Question: "Hey Kevin, I listened to your recent call regarding using references, and I had a question. During my current period of unemployment, I had a 6 month contract position that went really well. I've tried to reach the two guys I worked for to see if they would...
Clients constantly tell me how they feel like their search is taking too long, they are lacking focus since they are looking at so many different things or they simply do not think they are making process. If you are experiencing any of this in your search, here is some advice to help you focus on the “now.”
My advice: Don’t take your resume and don’t ask for a job.
Given the current economic climate, I thought discussing how the current job market looks opportunity-wise might be timely. My answer is likely going to surprise you. I see a lot of opportunity out there. There’s gold in them thar hills folks!
The truth is that the interview is just as much about control as it is direction. The problem is that most interviews don’t have a true plan when it comes to the process. Needless to say, relinquishing control to someone with no real plan – or sense of direction – leaves you wondering where you will end up. More importantly, how can you determine if the job is the right one for you…much less prove you are the right fit for the job.
Two years ago, if a client told me that the company they were interviewing with was getting ready to check references, I would have thought, “Great! It sounds like an offer is not far behind.” But now, with unemployment at 9.7%, the job search landscape is far different and more competitive than ever. As a result, many companies are checking the references of multiple candidates in order to help make their final decision. So, getting it right with your references is extremely important.
Every year I hear countless job seekers say the same thing, “I am going to put my job search on hold until after the Holidays.” Unfortunately, this is yet another example of conventional wisdom misfiring. Here are some of the reasons that “suspending” your search in December will do more damage than good:
When you’re networking, you ask for a lot: jobs leads, connections with decision-makers, the list goes on. But the trick to SUCCESSFUL networking is to balance all that receiving with some giving. Here’s how.
New to a city and need a senior role? Michael Kerman shares how he built his network from scratch. Discover his top tips for networking success in our interview!
Instead of a generic elevator pitch, take a more strategic approach. Identify hiring managers’ pain points, show how your skills solve their problems, and land a job that’s the right fit for you.
