Thriving in Transition

Working With Recruiters

2010-05-25T10:51:00.008-04:00

Have you considered working with a recruiter? Here are some things you should know to help you understand the philosophy of this job search option.

Two types of recruiters are retained and contingency. Retained recruiters tend to recruit executives and get paid 33 1/3 commission based upon your salary. Contingency recruiters tend to place people who make $150k and less. Their commission is usually based upon the base salary of the candidate.

Recruiters are sales people and get paid a lot of money by their clients to find the right candidates. Don't be frustrated if you don't receive a phone call back from the recruiter. They tend to spend their time finding the candidate with the exact credentials that their client is looking for. They also tend to only take calls from people referred by a reliable source.

If you can show the recruiter how you can add value you might be able to develop a relationship with them. It's most beneficial to develop a relationship with a recruiter when you have a job.

If you speak with a recruiter and they either don't conduct searches for your particular job or industry they might be interested in learning more about your contacts. They also might be interested in Linking In with you. This is a personal decision that you need to make. Make sure that it is a win-win situation for both you and the recruiter.

Another thing to remember is that recruiters are just people like you and me. They might come from an executive background in the industry that they are recruiting for usually in their 30s and 40s or they might come from a sales background with a large network but little hands on experience in the industry in which they are recruiting.

There is usually no specific training for recruiters and the key to a successful relationship with them is to be genuine, confident and to have your 45 second pitch memorized. Some might be able to speak in detail about what you do and others might be more general because they are less familiar with your industry.

If you get to the point of sending a recruiter your resume and later speaking with them, the conversation with likely be brief and they will take approximately 30 seconds to review your resume to see if they have an open position.

Lastly, make sure that there is the right personality fit between you and the recruiter. You are not just a number and deserve to be treated with respect.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

2010-03-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

I come across many people while networking but the people who stand out and apart from the rest seem to share similar qualities. These qualities include staying focused on your goals, being determined despite setbacks and challenges and keeping a positive attitude. Another big quality that I find important is the idea of helping other people. This creates a win-win situation for all parties involved.

I met a lady recently who has aspirations to become partner of the financial services firm she works for. She expressed the challenges she faces every day in overcoming rejection, being patient and not taking things personally. She remains calm in every situation and is confident in her ability to achieve her goal. She knows who she is and what she has to offer her network and clients.

I read an article recently about a man who many would consider a "regular guy" who achieved corporate success through hard work, making wise decisions and seeking the help of mentors.

His rules to live by include: (1) don't be small minded and petty; (2) don't compare yourself to others; (3) don't pay attention to what other people make or what they're doing or not doing; (4) stick your neck on the highest profile projects; (5) tell your bosses and customers that you're going to the ends of the earth to make them successful; (6) then work your tail off and come hell or high water, make it happen.

People like this are what makes a company successful, helps them achieve their goals and serve as great leaders and mentors. I aspire every day to be an inspiration to others and to help them achieve their goals.

Have You Considered Consulting?

2010-02-09T11:49:00.001-05:00

I meet many people today who are using their expertise in a certain area to help others and at the same time creating a business opportunity. Usually these consultants are focused on a particular area that they have exprerience in. I think it's a great time to consider consulting as the job market is not quite back to where everyone hopes it will be.

If you enjoy helping people and your knowledge base is up to snuff then consulting might be for you. Everyone seems to have strengths and experience in many areas but in particular very specialized areas. Classes are always available to fine tune or get up to date information on some lucrative areas that might be considered.

The most important thing is to run your consulting business as a professional organization. For example, have you considered what area you will focus on? Who will be your target market? How much will you charge? Do you need to rent or share office space? Do you need administrative help with billing and answering phones? What type of billing system will you use? What are the needs of your customers and how will you satisfy these needs better and more efficiently than your competition?

If you haven't been on your own before and don't have sales experience, you'll need to learn these skills quickly. Networking and building new business is vital to success as a consultant. Referrals are a great way to bring in new business but differentiating yourself and providing quality and professional work is also key.

