By Kevin Donlin

OK. You're a savvy job hunter.

You already know that networking is how as many as 70-80% of people get hired. And you've been calling and emailing your list of contacts for the past month or so, to ask for job leads.

But what if you need to call back a second or third time, to follow up and get new employment leads? How can you avoid turning off the people you need most in your job search -- your network of contacts?

Here are 3 ways to ask for repeated help from your network, without being a pest ...

1) Be More Likeable

It's a fact: we like to help people we like. If you're a personable sort, the kind that other folks want to help, it follows that they won't mind hearing from you every few weeks as you network your way to a new job.

"I always try to make time for people who are networking or doing informational interviews, especially if they're people I know and like," says Jennifer Weismann, Account Supervisor at Minneapolis-based advertising agency Colle+McVoy.

Despite a hectic schedule, Weismann has regularly mentored graduates from her alma mater, Carleton College, as well as others who follow up with her tactfully.

How can you maximize your "likeability" and make your networking contacts happy to hear from you? Try taking an active interest in them and their needs. In the words of Dale Carnegie: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

2) Do What They Say

Be careful about the advice you ask for in your job search. If you don't follow it, you may alienate the same people who are trying to help you.

"When I get a networking call from a job hunter, I'll give them specific tips and action items. If they call back weeks later and I find they've ignored my advice, it's a total turnoff," says Terry Pounds, Distribution General Manager for Marshall Field's in Warren, Mich.

That means, if you get a job lead from someone and fail to act on it, don't expect more help later. "Ignoring advice tells me you don't you don't want my help, you want a job handed to you. And at that point, we're done," says Pounds.

3) Say "Please" And "Thank You" -- Every Single Time

When going back to networking contacts for more assistance, remember two common courtesies: respect their time, and thank them. Sadly, most job seekers do neither.

"People have called me back repeatedly for job leads and I like to get a quick call first, as a courtesy, to ask for meeting later, since I always have plenty of work going on," says Pounds.

In other words, never assume that now is the best time for your networking phone call -- it rarely is. Always ask, "Is this a good time?" If not, schedule your networking interview when it's convenient for them, not you.

And don't forget the power of a handwritten thank-you note. Few people send them after networking interviews -- a blunder for them, an opportunity for you.

"Because I bill by the hour, the time I take to talk to you is time I have to make up later. So if you don't respect my time enough to write and mail a thank-you note -- email is not enough -- I'll remember that the next time you call," says Weismann.

So, if you've been in the job hunt for longer than 60 or 90 days, take heart. You can go back to your network again. Just follow the above tips to make sure they're always glad to hear from you the next time you call for employment advice.

-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "The Last Guide to Cover Letter & Resume Writing You'll Ever Need," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php