Networking and Research
Target Market – lends focus and method to your search efforts
Research – identifying, understanding and evaluating the job market
Networking – tapping in to the “unidentified” market and opportunities, and getting your message out
85% of all jobs are filled because of Networking!
Your Target Market
Identify and research potential buyers for your product (you) regarding:
Preferred work environment
Preferred job types/demand for your skill sets
Culture
Geography
Family needs
Pay, benefits, schedule, etc.
The Job Market has Two Facets:
The “Open” Job Market
Published/advertised.
This is 20% of the job market – yet most spend 75 – 80% of their time here in a “reactive” search.
The “Hidden” Job Market
Not publicized.
Found through “proactive” networking and research.
Develop a “target” company list
Continuously revise list as you conduct your search – always keeping your key criterion in mind
30 – 50 companies
Research companies
Researching the Market
Sources of Market Information
Business and Personal Contacts – Networking!
Advertised Positions
Search Firms and Placement Agencies
Business Resources – newspapers, business publications, Chamber of Commerce
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Google, Indeed, Salary.com, Payscale.com, etc
Who do you know – don’t be shy!
Business and Personal Contacts
Includes friends, family, neighbors, professional service providers, former co-workers, members of church, members of professional/trade associations.
Provide “Insider” Information (and sometimes job leads).
Prepare your “story” and networking strategy before making contact.
Be creative!
Advertised Positions
Newspapers, trade publications
Job Boards – general and industry/job specific
Government Agencies – state job boards, www.usajobs.gov
Remember: There will be competition!
Search Firms and Placement Agencies
Executive/Retained Search Firms
Contingency Recruiters
Employment Agencies – can be general or industry specific
Contract/Temporary Agencies
Fractal Leadership roles
These can be strong advocates in your search but make sure to research and manage
Internet – numerous online resources:
Business Information – Glassdoor, Hoovers Online, Referenceusa.com, etc.
Job Boards – general and industry specific
Search Engines – Google, Bing, etc.
Social Media – LinkedIn, Facebook, etc
Salary and Cost of Living Information Websites (BLS, Indeed, Payscale, Salary)
Industry Specific Sites
Networking
Networking is the art of building alliances.
Why Network?
It effectively gets your message out
It gives you a competitive edge
It gives you access to decision makers and unadvertised job opportunities – and an edge with advertised positions
It may inspire creation of a new position if you have skills and experience that meet the needs of an organization
It allows you to obtain “insider information”
What networking is . . .
A mutual exchange of information, ideas and resources
A planned and strategic conversation/meeting
What networking isn’t . . .
Asking for a job
A one-time contact
“Using” people
Done only during job search
Networking – Where to Start
Your Networking Contact List
“A” Contacts – people you know on a first name basis, your “inner circle”
“B” Contacts – people you know on a last name basis, typically “acquaintances”
“C” Contacts – people you do not know but you have been referred to them by people on your “A” and “B” lists
How to use LinkedIn Search Tools (***insert screen shot with comments***)
Networking Guidelines
Seek to meet face to face or video chat rather than by phone or email
Give more than you receive
Set up a system
Have an agenda
Use your time well and respect theirs
Ask for information or advice, not a job
Do your research
Remember the names of the people you meet
Listen
Tell your story clearly and succinctly
Expect the unexpected
Leave your resume or business card
Don’t ignore your competition
Express your appreciation
Follow up with a thank you for meeting
Maintain a contact log
Managing the Campaign
Develop Your Market Plan
Define your marketplace
Describe your product (YOU)
Assess demand
Identify the customer/decision maker
Determine how best to reach prospective employers
Evaluate your resources
Establish a timeline
Action Plan Template
Objective
Criteria
Targets
Develop Your Action Plan
Set a schedule – structure provides a sense of control and organization
Set goals – it helps you from becoming distracted
Track your progress – keep your efforts organized and understand how you are spending your time
Manage Your Priorities
List all of your goals and then prioritize.
Align your goals ***insert 4 quad matrix***