Finally! A Plan to Get Your Next Job

You’re out of work and want to get back as quickly as possible and are willing to be as aggressive as need be. You’ve heard this a million times, “Make looking for a job, your full-time job”. The question is how?

You’ve got a goal, now here’s a plan to get that new job:

1. Target Companies – Every week create a list of 15 companies that you’d like to work for. Don’t factor in whether they’re hiring or not. Even companies that have had recent layoffs still hire for certain positions. Organize the list into a spreadsheet or some document so that you can make notes and keep track of what progress you’re making in each company.

2. Who to Write to - You are going to send a specific email to an individual at each targeted company. To do that, you’ll need to find out who in that company would be your potential boss. Use Google, LinkedIn or look through the company’s website to determine who you should send the email to. You can figure out their email address by finding a sample on the company’s website.

3. Research – Find out what issues the company is facing. Do this by reviewing their annual report and current press releases. Google them to find out what’s being written and use Google Alerts to keep you current with things happening in the company. Enter this information on your spreadsheet so you know at a glance what’s going on in each company.

4. What to Say - The email you send needs to be company specific. Mention the issues they are facing and how your background can help them address these issues. For example, “I’ve read recently how the company is looking to deal with rising costs of raw materials. As a Purchasing Manager, I was able to reduce costs of goods by 10% and increase profitability. Given this, I believe I could be very effective on your team”. Keep the email short — no more than 200 words. Attach your resume and also paste it (below your signature line) in the email. Don’t attach a link to your resume. You want to make it easy for someone to review it.

5. Follow-Up – Call each person a week after emailing them. That means 15 people each week. Have your spreadsheet handy so you can address specific issues if you are fortunate enough to get someone “live”. Your follow-up call or message should state why you’re interested in working at the company and how your background can add value now.

6. Network - Make it a point to connect in person with three people in your network every week. Attend networking events or form a group of your own which is a great way to learn what other people are doing in their job search. Take people who are employed out for coffee and find out what’s going on in their industry. Ask them for a referral to someone who is working in an industry or company of interest to you. Even if the company is not hiring, get a name. There is always value in meeting new people. Regarding networking sites, keep your profiles in Linkedin and Facebook fresh. Put your email address on your LinkedIn profile. That makes it easy for recruiters to contact you.

7. Informational Interviews - Have one a week. This is a great opportunity to make new contacts and learn something valuable about a company or an industry. When you set up these meetings, make it clear that you’re not asking for a job, you just want to learn more about that company or industry. Have at least three insightful questions to ask and get a referral. Send a thank you email as a follow-up. Informational interviews can turn into jobs!

8. Respond to Job Sites – Spend a couple of hours a week responding to job postings. Given the volume of people that respond to these jobs, we wouldn’t recommend spending any more time than this.
So, work your plan: every week send 15 targeted emails, make 15 following up calls, meet with 3 people in your network, have an informational interview, research 15 new companies and spend a couple of hours responding to job postings. This will take you roughly 40 hours a week with about half of that spent out of the house (do #1, #2, and #8 at Starbucks). This plan of working fulltime to get a job – will get you a job – a paying one!

Fred & Gladys
Whelan Stone
Executive Search and Coaching
www.whelanstone.com

You’re out of work and want to get back as quickly as possible and are willing to be as aggressive as need be. You’ve heard this a million times, “Make looking for a job, your full-time job”. The qu…

You’re out of work and want to get back as quickly as possible and are willing to be as aggressive as need be. You’ve heard this a million times, “Make looking for a job, your full-time job”. The qu…

You Had Me At Hello – Finding Your Dream Job

It’s no secret that a lot of people are unhappy in their jobs.   Given all the hours spent at work, wouldn’t it be better to do something you enjoy rather than stay in a job where you’re bored or unhappy?   “Yes, BUT I need to pay my mortgage and this is no time to change jobs.”  You’ll always have financial obligations and there’s no guarantee your current job will be there tomorrow.

