There is a direct correlation between how many hiring managers you meet with and how quickly you'll land a great job. This is true in any job market, and it's even more critical to your job search success when no one's hiring.
Note
There is a direct correlation between how many hiring managers you meet with and how quickly you'll land a great job.
Sample: Networking Agenda #2 (Downloadable)
The number of hiring managers you meet with is a good barometer of how effective all of your networking efforts are. No matter what, don't get discouraged and don't take it personally. Keep going after meetings with hiring managers and people who can get you in front of hiring managers.
As you proceed through your career transition, it will be important to track your performance day-to-day and week-to-week. This is how you'll gauge your productivity and effectiveness. The goal is obviously to continually improve your performance and produce better results. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.
Schedule face to face meetings with Centers of Influence (CoIs).
Schedule phone meetings with other people who might lead you to CoIs.
Get at least three to five names from each person with whom you speak.
Keep the first phone conversation very brief (no more than five to seven minutes).
Be confident and purposeful.
Send your Target Company List and Professional Biography immediately after the first conversation.
Bring a prepared list of questions and ask if it's okay to jot down notes as you talk.
Establish good rapport by getting the other person to talk about himself or herself.
If you ask for 20 minutes, keep the meeting to 20 minutes. Follow up shortly thereafter for feedback, contact names, information, and guidance.
Ask if you may use your contact's name when calling people to whom they refer you.
Don't use the words "job" or "fired".
Don't make excuses or sound apologetic.
Come from generosity (look for opportunities to offer something of value).
Always send a thank-you note immediately after your meeting.