with him on LinkedIn.