 

Here’s our Take Five on how do you go about finding that new exciting career that brings you back to life: 

 

1. Use Your Current Job As a Starting Point – Even if you hate your current job, there might be aspects of it that can lead to your dream job. Let’s say you’re a brand manager and know you want to make a change.  What part of the job do you like best?  Is it the packaging, advertising, promotion, or market research?  Maybe you decide it’s the market research.   Do you like the qualitative side or the quantitative side?  If you prefer the qualitative side, your new career could be a focus group moderator or someone who runs ideation sessions (this sounds like fun), or generates creative for a naming company, just to list a few.  If you like the quantitative more, maybe you should go into risk management, become a go-to-market strategist, or a business consultant. There are many potential paths you can take that will enable you to do the aspect of the job you love most.
2. Listen to What People Say You’re Good At – Your co-workers, family and friends sometimes see you differently than you see yourself.  If you hear people saying “oh, you’re great at staying in touch” consider opportunities that involve sales and networking.  People might say “you’re good at giving advice.” Then ask yourself is there a teacher, trainer or coach lurking in you?
3. Make a List of What You Like Doing – Don’t filter your responses. Make a laundry list of what gives you joy including things you used to do as a child.  As a child, did you like to build things, write stories or perform?  In addition to what you like to do in your current job, how do you like to spend your off hours?  Next to each item on your laundry list, ask yourself what about the activity gave/gives you joy.  See what epiphanies might occur and how you can translate these into your next job.
4. What’s Your Personality Telling You? – Some personalities are suited for certain positions.  For example, if you handle rejection well and enjoy constantly meeting new people, sales might be right for you.  Knowing who you are is a big part of finding the right career.  Would you like to be a big fish in a small pond?  If so, you may be cut out to be an entrepreneur (if you’re okay taking risks) or take a bigger role in a smaller company.   Conversely, you may want the resources and cache of working at a large company and are willing to deal with multiple layers of management.   Do you like being in a leadership role or a support position?     Do you like working independently or in a team?   Do you like project work or positions that require on-going building? It’s so important to find something that meshes with your personality.  Otherwise, you’re a square peg in a round hole. 
5. Be Open – Be open to ideas which can come from anywhere: when you’re reading books, newspapers and magazines; watching TV; talking to your family friends and co-workers.  What ideas do you spark to?  Being open means being inclusive – every idea is worth considering. 

 

If there are a few career options that you have identified and need to know more about, go on informational interviews. If you’re still unclear as to what career suits you best, there are many great books like, “What Color is Your Parachute?” or career coaches (like us J) who can help.

 

It may be scary at first to think about changing careers, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time.  But isn’t it better to face the fears than to stay in a job that’s not focused on what you enjoy doing most?

 

Yes!

 

 

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

www.whelanstone.com

I Just Lost My Job – Now What Do I Do?

Whether you saw it coming or not, it’s still a gut-wrenching experience to get laid off, canned, downsized, kicked to the curb, fired, terminated.  You can couch it in any language you want, but you’re out of a job.  True, it’s not 1999 anymore, but it’s not 1929 either.  There are plenty of job opportunities even in this market.

 

In 1999 you may have been flooded with opportunities, but now the emphasis has shifted to your proactive efforts. 

 

Sure it’s going to be more work but the results will be worth it.

 

Here’s our Take Five on  how to get back on track and find the job of your dreams:

 

 

 

 

1. Don’t Panic! – The first thing you may be tempted to do is hyperventilate and start assuming the worst possible scenario – “I’ll never get another job in this market.”   This kind of thinking will only drain your energies, which could be better put towards getting a new job.  It’s only human nature to hit the panic button in times of stress, but the sooner you get off the buzzer the better you’ll feel and the more progress you’ll make.  Focus on the things you can control – like creating a plan of action to get your next job.  This will help your stress level go down.
2. Target Companies – Create a target list of companies that are hiring.  Target those industries that grow in down-markets, whether they are counter-cyclical (like automotive aftermarket) or emerging (e.g., green-focused, alternative fuel).   Look through the annual reports of public companies and target ones with healthy balance sheets (lots of cash, little debt).  Once you have your target list of companies, identify the person in each company who could be your next potential boss.  Send them a company-specific email, letting them know why you want to work there and what value you can bring to the company. This will separate your communication from the vast majority of candidates who send generic ones. Let a week go by and then follow-up with a phone call.  This approach has proven effective at landing a great job.
3. Work Your Network – Contact everyone you know and let them know you’re in the market.  Don’t focus on what went wrong (e.g., bad relationship with your boss, troubles in the industry), keep the conversation forward thinking, what you are interested in and how you can add value.  Even if their company is not hiring, they’ll think of you if they hear of an appropriate opportunity elsewhere.  Try to get one referral from each person in your network so that it will expand.  Whenever possible, meet the person in your network for coffee, lunch, etc.  Nothing reinforces the connection like an in-person meeting.  
4. Think Broadly – Many people make the mistake of pigeon-holing their experience into a particular category.  Say, for example, you have been working in financial services for most of your career and are looking for a new job.  Rather than limiting yourself to other financial services companies, focus on the functional area of your job which could be applied elsewhere.  For example, a systems analyst, product marketer, sales person, controller in a financial services industry can utilize their expertise in a packaged goods company, a retail business, an insurance company or pharmaceutical company.  Another option is to leverage your industry knowledge into a new field, like financial consulting or teaching a finance course at a college.
5. Keep On, Movin’ On – All of a sudden you’re housebound and with that can come boredom or depression.  In order to ward this off and increase your prospects for landing a new job, get out there and do consulting, give talks in organizations and join local networking groups. This will keep your energy and confidence up.  Staying active in smart ways (don’t get wrapped up in busy work) will generate opportunities.

