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Disorganized Search = Disorganized Employee?

December 15, 2008 By

Your search is a reflection of how you organize projects, handle adversity and communicate.   These are things we see in everyday jobs.  So treat a search like a job, not something you have not done before or very often.   There is no free pass just because no one likes to be in a search.

If you trouble making meetings on time, being prepared for a meeting (e.g. research on the individual or company) or following up, then what does that say about your ability as an employee?

It will be difficult to get someone to give you their A-list networking contacts if you don’t give them you’re A-list attention.

The better you take care of yourself, the better impression you will give that you can kick ass when you get on the job.

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Dedicated cell phone and e-mail for your search

December 15, 2008 By

I recommend a dedicated cell and e-mail account for your search – you want both of them to last longer than your search.

Using a work cell or e-mail will cut yourself off to all the networking contacts you’ve made once you change jobs.   Also, you may not be able to take your cell number with you when you leave.

A dedicated e-mail is helpful so you don’t mix up important networking e-mails with kids soccer, book club, etc.   Also, an e-mail that is just your name looks more professional. 

LESSON LEARNED:  I’ve got 500 business cards with my old work cell number if anyone wants one – I found out after I had them printed that our corporate agreement did not allow me to take the number.

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Before you begin – Organizing Your Story

December 15, 2008 By

A marketing plan is the start of an effective pitch as it provides the context for telling your story.  

Start with the position you seek, and then begin to build your case on why you are qualified for filling it.

Focus on the key elements of the role – no more than two or three – then how your skills and experiences support the key elements.

Pitch overview:

1-30 Seconds:                    Role you seek

30 – 60 Seconds:               Key elements critical for fulfilling the role

60 – 120 Seconds:            Key element #1 – how your skills and experience fill in

120 – 180 Seconds:          Key element #2

180 – 240 Seconds:          Key element #3

Remember this is your first pass.  As you continue the conversation, you can expand the details that seem fit to share.

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Organize Your Search Week

December 15, 2008 By

The toolkit has a method to organize your search week.

As you adapt the timing of activities to meet your style/situation, I’ll offer two thoughts

1.       Set a specific time each week for business development.  Given busy schedules, this week’s activities usually fill spots in your calendar out two weeks or more.  So if you skip a week, you may up with some big gaps in your networking.

2.       Spread out your follow-up activities – so you don’t fall asleep at your computer or make mistakes.  Assume you have 12 meetings a week and each person gives you three names to follow-up on.   That is forty-eight “thank you” and “invitations to network” notes.

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