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***