Executives in Transition

A workshop for Job Finders

Introduction - What is this document?

Developed by executives involved in job search

Seeks a sensible way to approach the search process

Focused on low-cost or no-cost resources

We learn as much from our mistakes as we do from our successes!

The Job Search ProcessSelf

AssessmentMaterials

PersonalMarketingChannels

Interviewing NegotiatingAfterThe

Landing

• Know what you want

• Know your skills

•Business Cards

•One Page Flier

•Resume

•Elevator Speech

• Newspaper ads

• Internet

• Mailings

• Recruiters

• Networking

•Appearance

•Tough questions

•Thank you notes

•Salary

•Benefits

•Vesting

•Vacation

•Training

•Etc.

•Continue to Network

•Help others

Job hunting is, in itself a full time job.

Self Assessment Resources

What Color is Your Parachute Meyers Briggs Jobhuntersbible.com College/University Placement Offices

Know what you are good at doing, what you contribute to an employer and what you WANT to do.

Materials You Will Need Business Cards Resume Hand-bill 90 Second “Elevator Speech”

Make your materials clear and memorable.

Business Cards Tips

Use a descriptive title Always carry with you Consider using the back of the card Avoid making the card too “dense”

Resources Kinkos, Office Max, other office

suppliers Free cards from Vistaprint.com

Your card is a personal reminder of who you are.

Resume Tips

Use action words Be Specific – Quantify if possible Maximum 2 pages Get input from others (family, friends,

etc.) Resources

Library Career Resource Center (monthly class)

Focus on the specifics of your accomplishments – must be error free.

One Page Flier Tips

Think of this as a marketing brochure Keep it simple, focused and memorable Can include target companies

Resources Review by friends and acquaintances Pick up examples at networking

meetingsA powerful way to communicate succinctly what you can contribute – and what you are seeking.

90 Second Elevator Speech

Tips Keep it VERY short Focus on benefits and specific

accomplishments Practice

Resources Family, friends, and acquaintances Networking meetings

Short, memorable, and clear.

Personal Marketing Channels

Channel Est. Time Newspaper Ads 5% Internet 15% Mailings 5% Recruiters 15% Networking 60%

Allocate your time to the areas that will yield the best results.

Ads, Internet and Mailings Tips

Weekends and evenings Minimize time, but use these

channels Respond to listing specifics with

specifics of your qualifications Resources

Job board listings, web crawlersThese channels can be a “black hole,” but sometimes they DO produce results.

Recruiters Tips

Know the difference between contingency and retained recruiters

Recruiters work for the EMPLOYER Treat recruiters with respect and

courtesy Resources

Kennedy GuideBe ready and willing to refer others to recruiters who call you – they remember and will often return the favor.

Company Research Tips

Know what is important (type of company, location, reputation, culture, etc.)

Focus on a FEW Resources

Hoovers, Sorkins, Gales Ask your librarian for help

If you don’t know where you are going, how will you get there?

Networking Family, friends and neighbors Networking and job support groups Interviewing for information Trade associations and professional

societies Conferences, exhibits and trade

shows Volunteer work

Networking is your single most important channel for your job search.

Networking Etiquette Be prepared to give as much or

more than you receive Your new office is a coffee shop Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up Respect confidences Thank you notes

Building and maintaining your contact network will become a life-long endeavor.

Interviewing for Information Tips

Target companies Keep the appointment to 20 minutes Prepare well

Resources Company web sites Network contacts

Know about who you are meeting, the company and what you want to learn.

Interviewing Research the industry Research the company Research the individuals you will

see Use your network contacts for

more insight about culture, etc.

Your first impression will be a lasting impression.

Negotiating Tips

Know your value Try to avoid “going first” Thanks for the offer Ask for time to consider Consider the total compensation package

Resources Negotiating Your Salary by Jack Chapman

Money is important, but it is NOT the only thing

Pitfalls Watch out for questionable

distractions Network marketing Resume blasters Career counselors

Use your judgment to determine if these are the right way to spend your time and resources.

Stay focused on the things that will enhance your search.

Staying Organized Tips

Keep good records from the start Use your logs, files, etc. for follow-up

Resources Network log Web site log Files Job search activity log

“Suit up” and go to work each day.

Tracking ProgressFocus on the “100 Point Day

Budget your time to focus on the most productive activities.

POINT VALUE DESCRIPTION

1 Point Sending out a blind resume, from want ads, or mass mailing

5 Points Sending a resume to a corporation with a name and title – whether from a want ad or mailing

10 Points Contacting an Executive Search firm, and sending them a resume. Participation in a networking activity.

15 Points / per hour Researching a company or field – on the web or in a library

15 Points/ per hour Participate in a networking opportunity -- particularly with trade associations or other gatherings of employed people -- job finder networking groups also count.

25 Points / per hour Researching a company which is on your handbill target list

25 Points / per hour Researching a company for an interview, and preparing a portfolio on that company

50 Points Interviewing with a company after doing 4-6 hours of research

After you have landed Keep your contact network alive Stay active in professional

societies and trade associations Continue to give to others

Networking is a lifetime endeavor.

Wrap up Thanks

Give credit and thanks to those who help you!