The Person That Holds the Job You Want

Actually, there may be several people who hold jobs you want.

My advice is to reach out to them.

Why?

The can offer you some insight on how they got their job, what skills they emphasized, and what skills are being used now. They can also offer industry contacts.

They can also offer you job leads. As the person in the chair today, they are likely to be among the first called for similar jobs (by people in their network, recruiters, etc.)

I used this technique in my search - I learned loads and good several good leads. Also, I found that there were jobs where I was not a fit.

So give this a whirl - reach out to those who hold your the job you seek!

Good luck today!

Mark Richards

www.candidateschair.com



http://TwitJobs.co.uk - Jobs Fed Into Your Life

Networking Meetings – Tips that helped me be more effective

Welcome to September – we officially re-engage the networking season as people come off summer holidays. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up in making my meetings a more productive:

One: Start each meeting by stating the purpose for meeting - sets the table for the whole meeting

Two: Do a time check after you state the purpose - so you know how much time you have

Three: Save the idle chit-chat to the end, they have agreed to meet and help - use the time wisely

Four: Start with how you can help them - to show this is a true networking meeting

Five: Do your homework - try to have 2-3 contacts that may help them

Six: Keep your pitch short - treat it like a commercial. Get them interested to learn more

Seven: Use a Marketing plan - a great tool to help express the role you seek

Eight: You take all the notes - confirm the actions each of you agreed to - starting with your own

Nine: They pick up the Blackberry or close their notebook - the meeting is done. Says thanks and close it down.

Ten: Send the follow-up note within 48 hours. Put your name in the e-mail title – they will remember you.

Nothing too fancy here – but helped me get loads of connections (a couple hundred!).

Good luck today! (and this month!)

Mark Richards

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


http://TwitJobs.co.uk - Jobs Fed Into Your Life

To data dump or not to data dump

To data dump or not to data dump – that is the question. My answer is ‘Not until it’s asked for’.

There is always a temptation to pack as much information into an e-mail, resume, biography, or answer so the person on the other end gets the ‘full picture’ of who you are. You are also worried about time – it always seems best to jam in what you can.

I find that after three major points, most people don’t hear or read much more, they are still processing the initial three points – so the rest is blather. I’ve confirmed this theory with blank stares I’ve received.

So let the information build: Think of your e-mails, resume, marketing plan, etc. as a commercial. Give them enough to get interested to ask for more detail.

A decent commercial gives you what need the product fulfills and a couple unique points – that’s it. Do the same for yourself.

Your networking contact will guide where they want more information – so let it them seek it out. You will be amazed at how much information you will convey and how much they will remember.

Always start with what commitment you seek from the person with whom you network (provide a referral, etc.). Give them enough to be interested, through their questions they will decide if they make the commitment.

Good luck today!

Mark Richards
www.candidateschair.com
Advice and tools from a candidate’s perspective

http://TwitJobs.co.uk - Jobs Fed Into Your Life