The Top 10 Ways to Find (And Keep) That Job
By Roz Usheroff
In times of change, the resourceful control the resources. The
current economy has caused untold stress for many people because
they don't know what is going to happen next and they feel they
have no control over the outcome. I am reminded of the famous
tightrope walker Phillippe Petit who, when asked about the secret
of performing without a net, said: "It's all a matter of
confidence." And it really is all about confidence and attitude;
our ability to change our mindset from that of entertaining doomsday
thoughts to one of thinking and acting opportunistically. In these
uncertain times, one thing is certain: We can exercise control in
the areas in which we have control; namely how we manage our jobs,
both the one we have now and the ones we aspire to tomorrow.
On December 10, Terry Szwec, Executive Coaching Leader at
Korn Ferry International, and I will be in Toronto to roll out our
new one-day conference, Fireproofing Your Job For Today's Economic
Times. Follow this link for more information: http://www.usheroff.com/Usheroff-Invite.pdf
This eletter will give you a small sampling of some of the
strategies Terry and I will be introducing in our Fireproofing
conference. These tips and tools will help you to not only
survive, but move ahead and thrive with complete control and
confidence in any economy. Apply these tips to navigating your
career in your present company as well.
Over to you, Terry, for your top ten ways to find and keep
that job:
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Much of my coaching practise supports the effective campaigns of
job seekers that require some focused and directive coaching in
order to achieve success. Our research shows that a successful job
search campaign requires great organization, planning and an effective strategy. The old adage "your network is your net worth" is
so true when you become a job seeker. Further research supports
the notion that, in 80% of all cases, successfully landing that job
is accomplished through this informal method of finding a job. Here
are a few thoughts to support your efforts:
The top reasons people are successful are:
- Preparation of the campaign target, career choice and
organizing your campaign
- Research of the market, the organizations targeted and the
targets that they are seeking
- Practise to hone your skills in handling both the Information
Interview and Job Interview.
This entails substance, the style and manner of the candidate
and using a more structured approach in the interview.
My 10 basic campaign management tips for your job search
campaign are:
1. KNOW YOUR GOAL.
The number one reason candidates are not successful is that they
do not know what they want. The Wizard of Oz taught us,"If you
don't know your destination, any road will take you there." Be
clear, be focused and eliminate running a "fragmented" job campaign.
2. IT IS THE BEST CONVINCER THAT WINS A TOP JOB.
Hone and sharpen your "convincing" skills. Frequently,
it is not the best person that wins, but the candidate that knows
how to market and sell themselves compellingly.
3. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
You create the Network. Almost 80% of successful job seekers land
their dream jobs through contacts they have made and assiduously
maintained. Create your target list and ask everyone you know
for advice and information to support your marketing plan.
4. MARKETING 101.
Learn how to research your marketplace, "net cruise" for trends
and new directions, take relevant courseware, learn marketing
through books and articles, talk to the experts and learn their
secrets. "Storyboard" your vision, goals, objectives, strategies,
plans and activities that should include 3 areas in your target,
your ideal position and your landing date. If you need help, call
a consultant to help this process! After this important project
has been completed, you are then ready with your marketing plan
to chart and benchmark your success.
5. INFORMATION AND REFERRAL MEETINGS. KNOW YOUR ABC'S.
The A's are people you already know. Meet with them and tell them
what you are researching. Have them refer you to B contacts or "bridging" contacts. These contacts will lead you to the "C' contacts;
the people that can make decisions that lead you to your job.
6. AVOID INTERVIEWS FROM HELL.
Be prepared for all eventualities by rehearsing tough questions,
completing some extensive video training and... practise, practise,
practise with a coach or an able critique artist!
7. ACE YOUR INTERVIEW.
Research the company; understand how to align their needs with
what you can offer and be the "aspirin" for their pain when you
have tactically diagnosed what their organizational challenges are.
8. BE AUTHENTIC.
Research shows that 65% of interviewers will not advance you to
the next step because of trust issues. Be natural. Build
a relationship through the interview and ensure that your
references and resumes are all reliable.
9. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Ensure that the proper thanks are expeditious. Send a voice mail
or, better yet, a handwritten letter.
10. ASSIMILATE PROPERLY INTO YOUR NEW POSITION.
The 3 C's are: be Credible, make a Contribution and be a
Communicator. The rest is up to you to achieve success.
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Thanks Terry. In keeping with our tightrope metaphor, I would
only like to add one more thing: Don't look down! It's not the
way to the top.
Cheers,
p.s. We are already taking bookings for our Fireproofing conference on December 10. Look for our ad in the November 19 issue of Toronto's Metro News. To register now for this conference, follow this link:
http://www.usheroff.com/services_conference_fireproofing.html
For your information...
The Art of WOW Conference in Toronto on November 18 & 19 is completely sold out. Mark your calendars for the next WOW conference which will be held in Delray Beach Florida on February 24 & 25, 2009.
For more information on WOW click here.
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