How to ask professors to network for jobs?

How do you convince people in your personal network to refer you for jobs inside their companies when they won't respond to e-Mail or voice mail?

• I have been looking for jobs for a long time - like over a year. During this time, I have seen countless opportunities that could be a good fit that have been open for months on end. Because of this, I have tried everything from submitting my resume, sending e-Mails to my LinkedIn network (former coworkers, acquaintances, etc.) and in some cases called them asking for them to forward my resume to the hiring manager - even for an informational interview so I can (hopefully) get the ball rolling. Unfortunately, 99% of the people I ask say "Sure, I'll help" but at that point I never hear anything again and see the job listing either disappear (meaning that they sat on it, didn't do anything so the hiring manager decided to hire someone else) or the position stays on the site for another few months tormenting me. I don't want to bully these people (especially if they say they want to help), but how do you politely remind them that you would really appreciate their help in finding this next new job?

• Answer:

  You don't! If someone doesn't respond to your emails and doesn't call back (or pick up the phone in the first place) there is something wrong with your relationship. There are some possible reasons for this (be careful if reading on, you might not like some of them and I am not famous for sugarcoating): - you are (or were) a pain in the rear end. I know this sounds hard, but if no-one picks up the phone when you call there might be a problem. Ask openly and brace for impact. - you might be a threat to the people you ask. Are you applying for their job? - something might be wrong with your application and nobody dares to tell you. That photo on the frontpage where your naked butt can be seen in the mirror? That fake reference? That spelling error in the word epplication? - Your network is not strong enough. The only connection you have is a brief email exchange in a dodgy forum 10 years ago? - you had or have a role which makes it hard for them to pick up the phone. Ever worked for tax authorities? - your request was unreasonable or unpolite. But your question here was asked in a polite way, so probably not the case. - .... Find out the reason first, then continue. In my experience people usally help if they can and the cost of helping isn't too high, so clearly there is an issue. As long as this issue persists you can't force anybody to help you. There is no problem asking someone who has promised to do something what the status is or if there is anything you can do - or ask for honest, open and blunt feedback. Keep up with reaching out to your network and asking questions! All the best for your job search!