12 Expectations of Job Search - To keep you more productive

Before I begin this post, I am going to break my cardinal rule about giving more than 3 -4 pieces of advice at a time. But the list I am going to give was built from literally dozens of colleagues, so think of this as advice from lots of folks.

Regardless of your search progress, I found these were areas where others and I stumbled. So learning to have expectations that align with what you will encounter may help you stay more productive. Many of these you know already, but could be a good reminder.

#1 – Get ready to meet loads of people
If you treat networking like any task you did at work, expect to meet loads of people. I was a networking rookie, but I hit 100 networking meetings in no time.

My week #1: I met five people, each gave me three names, so in five days, I generated twenty potential meetings.

You can see where this is going. 3 X 20. That’s 60. Of course, not every contact you get works out (see Expectation #5), but you’ll fill your calendar quickly. Your biggest challenge will be managing getting the right type of meetings.

#2 - Confessions of a rotten networker
When I worked, I did not make networking a priority in my calendar. Sure I did some, but I mainly filled my day with everything else. My help to individuals in transition was even less. Obviously, I have learned and changed.

As you reach out, you’ll find loads of people like I was: Never through transition, low value on networking, etc. The people can help you; just get ready to guide them.

#3 - Networking creates value beyond yourself
Your full-time networking offers a great deal of value to both yourself and the people you meet. Simply because you are out there making connections while they are in the office. You are keeping up to date with the new tools, networking groups, etc.

Don’t go into a meeting with your hat in your hand, you are bringing something of great value to the table.

#4 – Welcome to the Sales Department
Here is the biggest mistake I made in my search – I should have assumed the practices and behavior of a Rainmaker. Because in the end, a search is about making a sale: that you are the one for the job.

From what you sell, who to sell to, how to get decision makers, etc. – the practices of a good sales person are very helpful.

#5 - 80% network, 20% recruiter
This statistic is helpful to set your expectations: 80% of jobs come through networking and 20% through recruiters. Understand the company’s hiring practices for the position you seek. But in general, it is networking, especially with people who know your skills that make it happen.

#6 – The continuing stigma of being in transition
100% of resumes present people in the top 10% of performers. Of course, we know that’s not true. Problem is you cannot always tell who is telling the truth.

Sadly, some people deserve to be in transition, while others had no choice (sale of firm, etc.). Problem is you cannot tell when you read the resume or meet them.

The risk adverse will simply avoid any one in transition – so use your LinkedIn recommendations from your peers and bosses at your last firm, there’s something to be said when people make them so public. Also, find people who know you well to make introductions or call on your behalf

#7 – Expect the reject
No matter how strong the referral or relationship, some people will simply not respond. There are a myriad of reasons over which you have no control or no knowledge of when you reach out to them.

Be professional and persistent, but if they do not respond after three tries, just move on.

#8 - No one but you to get it done
From the start, you need to assume control every aspect of the search, you can rely on others, but be responsible for every aspect.

You plan, you schedule, you meet, you take notes, you follow-up, you find a job!

#9 - Things people forget when they are in transition
In short, they forget what its like to be busy at work. People tend to send long e-mails, expect immediate call backs, getting a meeting scheduled this week, include more detail that you would have ever read when you were working.

Keep it short and compelling. If you intrigue them, they will ask for more!

#10 – Climbing over the 100-day networking wall
In my work with fellow finance executives, I often see ‘100 Day Wall” – where people who are starting the networking from scratch hit a point of frustration from a lack of results.

So if you are in a similar situation, expect to hit that wall. But trust me that those 100 days of networking are going to pay off soon.

#11 - Trying to enjoy the trip
If you simply focus on being out of a job, you will miss the experiences that can make networking an enriching experience. When will you ever take this much time to meet so many people again, so enjoy your contacts’ experiences.

One of my favorite is John Geenan. John is a financial planner/wealth manager, but his is also a Jack Nicholson impersonator (www.looklikejack.com) . Our lunches together have been more fun than I can tell you.

#12 - It’s not all new out there – more in common than you might think
Don’t be tentative in expressing ideas, etc. , if you do your research, you will realize that there is more in common between businesses than you will expect. Look beyond the industry jargon and regulations, and focus on their business model (e.g. how do they make money).

There are 2-3 key principles that drive a business. Sort those out before you meet someone – it will be worth the investment.

Good luck today!

Mark Richards
www.candidateschair.com
Job Search from a Candidate's Perspective - Advice and tools for search organization and networking

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