 

You may have just lost your job, but the prospects for something even better may be on the horizon.  While others are preoccupied with the negative news, you can spend your time focusing on what you want and working to make it happen.   There are jobs out there – really there are – and it’s up to you to find them!

 

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

 

Whelan Stone

Is It Time To Leave Your Company?

Part of managing your career is to keep a close eye on what’s going on in your company.  By keeping current with the health of your organization and industry trends, you will know in advance the things that could potentially affect your job.  

 

There are many people who ignore the indicators that their jobs could be in jeopardy, only to find themselves among the masses looking for work.  In hindsight they wish they had left in the early stages of the warning signs. 

  

Here’s our Take Five on when it may be time to leave a company:

 

1. Downturn in Your Industry – We’ve all seen what’s happened in financial services.  While this is an extreme situation that no one could have foreseen, there are frequently telltale signs when an industry is having problems. Clearly, if a giant in the industry is suffering, it’s only a matter of time before the others follow suit.  Stay informed on the latest news in your industry.  Read Fortune, WSJ, etc., to learn what the analysts are saying and predicting.  If all sources are predicting the same dire future, you may want to consider changing industries.  Long term factors negatively affecting your category will not change any time soon.
2. Company is Acquired – Some people make the mistake of waiting to see how things shake out after the transition has occurred.  The danger is that your role may be eliminated due to duplication.  Once it is imminent that your company will be acquired, it’s smart to be proactive and start exploring your options.
3. Key Customers Leave – Customers are a bellwether for the health of your company.  When key customers start bailing and they are not replaced, it’s easy to do the math.  Losing significant revenue will start having an adverse effect on the company, which will eventually have an impact on your job.
4. Key Initiatives & Budget Cuts – It’s one thing if your company has moved into a different strategic direction, it’s quite another when they pull the plug on  projects that are key to the company’s future growth.  What might seem like stagnation is actually losing ground.  On a smaller scale, you may have just received word that your marketing budget has been cut.  If you are witnessing cuts across all departments, it’s a sign that the company is tightening its belt which may be a precursor to layoffs. 
5. Senior Management Exits – First your CFO resigned, then the CEO took a position in another company and a bunch of VP’s with them.  You would be amazed at how many people will stay in a company with this kind of siren warning.  When senior management starts exiting, the writing is on the wall. 

There are many reasons why people ignore the signs of when they need to look outside their current company.  Some believe things might turn around and hope for the best.  Others are in denial and keep their heads in the sand or feel it may be premature to start looking until the dust has settled.  If you are sensing the company may be changing and that your job may be on the line, take the initiative and start the process of exploring your options.  If it turns out your job is still secure, you will at the very least know more about your options outside the company, even if you don’t need them now.

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

Whelan Stone

The Right Approach to Informational Interviews

Informational interviews have the potential to yield significant benefits, assuming you have the right approach.  Some people make the mistake of approaching them in a very casual manner, sitting back and letting the interviewee do all the work.  Others may prepare for the meeting, but leave without key questions being answered. 

 

If someone is gracious enough to give you their time, it’s critical to utilize that time to your best advantage.

