Networking to find a local job is imperative. To do this, you must find and attend networking events in and around the Knoxville area and explore and research companies and their employer profiles on sites like Knoxvillejobs.com, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.  Attending Knoxville Chamber events as a guest could lead to meeting someone that works at the companies you are targeting or better yet, the exact person that would hire you.  If you can get in front of the potential employer that is half the battle.

Have a plan

Every person you meet has value, and you should know your value as well. Before you attend any networking event, know your 30-second elevator pitch.   You should know how to sum up your talents, strengths, skill sets and what connections you can bring to the table. Map out what you want to talk about, particularly how you may be able to help other people, either now or in the future.  Write up a list of companies you would like to work for and see if anyone from that company will be attending the networking function. All the information you need is available on the web, and it’s easy to find detailed information about potential employers online.

Take the Time to Target Specific Companies

Stop wasting time just randomly applying for jobs.  If you have done a personal assessment, evaluated whether you need additional education and revamped your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile, then you can start targeting the exact companies you want to work for.

Choosing companies that you can network to find a local job

How do you find companies that are a good match?  Let’s start with a list of the largest companies in Knoxville. This may be a good start, but there are thousands of medium to small businesses to choose from in the Knoxville area. You need to choose the few you want to target and only target the companies that are the best fit you.

Your local Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is an ideal resource for finding local companies as well. Visit the Chamber’s website to see if there is a directory of local companies that are on your target list.

Finding Company Information

Once you’ve found companies to target, the next step is to research the company to verify that it is, in fact, a good match.

Use LinkedIn’s companies section as a tool to find company information. Search by keyword or browse by industry or by titles: i.e.: Human Resource Manager, Recruiter, etc.

Visit GlassDoor.com. You’ll find company ratings. reviews from people that worked there, and more company facts and information.

Search Facebook Groups by company name to see if there is a Group for your target company. Ford Motor Company, for example, has a group of people who work, have worked, or will work for Ford.

One of the best ways to get your foot in the door is to find contacts at the company who can help introduce you to the hiring manager. The LinkedIn company pages will show you your contacts at the company. Reach out to them letting them know if your interested in their company and ask if they can help make an introduction with the Hiring Manager. All of these steps will help you find a job in Knoxville.

Let’s help you find a great job in Asheville.  But first – remember this very wise statement:

If you are you a college graduate, check with your career services office or alumni office and inquire if there is a database of alumni you can get in touch with. Many college and universities have alumni and parents who have volunteered to help with career networking.

Researching, networking, and social media will help you land that next position.  Just stay the course and you will be on your way to learning the fine art of how to network to find a local job.