Historical Job Search Traditional Job Search Methods Networking The Better Way: Own the Process
Answering Local Newspaper Ads (8%) Headhunter Pursuits (4 to 22%) Answering Trade Journals (7%) Mass Response to Internet Ad (<1%) Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Apply to Employer w/o Homework Ask friends for Job Leads Ask Relatives for Job Leads Placement Office at School/College Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
A referral generates 80% more results than a cold call. Approximately 70% of all jobs are found through networking. Most people have at least 250 contacts Track your company contacts
Most career counseling professionals estimate that at least 50% of the jobs that are filled are never advertised: no newspaper or internet ad, no placement on a company website, no professional recruiter or headhunter, no career fair.
The major difference between successful and unsuccessful job hunters is not skill, education, age, or ability but the way they go about their job hunt. - Dan Miller Disappointments will come and go, but discouragement is a choice that you make. – Dr. Charles Stanley
Identify thirty to forty target companies Where do you look for target companies? Google / LinkedIn / Chamber / Indeed / Monster Send a letter to a specific Person (not to HR) Find names same way you found companies Sell yourself - specify you will follow-up with resume Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Send follow-up with resume Specify date for phone-call Clean up your social media presence Formula is based on multiple contacts to establish familiarity Only 2% of people will follow this formula Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
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Due diligence Interview preparation They have to like You You are only half of the equation Dont forget the basics
Life-boat job or a career? Where can you excel? Where can you be great? Worry less about your background / focus on your abilities Identify opportunities that support your goals (vs salary) Research your target companies Financial reports / public records / newspaper articles Staff profiles on LinkeIn/ competitors / industry Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Anticipate Interview Questions Difficult choices / example of a past failure or success Why you want to work there / why should they choose you Know your resume Have 5 or 6 key points to communicate Practice in front of a mirror Practice with someone who will provide candid criticism Know what differentiates you Understand personality types Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
You have seconds to create an impression Do not underestimate subjective judgments Dress / posture / eye contact / body language /timeliness You are already qualified for the job How will you fit into the company culture Do they want to work with you Are you worth the investment Be excited about the company / you will represent them Communicate a long term commitment Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Turn off your cell phone Have extra copies of your resume Have something to write with and to write on Dont sit until interviewers are seated Listen carefully – pause before you answer Always use proper grammar / diction Winners say I, me – shows responsibility Thank everyone before leaving the room Send follow-up thank you notes within 2 days ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
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What is your value to the company? What is your bottom line? Understand the full package
How important is the position to the company Do you meet all the position requirements? How easy will it be to fill the position / are you unique? Is this a new position or are you filling an existing job? Research typical compensation for the position More than just salary (compensation has different shapes) Have a range for salary (location / experience / market) Sources for salary information BLS / National Business Employment Weekly / Headhunters State Labor Office / Company staff Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Understand the compensation structure Know what is important to you Flexible Hours? salary? travel? Other benefits? Be prepared to counter offer No ultimatums but you should understand your limits If you are in demand, tell them If you know what you want – tell them (be reasonable!) They have to feel that they can hire you Companies dont negotiate – people negotiate Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
Dont shut the door on an unacceptable offer If the compensation level is too low ask why Are you willing to negotiate for other than salary Try to find where the company has flexibility Develop a common understanding of the position This is the basis for compensation negotiations Clarify duties, responsibilities, level of effort to succeed Stay in touch During negotiations/during offer review Dont be afraid to ask if an offer is pending Source: Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love
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