The Top 10 Ways to Find (And Keep) That Job

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.