It has been by experience that you really (supportive networking meetings notwithstanding) only have 30 seconds to get someone's attention.  You meet in a coffee shop, an elevator, or, as I once did, in the business section of a book store, you must catch their attention and get the conversation rolling in a few seconds.  Once started you can fill in the details.  Your 30 second commercial sets up, "do they have any thing for you or not?"  May I offer the following suggestion.

The "30 second commercial."  It is a great networking tool, helps you to focus on what you are looking for and gives you a "script" when asked about your job search.

Thirty seconds is about 75 words.  Write it out on an index card and rehearse it until you can rattle it off with ease any time someone ask you, "What are you looking for?" (except for the clerk in the shoe store).  It is a great resource as an opener at an interview and will show confidence and clear thinking and helps you get over the jitters.  You can use part of it as the introduction in your resume or in a cover letter.

It is not intended as an end in itself, but as a tool you will modify when and where necessary.  Once you have it, you will begin to see its value.

Send it to me if you like and I will review it and probably offer some suggestions, and it will help me (and others with whom you network) in giving you referrals.

Here are a couple of examples:

"My name is Gustav Kirchhoff and I'm an electronics engineer with over twenty years experience in analog and power supply circuit design, as well as manufacturing, management, and education in consumer, industrial, military, and aerospace environments.  I am looking for an engineering, management or QA position in a small to medium sized manufacturing company in the Orange County area.  If you have any leads, I would appreciate it, and if I hear of anything for you, I'll pass it on to you."

"My name is Carl Smithson and I am an experienced warehouseman, skilled in all aspects of receiving, stocking and shipping of industrial supplies.  I have experience with large and small forklifts and with computer stock control systems.  I am looking for a position with a growing distribution company in East Los Angeles or North Orange County.  If you have any leads, I would appreciate it, and if I hear of anything for you, I'll pass it on to you."

Knute Josifek, Coordinator, Employment Assistance Network www.ean-ucg.org

If you have questions on job search strategies, please contact me.

Knute Josifek, e-mail:  kjosifek@mindspring.com