What types of networking groups will you join? Will that group provide you as a referral to prospective clients? Social media is a popular way to market your services and it's easy to learn once you get started.

Benefits of Linked In

2010-02-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

Linked In is a great way to stay connected professionally, network, generate new business and find a job. It's becoming very popular as more than 55 million people in 200 countries are using it today. A new member signs up every second.

It's easy to get started. Just post a profile and preferably a picture. You can always add more information as you go. Some people just use it to post their professional and educational information and then don't utilize all of the many benefits.

If your company needs a product or service, why not go through your connections to get an introduction to a trusted resource within your network? It's much easier and more reliable than searching on the web.

It's also a great way to stay connected with former colleagues. Since they know you, it's more likely they'll reach out to you if they hear of a position and know that you're looking based upon your Linked In updates.

There are multiple groups that you can join that can help keep you apprised on a certain topic or industry. It also gives you the opportunity to ask a question or get advice from the group that you're connected with. Why not utilize the knowledge and expertise of your network or group? It also makes it that much easier to stay connected with your Alumni group.

Are You Using Social Media to find or post a job?

2010-01-27T14:25:00.001-05:00

Social media is the new buzz word that everyone seems to be using these days. It's basically connecting online.

While a job search today seems to be an employer's market it's as important as ever to research a company to make sure that it's the right fit for you. Social media and online searches are a great way to conduct this research.

Have you reviewed the company's website? Does it give a good impression about the organization? Does it give details about what it's like to work for the company or details about what the company looks for in a candidate? Most companies have the job application right on their website.

Does the company have a Facebook page? You can sign up as a fan and get some insight into the company through Facebook. If you are interested in a company and they don't have current openings if you sign up as a fan you might gain some insight when they do have openings.

It's also a good idea to do a Google search on your own name to see what information is out on the web about you. You can sign up for Google Alerts whether it be on an individual's name, company name, industry or a specific topic. Each day these alerts will be delivered to your inbox.

Linked In is another good resource. You can gain access to people in an organization and reach out to them for feedback about a job or company. You can also gain access by joining groups with access to that company. Connections and feedback are key.

Another good resource is Twitter. Why not follow a person at an organization or the organization itself? What better way to follow a company than through their tweets.

Have you tried Craigslist for your search? It's a good resource that many recruiters as well as companies are using today. It's state specific and there are resources for any other items you might be seeking.

Instead of searching through various job boards have you checked out Indeed.com? It's an aggregator that posts job openings from various websites. It makes your job search that much easier.

Choosing A Social Media Vendor

2010-01-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

Being in transition, I try to join relevant and interesting webinars. Social media is a particularly popular industry today.

I heard a webinar conducted by Social Media Today and they brought up some good points when considering hiring a social media vendor or agency. They mentioned that the vendor should be an established marketing and communications specialist, truly know the business strategy of the organization as well as the company culture. Being established means credibility and a proven track record. Do they have a good reputation on Facebook, Twitter and Linked In? Do they ask detailed questions about your organization and can they answer detailed questions?

The product or service that you have needs to be a good one and social media can only enhance its greatness. The agency should be cutting edge and keep apprised of what's new.

The client doesn't need a lot of knowledge in social media but should be committed to developing a social media strategy with the agency. Trust is also a big determining factor in the relationship. The client should do some research on their own so that they can educate themselves on what their marketing plans and goals are. For example, will the client take on some social media monitoring or will the agency strictly handle this? You want results and don't want an agency that makes big promises and offers a quick fix.

Agencies need to use the social media tools that they themselves are offering to clients. For example, how are the agencies marketing themselves?

Pricing will depend upon the industry, geographic location and the level of impact. Most often it is based upon a retainer and the project type.

Have You Considered Working for A Nonprofit?

2010-01-15T08:28:00.000-05:00

While corporate organizations continue to shed positions, many nonprofits are still hiring. Making the shift from corporate life could be challenging but rewarding.

Here is what you should know about making the move:

If you're at the low to mid level, you could expect a pay cut but senior positions usually pay more competitive salaries closer to what corporate America pays. The money for your budget comes from donations so you might be required to do some fundraising. This might include networking and attending charity events. If you don't have fundraising experience there are many classes and books on this topic.