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to handle an informational interview:

 

 

1. Treat It Seriously – This is both an opportunity to get information and present yourself for future opportunities.  There are many examples of people who went in for informational interviews and ended up being hired.  Given this, dress appropriately and be on time.  Start off by thanking them for their time and let them know you have a list of questions you would like to ask.  Reassure them that you will stick to the time allotted.  When the time draws near, say “I know I only have 5 minutes left and there’s one more question I have.”  This signals to them that you are respectful of their time and keep to your commitments. If they want to go beyond that, that’s their decision. 
2. Tell Them About Your Interest – Take a few minutes to describe how you became interested and why you sparked to this field.  Showing your enthusiasm for the position will reinforce why they should feel good about taking the time to meet with you.  Briefly tell them what you know about this field so they will have a platform for the discussion.  Obviously, you both share some interests and by explaining yours, you will create the potential for additional bonding. 
3. Have Your Questions Ready – Make it your goal to leave with the three most important questions answered.  Organize them so you get answers to the most important questions first.  Here are a few examples:    How do you spend most of your time?  Can you give me “a day in your life”? What’s the most important skill I need in order to be successful? (Show them your resume) “What do I need to strengthen in order to be ready? How do I break in? What is the normal career path? How did you get to be where you are today?  What do you know now, that you wish you had known when you started? What organizations should I join and what publications should I read? Is there anything I haven’t asked that I should?          
4. Ask For A Referral – You may feel uncomfortable asking for a referral, since the person has just given you some of their time.  However, remember that people are generally happy to help and it also gives them a reason to reach out to one of their contacts.   Asking for a referral is an opportunity for further networking in the industry.  Ask the person who else they would recommend you speak with.  It could be someone inside or outside of the company.  The more people you talk to, the better perspective you will have.  It will also demonstrate to the person that you are driven, which separates you from many others.
5. Follow-Up – Send the person a “thank you” email right away.  First of all, it’s good manners and it may prompt the person to give you additional help.  Importantly, stay in touch afterwards.  Keep the person informed (about 3 times a year) of your progress.  That way they know the time they spent had some impact.  It also keeps you top-of-mind.

 

Before we entered the wonderful world of recruiting and coaching, we both had careers in other industries.  We know first hand the value of informational interviews.   Someone currently doing the job you want can paint a realistic picture.  This information will ultimately help you determine if the job’s right for you and if you are right for the job.  It doesn’t cost anything and can save you a lot of time in the end.  Use it to your best advantage and when you get the chance, “pay it forward”. 

 

 

Whelan Stone

Make Your Next Interview Your Best

No matter how tight the marketplace is, when you are interviewing for a job you’re up against stiff competition.  Always put your best foot forward.

 

Even if you’re not certain that this is the perfect job for you, if you’re taking the time to interview for a position, maximize your impact.   Some people make the mistake of thinking that their resume will “speak for itself”, but the reality is that you are the one responsible for bringing that document to life and engaging the interviewer. We know many instances when a candidate interviewed, did well, didn’t end up pursuing the job, but benefited from the connection they made during the interview.  Approach every interview as if it is for a job you really want.

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to impress the interviewer:

 

1. Results, Results, Results – Companies are interested in results.  What was the business problem, how did you solve it and what were the results?  If it’s on your resume, you better be prepared to talk about the results in detail no matter how old it is.    Candidates sometimes shoot themselves in the foot by discussing their philosophy of growing a business, rather than focusing on the far more powerful examples of how they have successfully done it in the past. 
2. Tell the Story Well -   When discussing how you grew a business, make the story interesting.  Talk about the market conditions at the time, what your competitors were doing and what you were up against, and why the business was suffering.  Then talk about the epiphany that led to the solution.  A cautionary note: watch the “I’s” when telling the story.  No one succeeds alone.  Most companies are looking for people who are successful in a collaborative environment.
3. Prepare – Know the company you are interviewing with and what issues they are facing.  Make the connection between your experience and their business problems.  The more direct, the better.    If you are changing industries, you will have to demonstrate how your skills are transferable.    With all the information available on the Internet, you should be able to find all the pertinent information on the company’s key business issues
4. Enthusiasm – Don’t hold back your enthusiasm for round two because there may not be one.  This is one of the most common mistakes that candidates make, believing that they are “buying” as well as “selling” and forgetting that the focus for them should be on “selling”.  Be prepared to sell yourself.  Interviewing is a lot like dating.  You want to feel like that person is interested in you.  The more you can convey your enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity, the greater the likelihood they will ask you back.
5. Listen – Listening is crucial to a good interview.  Another common mistake candidates make is to go into an interview determined to make a point of something they think will be relevant.  In an hour interview, you don’t want to waste time discussing things that aren’t germane.  Answering what is being asked is the best way to be relevant.  Don’t give a preamble to the answer – “before I answer that let me tell you this”.  Importantly, when the interviewer thanks you for your time, recognize that the interview is over.  Don’t prolong the interview by giving your final thoughts. 

 

Just like dating, you only get one chance to make a good first impression.  Use your time wisely and make them want to ask you back for a second “date”.

 

Whelan Stone