Step 1: Commit to a step-by step value-building progress and cast off your old ideas about job searching. There will always be the desire to just blast out resumes, believing that the new or revised resume will pre-sell you and the phone will be ringing off the hook. Many of us had previously used this method successfully, years ago, but the market has changed.
Take responsibility for doing this right. No one is going to "find" you a job. Develop and hold yourself accountable for a marketing plan, complete with objectives and timeframes.
Step 2: Identify what you enjoy doing and what marketable skills you bring to the table. Ask yourself, "If I had no family responsibilities and money was not an issue, what would I do?"
One of our senior executive clients responded to this question with, "I like wine." After a deafening silence, we learned that he was actually a wine connoisseur; an expert in every aspect of winemaking from growing to distribution. We leveraged this hobby into a partnership at a winery that appreciated his executive background, and he ultimately exceeded his corporate salary while enjoying a better lifestyle.
Step 3: Identify and target ten companies that are large enough to afford your salary and have a need for your skills. Confirm decision-maker names.
Step 4: For the 10 target companies, research their competition, the industry, and any market changes that could affect business. Have real-time alerts delivered to your email or cell to keep up with breaking news.
Annual reports are among the most valuable and easily attainable of all resource documents. Typically, they will have information on threats and legal issues, as well as vital accounting data and expansion plans. You can also receive stockholder information.
Step 5: Research the opportunities. Look for movement and follow the money. Trade journals are also filled with hidden opportunities, including promotions, announcements of new products and services, awards, relocation, grants, new contracts, etc.
Step 6: Based on your research, develop a finely-tuned letter to each decision-maker and a promise to follow-up next week. It will not be automatically routed to human resources since it's not a resume. It will get through.
Make sure all your written materials, including resumes and letters, are professional in design and incorporate proven styles that speak properly to your target employer's needs.
Step 7: Follow-up. Perseverance is a much sought-after quality in a potential employee. How you conduct your job search is a direct reflection of how you will perform under pressure as an employee.
Step 8: Turn the interview into a business discussion. Be prepared to show an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the company.
Get the job offer *and* destroy the competition, leaving the company no second hiring option. This increases your negotiation position.
Step 9: Negotiate. It's expected! Perceived value is increased by negotiating. Many doors of opportunity will open within the firm if you are viewed as a tough negotiator.
Step 10: If you were unable to secure an offer, use the experience as a networking opportunity. Owners and VPs know other executives. "Who do you know?" might be the most rewarding question of the interview.
You started the career search campaign as a person of value as opposed to a desperate, hat-in-hand person. You bypassed HR and connected with a decision-maker that could understand your worth to the firm. You showed expertise in your area and a global understanding of the business. You negotiated a higher salary, more perks, larger benefits, and a title two levels higher than what you expected.
You're exactly where you want to be. Get focused and create success. Become the Rookie of the Year! Now is the perfect time to keep looking for the next better opportunity, either inside or outside the firm. Manage your career or someone else will do it for you!
Article Source: http://ArticleCrux.com -- Free Articles, Free Web Content
Randolph L. Stevens, President and CEO, incorporated R.L. Stevens & Associates in 1982 based on a strong desire to help people succeed and built on a commitment to helping executives achieve their career goals. To find out how we might help turn interviews into job offers, contact us ==> www.rlstevens.com
