Job Searches: What Works and What Doesn't

Tips by Gordon Miller, Author of The Career Coach

Here's what's not working for job searches:

• Sending resumes
  • Resumes should not be your lead strategy – it's almost a waste of time.
  • Why? The resume doesn't distinguish you – it is not even getting looked at. Online resume blasting services has caused companies to not look at resumes anymore. There are just too many being submitted.
  • 85% of positions are unadvertised, not listed or posted, including the company's own Web site.
• Degree and experience – less and less an issue. This is not as heavily weighted in today's market.

How are people finding jobs?

• #1 is through employee referrals (60% of positions are filled this way)
• How do we tap into these employees?
  
  • The foundation of a job search is networking, not socializing.
  • We need to clearly differentiate ourselves.
  • We need a High Impact Network
  • People of significant influence
  • People that are connected at the right level

   

5 Steps to Creating a High Impact Network and Creating a Job Proposal

1. Make a list of all the people in your network.
2. Who is a "High Impact" network person?
   • High Impact networkers don't want to be responsible to get you a job. They typically don't ask you for a resume and don't want you to give them one because then they feel obligated.
3. Your goal is to talk to them. Let them know what you are doing. Say things like…
   • "I know you are connected…do you have any ideas of who I could talk to that could help me out in my search?"
   • "I am in a career transition, doing research and talking to people who are influencers in this segment…"
   • Get them to recommend companies.
   • Then ask them for their permission/approval on how often you can call them or reference them while you work on your search. Ask them the best way to communicate with them to let them know you respect their time.
   • They will treat you like a pro if you treat them like a pro.
   • Go back to these people when you need advice on a company you are pursuing, etc.
   • Make sure they know you don't expect them to reply if they don't have feedback at that time.
   • Why would High Impact people want to help you?
     • Since 911, there is a major shift in the way people respond to this request. Everyone is unsure because we live in a volatile world. People are willing to be part of this effort because they may need this help down the line.
4. Next, you need to build a target list of companies.
   • Research Fast Company, Business 2.0, Hoovers.com, Vault.com etc. to help identify hot companies.
   • List the top 5 criteria you want to have in your new job. If you need help with this step, enlist the help of a coach to identify the most important job criteria for you.
   • Define in principle what is a great fit for you (commute time, salary, etc.)
   • Once you identify the company, use your network to identify an employee to help get you in the door (either your High Impact network does or they have a friend who does).
   • Develop a weekly plan for your job search. Ask a coach how to set up your plan most effectively. Most experts agree that you will need to spend 6 or more hours per day on your job search.
   • You need 10-20 companies on your list. Remember, this is a dynamic list.
5. Write a Job Proposal
   • Once you have the company and a contact, prepare a job proposal. Enlist the help of a coach to help you create the job proposal. (Job proposals are very specific documents, containing three specific sections and a call to action. Job proposals have produced an 85% success rate and some have led to offers within four weeks.)
   • Burn your resume, not your chances.
   • You need to clearly differentiate yourself with a Job Proposal.
   • Jobs are not that defined these days.
   • Education and experience is ranked #3 in order of importance when selecting a candidate.
   • What companies are looking for in an employee:
     • An employee that brings value
       • That used to mean a hard worker, team player, bright, educated.
       • Today, that is a given. Value is someone who has a direct line to increasing profitability, revenues.
       • So, look at your last position and ask the question: "How did I add value?"
     • A Change Agent
       • Someone who embraces change, boat rockers.
       • Read the book Who Moved My Cheese
       • They want people who propose change; CEOs don't necessarily know the future.
       • Use a coach to help you get clear on how you added value.
     • 80% of job skills are transferable from company to company. You need to answer the question: How do your skills support your competencies?
   • Note: you are not highlighting your skills in a business proposal. Save that for later.