Networking lessons from Denzel

By Nicole Zerillo | Special to amNewYork

November 5, 2007

Knowing when to cut out the middle man and apply targeted networking strategies is the key to becoming a successful executive. It is also the key to becoming a successful drug king pin, as evidenced in Ridley Scott's "American Gangster," the true story of suave Harlem drug czar/civic leader, Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), whose ruthless work ethic and a to-die-for rolodex was enough to succeed in a tight market.

However, Lucas didn't wake up at the top of his drug pyramid. He worked at a menial job in his organization, stood on line, and waited behind at least a hundred other street soldiers, each waiting for his chance to make an impression on the higher-ups. With an old fashioned work ethic, not to mention several murders and numerous drug charges, Lucas made his mark.

Thankfully, grabbing a spot via networking at the modern job fair doesn't require so much waiting or do-or-die business connections. Intended to line-up would-be workers with potential employers looking for specific qualifications, job fairs effectively dispose of the frustrating secondhand communications such as faxes, phone messages and emails, and allows potential workers to directly express their interest in joining an organization.

According to Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting from College to Career: 90 Things to Do Before You Join the Real World," the best way to discover job fairs is to subscribe to professional association e-newsletters, scan advertisements in the help wanted section of your local newspaper and check out community calendars in the paper and on your town's or city's website. "You could also set up a Google alert on your city," she advised.

It's important to approach a job fair as a formal job interview and bring resumes and work samples. Being prepared to sell yourself with questions and ideas concerning what you could contribute to the company is only half the battle.

In a sea of gabardine and wool crepe, "the best way to stand out is through your knowledge of the company. Show up early and be one of the first people to walk up to the company you most want to work for. Tell them why you are a good fit for them based on what you know about them," said Pollak.

Also, never leave a booth without getting a business card or contact info. Then, be sure to follow up the next day with a restatement of interest.

You may have only had a short time with a recruiter, but in this way you'll have gained a useful contact (who you should absolutely follow up with via e-mail).

With all the opportunity and obvious business contacts to be made at the job fair, just don't forget to be polite to the other potential candidates in line; You never know who has a contact you might need.