One of the biggest excuses used by job seekers feeling run down by a job search is that they're just not connected to the right people.  They quote the old adage: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."  Well, there is some truth in that statement, although knowledge (and experience) can never fully be discounted especially in the legal field, having the right network can make a huge difference in the quality of a job search.  But what often happens is that job seekers dismiss their existing network mistakenly believing that no one they know has any of the "right" connections to make a difference in their job search.  That's an assumption that couldn't be farther from the truth.  Although, most of us may not have a rich uncle or second cousin who owns a successful law firm, many of us are connected to influencers and connectors who know other influential people. Here's what you can do now to tap into your existing network for help with your job search.

1.    Make a list of all of your friends, coworkers (ex-coworkers), family members, neighbors and associates.

2.    Pick up the phone. Call the people on your list and tell them that you're looking for a job opportunity.  Don't be shy, you'll be surprised at how many people will be willing to listen and maybe even help.  But you've got to ask and that takes us to our next point

3.    Ask the people on your list for help.  Don't just ask them if they know of any job openings, ask if they have any friends, associates or relatives working at companies that may be hiring.  You may even want to send them an email and ask them to forward it on to people who may be able to help you.

Tapping into your existing network for help with your job search will definitely take you out of your comfort zone. As most of us know, it can be more difficult to ask those we know for help than to ask a stranger, but the effort often pays off big.