There might be more job security at a nonprofit as the people who go for these types of positions might also share a common passion or commitment to the cause of the organization.

A good way to get your foot in the door might be to volunteer at a nonprofit. You can get to know the people and culture of the organization and might also gain some valuable experience that could help you make the decision to work for a nonprofit.

There's also a good website that gives a wealth of information on nonprofits to include jobs, volunteer work, programs and events. http://www.idealist.org/

How Are You Spending Your Day?

2010-01-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

This question comes up during interviews and from various people that you come across each day. Studies show that only a small percentage of your time during a job search should be spent on job boards. It's good to post your resume, keep it current and apply to appropriate positions but it's just as important to get out of your house or apartment to continue staying motivated and to meet new people.

Keeping busy by attending talks, presentations and events that interest you will definitely keep you focused and in good spirits. People tell me all the time how important it is to get out and not just focus on your search. It also doesn't hurt to receive emails and calls from people in your circle offering kind words and encouragement.

When you are working, you definitely have a much more structured environment. I try to create a to do list the evening before to keep me focused and to provide a sense of accomplishment. This habit should ensure a smooth transition back to work when you land your dream job.

Taking classes, online courses or learning a new language is a great use of time and also something that you can share with potential employers on interviews.

Hidden Job Market

2009-12-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

I attended the monthly meeting of ETP Network and heard Carl Reid speak about the hidden job market. Despite what people are saying about the economy and the current job market, new jobs are opening up every day. Many companies are hiring people through employee referrals so they have a recommendation about a candidate. Companies are also trying to alleviate the large number of applications that they are receiving for a particular position.

You tap into this hidden job market through the relationships that you develop. It's important to keep in touch with people on a regular basis whether it be bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly so that you stay in the minds of people and to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship. With all of the networking and busy schedules that people have today, it's more important than ever to stay connected.

Should I Continue to Network During the Holiday Season?

2009-12-16T16:59:00.000-05:00

This question has come up quite a few times lately and in my opinion I think it's an excellent time to network. Many people are busy attending holiday parties and what better way to meet new and interesting contacts. With such a festive mindset this month, I think that people will be even more apt to provide valuable feedback that can help your job search or make that important introduction.

Whether the holiday event is with friends, family or acquaintances, there are going to be people who have some great ideas. Why limit your search to just people in your own industry? I've spoken with quite a few people lately who are learning the benefits of networking with various industries.

A friend recently told me that she met an individual from a company and was hoping to stay connected with him. I mentioned that in the past I have sent holiday cards to people I was hoping to hear back from with regard to a position I was interested in. What better way to stay in touch?

Happy Holiday!

Staying Connected

2009-09-10T11:03:00.001-04:00

It's really important to stay connected with people especially when in transition. It can be as simple as meeting with some friends or like minded people weekly, every other week or even monthly. It gets you out of the house and keeps you motivated and focused. Sometimes when you're not on a regular schedule, you can lose focus and not be as productive as you could be.

I try to meet with a few people that I meet each week. If you meet at an event, invite a few of these people to get together. It's amazing how different ideas pop up that might lead you in a direction you never even thought of. It also helps with accountability as you share your progress. It's motivating for you as well as the group.

There are many formal groups out there such as meetup.com and BNI and these are also good resources. They usually meet weekly and you get to know people as you hear their pitch. It also gives you some practice speaking in front of a group and perfecting your pitch.

What Kind of Networker Are You?

2009-08-30T13:05:00.000-04:00

What kind of networker are you? There are many types of networkers and the goal to networking is to develop relationships that are mutually beneficial with people who can offer you advice and help both personally and professionally. The main thing to remember is that you have to give to get. Most people are happy to share their ideas and expertise with the hope of helping you achieve a goal, and these same people find it refreshing when you ask them how you can help them.

You don't want to be the networker who goes out just to collect business cards or focus only on what you want to get out of the meeting. The world is a much smaller place than you know and word gets out quickly when someone is only out to pursue their own interests. I think it's important to get to know someone's character and business practices before you make an introduction on their behalf.

