I have worked with a few sponges that have struggled to leverage their contacts into job opportunities. While each case is a little different, it usually has to do with their personal branding strategy (i.e. they don’t create a lasting impression when they connect, don’t have materials that properly reflect their employability, don’t create an easy way to let contacts help them connect with employers, etc.)

Here are a few things that have worked in these situations:

1) Have your cover letter revamped and turned into a real attention-grabber. For example, no cover letter should EVER start with, “I’m responding to your ad for…”. Your cover letter needs to get the readers attention with the very first sentence – and then build from there.

2) Make sure your resume is a one-page skill summary that clearly focuses on your strengths. Readers should know in 10 seconds what you are an expert in.

3) When reaching out to contacts, be specific in what you need from them. Something like, “Jim, I was hoping you could recommend 1-2 people in the ___ industry, or a related field that you wouldn’t mind introducing me to via e-mail. I’m trying to set up informational interviews (I won’t be asking for a job, just insight) with as many people as I can. Could you help me with that?”

Hope one of these helps…