Jump start your job search: answer unasked questions

By Maureen McCann, BA, MCRS, MCIS, MCCS
Senior Consultant & Strategist, Graham Management Group


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When the results of Graham Management Group’s Outlook 2010 survey were revealed, it did not surprise me that almost 83% of the participants did not feel that they understand how to do a six-figure search. As a career strategist, I frequently hear this from executive-level clients who have been employed for 15, 20, and even 30 years – without ever having to look for work. Often, they come to me in search of a new job for the first time with no clear concept of how to begin an effective and meaningful six-figure search.

Let’s face it, looking for a new job is not something you would normally schedule into your day-timers, However, it may be something you find yourself having to do through no fault of your own. To hit the ground running, it is best to be prepared and have a clear action plan.

Many talented six-figure professionals are ill prepared to take on job search precisely because they have been out of the market for so long. To make matters worse, most are coupling this new unfamiliar environment with the financial and emotional trauma of job loss.

 

Bob’s Example:

Let’s look how your neighbour “Bob” deployed an effective job search. One day you return home to a voicemail message from Bob. You know your neighbour, but you don’t know him very well. He tells you he has just been laid off and is looking for “a job.” You want to help him. But, wait. What do you know about Bob?

The truth is that before you are able to help Bob, you need to understand a few things about him. You certainly do not want to insult him by telling him about the “HELP WANTED” sign posted at the local retail store for a job that pays minimum wage. Therefore, you plan to ask him a few questions:

  • What do you do?
  • What kind of job are you looking for?
  • What industries have you worked for in the past?
  • How can I help connect you to what you are looking for?

Once you learn more about Bob’s target, you may decide that you would like to recommend him to some people. Before you can do this, you also need to be confident that he is a professional you feel comfortable referring to your network of friends and colleagues. So you will want to ask:

  • What are your most recent accomplishments?
  • What can you do for your next employer?
  • Why do you feel you are the best person for the job?

Using Bob’s example, you can easily see that, before he attempts to use his network he will need to have clarity in a number of areas. Bob must gain insight into his own value proposition. He needs to know how to leverage this message to his network of connections so that they can introduce him to more opportunities. With clarity, he can move forward with laser sharp focus on his objective.

Before you start you next job search, consider spending quality time answering the questions you wanted to ask Bob. It would also be prudent to know the answer to these questions:

  • What have you done to make the businesses you have worked for better?
  • What salary and compensation do you expect to make in today’s market?
  • What do you do better than your peers that make you worth an employer’s investment?
  • Why would a company hire you over all the qualified candidates flooding the market?

These are just a few of the questions today’s executive job seekers must address when they approach the job market. You must be able to identify to employers that you are not only qualified, but also ready to compete for the position. You must be clear that you are interested in more than just “a job.” You are confident you can represent this company, in this role, at this time – better than anyone else could. You must prove that you are worth the company’s investment of time and resources.

 

Partnering with a Purpose

We often hear that “In today's job market, you have just one chance to make a good impression.” Many times job seekers feel they are putting forth their best foot, with no idea of how they are missing key ingredients employers are looking for. “Instead of consulting career professionals…they seek help from friends and family – people who may not have applied for a job in years. Or they use common standardized templates that produce cookie-cutter documents that just don't stand out.”

One of the best things you can do when looking for your next employer is partner with a strategist. Much like a personal trainer at the gym, a career strategist will guide you through tough exercises to ensure you move closer achieving your desired result.

Employers are looking for more value than ever before. Correlating your offering with what employers are looking for is a fundamental step in an effective job search strategy. A career strategist works with you to develop a plan that will help you to understand and promote yourself to the market. Much like a business plan, a career plan helps to alleviate the stress that comes with job search. It keeps you focused and motivated while emotions run high. It guides you through each step in achieving your employment goal.

Only after you know how to articulate the value you have to offer an employer, can you begin to sell your target audience on hiring you. Be confident in your approach and you’ll be irresistible to the employer.


Maureen McCann is an award-winning, inspiring, and resourceful master certified resume strategist and career consultant, and senior advisor for Career Professionals of Canada. As senior Consultant for Graham Management Group, Maureen assists executives, managers, and six-figure professionals through the full scope of career transition. You can contact Maureen and find further information and articles directly at www.GrahamManagement.com.


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