If you want the interview, you’ve got to find a champion, like me.

I can get you a connection to any hiring manager at any company. So why haven’t I heard from you? Why haven’t you asked me about the position you just applied for?

This afternoon I got the chance to speak to a room full of job seekers at the NetworkInAustin’s Get Hired! Job Strategies that Work event.

I asked the attendees to raise their hands if they’ve applied for a job in the past two weeks. 90% of the hands went up. I then asked how many of them sent me an email to find a champion for that position. No hands.

“Why didn’t I hear from you?!”

The answer, of course is that they didn’t have me in their network. The shame is that there’s no reason that me — or many well-connected individuals like me — couldn’t be a part of their network. We can be your Champion when you apply for a position.

CardboardResume is the online career management tool that helps you find Champions, reducing the length of your job search. Get more interviews at the places you want to work with CardboardResume.

Learn more job search marketing strategies at The Market for Me Book Blog.

Update: The Audio of Kim Brushaber’s presentation Network Your Way to Your Next Job is now available here:

Kim is a well-connected recruiter at Bridge ATX