Are you the type of networker that only focuses on people from a certain profession or experience level? My experience is that everyone has something to offer. Since being in transition, I have met people in many different industries with various amounts of experience, and I have learned some valuable information from each person I met.

What's Your Pitch?

2009-08-25T14:33:00.000-04:00

Being in transition, I seem to be making my pitch to a lot of people in many different industries these days. I keep hearing how important it is to have a pitch ready to go when you meet new people, interview for jobs or meet Donald Trump in the elevator if that's who you are targeting to meet. As I speak with more and more people, I realize how important the pitch really is. It keeps you focused, gets to the point and serves as an effective tool to market your experience and knowledge. I think a pitch of up to two minutes will be effective and keep you on people's radar. If it's longer than that you might start losing people's attention.

I attended a job search event recently and met a few people who could really benefit from having their pitch down pat. When asked by the organizer about what they did and what they wanted to get from the session most people tended to share a bit more information and elaborated a little longer than they could have. I like to treat these events as a chance to practice my pitch, gain more insight and to make any improvements.

At another recent event and early enough before many people arrived a few of us started doing our pitch. I think some of the people hadn't thought about their pitch before or maybe just saved it for a more formal business event. As we started going around the room, the energy level and enthusiasm suddenly increased. It's also a good ice breaker.

Keeping the Momentum

2009-08-18T15:12:00.000-04:00

Just got back from two morning meetings. The first was a seminar on interviewing and the second a ladies business networking luncheon.

At the first meeting, I learned the importance of doing your homework before an interview, utilizing your network for research as well as continuing to reach out and meeting new people. It's a tough job market but there are always companies interested in hearing from and hiring capable people who are going to add value. Keep your business and calling cards handy so you can exchange contact information with people you meet along the way. It's always good to follow up by email, phone or most importantly in person. There's a lot you can glean from a face to face meeting. I think this is the most effective way of creating a win-win situation for both parties.

The second meeting was a luncheon filled with inspiring and ambitious ladies who are entrepreneurs and executives. Many of these ladies have changed careers a number of times and continue to seek new opportunities to pursue their passions. What's amazing is how many of these ladies find the time to pursue busy careers, raise a family, get involved in charities that are meaningful to them as well as pursue creative hobbies that inspire many others. The organizer of the group commented on the energy and inspiration she felt in the room and all in attendance agreed. It's really great to interact with positive and focused individuals to keep the momentum going.

Transitional Relationships

2009-08-11T14:35:00.000-04:00

It's important to keep a network of people who are supportive and who can share and inspire you during a time of transition. I think the first thought you think after a position ends is how do I keep myself busy and how can I stay connected. This is a very natural way of thinking because if you worked outside of the home, you likely had interactions with many different people. It's also likely that you developed friendships with some of these people. It's good to keep in touch and up to date on what the company is up to especially if they might be hiring back when things improve or reorganizing into a different company. It is important however to take some time to think about what just happened and what your plan of action is.

It's good to reach out to family, friends and acquaintenances to let them know your situation. They might have some good advice or know of another position. I have found that a lot of people who are not in your current position will offer any help possible but will not be able to completely relate until and unless they are in a similar situation. This will be true for most of your relationships.

That's why it's good to reach out to different groups such as networking and volunteer opportunities where you can meet people who can offer you advice because they are going through the very same thing. The important thing is to stay focused on what you need to do to secure your next position.

Take Action or Stay with the Status Quo

2009-07-22T15:03:00.000-04:00

Dealing with a stressful situation whether personal or professional can either stop you in your tracks or propel you into action. It's important to take a step back from the situation to identify the problem and then come up with an action plan for the steps you are going to take. I think it's easier to just go along without addressing the problem but it takes strength to actually do something about it.

Once I identify a problem I find it helpful to think back to a time when a similar situation occurred and how I resolved that problem. Another way is to speak with a trusted friend or to read a book or article on the subject. The important thing is to take action. You'd be surprised how even small steps lead to complete resolution of the problem.