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…

Energize Your Network

We come in contact with people all the time who have made the mistake of not staying in touch with their network.  They’re busy with work and their personal lives and while they know it’s important, they just haven’t made the time to keep up with people.  Then an event occurs (layoffs, a new boss they don’t like, etc.) and they need a favor from people in their network.  If it’s been a long time since they’ve had contact, they feel awkward reaching out when they need something.

 

We all know the importance of keeping up with our network.  The issue is how do you make time for it?  

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to keep your network fresh and smiling:

 

 

1. Google Alerts – One of the easiest ways to stay in touch is to have an email that automatically shows up in your in-box, prompting you to reach out.  Google Alerts allow you to enter the names of people or companies so that when there is anything newsworthy, you will know right away.  That’s the perfect opportunity to email someone in your network congratulating them on a promotion or on their company’s good news. 
2. Conferences – How many times have you attended a conference and bumped into someone you know?    If it’s someone important to you, wouldn’t you have rather known ahead of time?  Prior to your next event, send out an email to your network letting them know the conference you’re attending and the dates you’ll be there.  This way, you can make arrangements beforehand to spend time with them while you’re both there.  Doing this may also serve a dual purpose of alerting them to a conference they may not have known about and would like to attend.
3. Connecting People – In the business world you are coming across all kinds of people who may be a resource for you and people in your network.  By letting them know about a new person/resource, you’re helping the new person and your contact and keeping your network fresh.  The extra benefit of this one is that people will often reciprocate, advising you when they come into contact with a good resource.
4. Spread the Word – Let your network know when good things are happening: you get a new job; you’ve launched a new product; personal news like buying a new house, having a new child.  Share other types of information that may be of interest to them.  It could be industry specific, hobby specific or information that might be of general interest.  People really appreciate this type of communication. 
5. In Person – Nothing beats getting together in person.  Whether it’s lunch, drinks after work or a cup of coffee, meeting in person strengthens the bond.  Things come up in a face-to-face meeting that would never come up over the phone and even less likely via email.  There is something about physical presence that sparks more meaningful conversation around multiple topics. 

 

No matter how busy you are, any time you dedicate to energizing your network will be well worth it.  Remember the old adage “It’s not what you know but who you know and how well you know them”.  You’ve worked hard to establish your network, it just makes sense to stay current.

 

Whelan Stone

 

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.